Preview

Unai Emery's Aston Villa enter this match as favourites, which is backed up by both the bookmakers' odds and their history with Everton. The Lions are unbeaten in their last ten matches against the Liverpool outfit, winning seven and keeping seven clean sheets. Plus, Aston Villa have consistently won matches immediately after the international break, winning their last five such encounters.

Emery's side have made a good start to the season, taking important away wins against West Ham and Leicester, with John Duran proving to be a key player, scoring crucial goals in both encounters. The Colombian striker, who has remained at the club despite rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea or West Ham, has earned praise for his work both on and off the pitch, as captain John McGinn noted. With Leon Bailey out injured, Unai Emery may consider Duran starting in attack alongside Ollie Watkins.

Everton, on the other hand, are in deep trouble. Sean Dyche's side have started the season with three defeats, conceding ten goals, a particularly worrying development for a manager renowned for his defensive management. The problems have been compounded by the injury to Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been a key part of the Toffees' defence. Everton squandered a two-goal lead against Bournemouth, losing 3-2, prompting a sharp criticism from Dyche, who described it as the worst defeat of his career. Liverpool have a lot of work to do to stabilise their defence and end their losing streak.

This match will be a big test for both teams, with Aston Villa looking to continue their winning streak against Everton, who are looking to avoid their worst start in their history.