Aston Villa V Everton Preview

Aston Villa v Everton

Sunday 12 April 2009,

Villa Park

Kickoff: 14:00

Aston Villa

Aston Villa lost 3-2 away to Manchester United in their last league outing, Villa's fourth straight loss and sixth straight match without a win.

In their last five, Aston Villa have drawn one and lost four, picking up only one point from the fifteen on offer. Villa are currently fifth in the league, trailing fourth placed Arsenal by six points and only one point clear of seventh placed Everton.

Aston Villa will still be without Martin Laursen and Emile Heskey, with Steve Sidwell still doubtful.

Everton

Everton beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 at home in their last league outing, thanks to a dazzling display by trio Jo, Marouane Fellaini, and Leon Osman.

In their last five matches, Everton have won three, drawn one and lost one, picking up ten points from the 15 on offer. Everton are currently sixth in the league, one point behind fifth placed opponents Aston Villa and seven points clear of seventh placed West Ham United.

Everton have no new injury concerns, with Nuno Valente, James Vaughan, Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard all nearing recovery.

Prediction

Aston Villa beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park earlier this season in a thrilling encounter, whilst last season's Aston Villa vs Everton match ended in a 2-2 draw.

After looking like they were going to post a huge win over league leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, Villa gave away a one goal lead to eventually be defeated 3-2 after an injury time winner by the Red Devils.

The loss has continued Villa's recent poor streak, with the former top-four side having only picked up one point from their last six matches.

In spite of key injury absentees, Everton have soldiered on and have put in some impressive results to narrow the gap between themselves and Villa to only one point on the league ladder.

With loan signing Jo really starting to find his form, with three goals in his last three matches, the Toffees are looking impressive and are certainly a formidable foe for any opposition.

Although Aston Villa hold the home advantage, they will have to be at their best to beat an Everton side which has already posted seven wins on the road this season.

As with their last two meetings, this match promises to be a very close encounter that could easily go anyone's way. Should Everton beat Villa on the day then the Toffees will leapfrog the Villains and take fifth place on the league ladder.

Therefore Aston Villa will go into the match knowing that if they want any chance of finishing fifth this season, then they will have to turn their recent form around. And so we are set to witness what should be an extremely close and exciting match that is literally anyone's to win.

For the complete preview with the best odds from the top online betting sites, go to the Aston Villa vs Everton page now!

Then Read More Weekend Premier League Football Previews:

Chelsea vs Bolton

Liverpool vs Blackburn

Sunderland vs Man Utd

Wigan vs Arsenal