Impossible to forget just how bad Aston Villa were defensively last weekend in the north-east and I’m more than happy to take on the manager-less Villains on Sunday.
Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald started life in the Villa Park hot-seat in fine fashion, his side rolled over West Ham on opening day 3-0, but was given an almighty shock by a 6-0 reversal at Newcastle, Andy Carrol bagging a hat-trick, and Everton will prove tough nuts to crack in what is already an important looking top flight contest.
The departure of James Milner to Manchester City, the midfielder was instrumental in Villa’s first day win against the Hammers, should not be underestimated and it must also be noted just how poorly West Ham performed once again next time out, losing at home Bolton, to suggest the midlands club didn’t actually achieve that much in victory.
There’s no way that Villa’s thumping defeat at St James’ Park was a true reflection of their ability but the Toffees have a point to prove and I think they’ll get at least one.
An opening day loss at Ewood Park was surprising, as was the 1-1 draw at Goodison versus Wolverhampton Wanderers that followed for David Moyes’ men, but Everton have far too many good players to remain on the back foot for too long and anything gained from Sunday’s clash will be a step in the right direction.
The Carling Cup doesn’t offer many benefits to managers of Premier League clubs but Moyes will have been delighted with his side’s 5-1 thrashing of Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night and the visitors will also have had 24 hours extra rest than the weekend’s hosts who were in Europa League action Thursday against Rapid Vienna.
I’ve long been of the opinion that Villa are better suited playing the higher profile sides away from home thanks to their effectiveness on the counter-attack, as witnessed at Old Trafford last season when they recorded a victory, but the Villa Park faithful wont allow that approach against Everton and it could play into the hands of the away side.
Despite Everton’s relatively lacklustre start to the new campaign they were excellent during the second half of last season and shouldn’t be such clear underdogs for this. Villa’s home advantage gives them the edge, but only just and a score draw appears the most likely outcome.
2pts Lay Aston Villa (vs. Everton) @ 2.60 (Betfair)