Everton v Aston Villa

Both teams have had tremendous starts to the season and up until recently were the only two teams in the Premiership to be unbeaten.

That fact makes the game all the more intriguing as Villa attempt to bounce back from their midweek defeat at Stamford Bridge and Everton attempt to put Wednesday's result against Arsenal behind them.

The last time the two sides met resulted in an impressive 4-1 result for Everton, avenging the poor result the Toffees had suffered at Villa Park earlier in the season.

Whether the full time score for either team will be quite as flattering remains to be seen, as both sides face lengthy injury trouble.

For Villa, the most notable absentee could be left winger Gareth Barry, whose recent upturn in form has seen many call for him to be given the chance to impress on the international scene.

Strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Juan Pablo Angel are in good form and could also cause the Blues trouble, however Villa have concerns over defensive pair Martin Laursen and Liam Ridgewell.

James McFadden, who scored for Everton in the corresponding fixture last season will definitely miss out following his dismissal midweek against Arsenal.

It could mean James Beattie could begin the game in attack with Andrew Johnson, should he shake off a neck injury sustained in training this week.

The rest of the squad may well remain unchanged from the midweek defeat against Arsenal, meaning Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott will both keep their places in the centre of defence.

Tim Cahill and Lee Carsley could take the central midfield slots with Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman or even Simon Davies on the flanks.

Nuno Valente and Phil Neville could remain in the left and right back slots respectively.

Predicted Lineup:

Tim Howard
Phil Neville
Nuno Valente
Joseph Yobo
Joleon Lescott
Leon Osman
Mikel Arteta
Lee Carsley
Tim Cahill
James Beattie
Andrew Johnson

Predicted Score:

Everton 2-0 Aston Villa
Johnson x2

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