Everton vs. Aston Villa: Key Issues That Will Shape Premier League Game
Everton host Aston Villa on Saturday in what home fans will already be classing as a must-win game.
Six points from seven Premier League matches has left the Toffees precariously placed in 17th position, albeit at this very early juncture of the season.
Seven places above them and four points better off lie Villa, who have suffered three straight defeats after enjoying such a promising start.
Everton took the spoils in both of last season's games, rallying late on to snatch a 2-1 win at Goodison Park and securing a 2-0 victory at Villa Park.
The Toffees have lost just one of their past 11 Premier League games with Villa, though last season's win was a first in nine matches at home.
Here's a look at some of the factors set to shape Saturday's clash.
Ron Vlaar's Involvement
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Opposing fans have often viewed Ron Vlaar as a rather cumbersome defender, susceptible to danger from fast, nimble forwards.
He certainly lacks pace, but he is far and away the best defender at Paul Lambert's disposal and proved his quality at the World Cup with the Netherlands.
Aston Villa's record with and without the centre-back underlines his influence, with just three of 21 games (14 per cent) won without Vlaar, compared to 20 wins in the 62 games (32 per cent) he's featured in.
In short, Aston Villa have averaged 1.23 points per game with Vlaar involved over the past two seasons, but just 0.62 points per game without him.
Once again, he's assumed doubtful for this match, and Everton will be keen to see him miss out.
If he starts, it will be far harder to break the visitors down.
Leighton Baines' Ability to Trouble Villa's Right
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With Kevin Mirallas switching over to the left—before his recent injury—and Tony Hibbert filling in at right-back, Everton's left-sided bias is the biggest in the Premier League.
Through seven games, a dominant 42 per cent of the Toffees' attacks have come down their left, compared to just 31 per cent down the right.
A lot of this is due to Leighton Baines, who has returned to some of his most consistent creative form.
Presently, the left-back has more assists (three) and has created more chances (16) than any Premier League defender. He has scored or assisted seven of his side's 11 most recent goals (in all competitions), and Everton will look for him to continue that form.
What suits the Toffees is the away side's preference of attacking down their right (41 per cent), pairing Alan Hutton with either Charles N'Zogbia or Andreas Weimann. This should provide occasional space for Baines.
Hutton will also be reeling, having played a part in both of Poland's goals against Scotland—something Steven Naismith can relay to the team and Baines can look to exploit.
How Villa Line Up in Attack
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A lot of Paul Lambert's approach to this game will be dependent on Christian Benteke's involvement. Much like Vlaar, the Belgium international is a key player for Villa and very influential toward their overall style.
Without him, expect the away side to sit back and challenge Everton to break them down, using Gabby Agbonlahor's pace and Weimann's work-rate as outlets.
Incidentally, Agbonlahor has scored seven times against Everton, more than any other side.
If Benteke does play, expect a more ambitious game plan from Villa, who will look to work around their target man and pose a more persistent threat in attack.
Benteke was almost unplayable during a 3-3 draw at Goodison Park two seasons ago. Coming off a lengthy spell out due to injury, Everton will hope he remains sidelined or is at least slow to find form.
Exactly How Depleted the Toffees Are
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A lot of the pre-match discussion surrounds who is fit for both teams. Aston Villa may be missing some key men, but Everton are also in the midst of a testing bout of injuries themselves.
Following Roberto Martinez's pre-match press conference, via the club's official website, it seems James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar will all be doubtful for this game.
They join Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and John Stones on the sidelines, all of whom would have started this game.
If that is the case, the likes of Sylvain Distin, Tony Hibbert, Muhamed Besic, Aiden McGeady and whoever else is used must take the chance to prove their worth.
At least four of that injured contingent should return in the very near future, making this a last chance to press for regular selection.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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