Prediction: Aston Villa vs Everton

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Sunday aiming to extend their remarkable unbeaten run against Everton, which dates back to their return to the Premier League in 2019.

Unai Emery’s men remain firmly in the title race despite a recent dip, while David Moyes’s Toffees arrive nursing FA Cup heartbreak.

Aston Villa

Villa’s all-conquering streak has finally been halted. After a sensational run of eight consecutive league wins between November 9 and December 27, the Lions have managed just one victory in their last three Premier League outings. A comfortable triumph over Nottingham Forest was sandwiched between a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace and a narrow defeat to leaders Arsenal.

Despite that minor blip, Villa remain in the thick of the title conversation. Emery’s side sit third in the table, six points behind Arsenal and level with Manchester City on goal difference. Their FA Cup win over Tottenham in midweek provided a timely boost, as Villa deservedly progressed with a 2-1 victory over a struggling Spurs side.

Home form continues to be Villa’s trump card. Emery’s men have won 11 straight matches at Villa Park in all competitions—a feat last achieved in 1971-72 when they recorded 12 consecutive home victories in a single season. Everton will be wary of that fortress-like record, especially given Villa’s dominance in this fixture: the hosts are unbeaten in 13 Premier League meetings with the Toffees since earning promotion back to the top flight.

Team News
Villa’s midfield options have been hit by injuries. Boubacar Kamara is sidelined with a knee problem sustained against Spurs, while Emiliano Martínez faces a late fitness test after a calf issue. Kamara joins Alysson, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana on the absentee list.

On the positive side, Evann Guessand returns from AFCON duty and could feature in attack following Donyell Malen’s permanent move to Roma. Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line once again.

Everton

Everton’s FA Cup journey ended in agony as they fell to Sunderland on penalties after a thrilling contest. That disappointment compounds a difficult season for Moyes’s men, who remain mired in the bottom half of the table and desperate for consistency.

The Toffees have struggled on the road, and their recent record against Villa offers little encouragement.

Everton have failed to beat the West Midlands outfit in any competition since 2019, and their last visit to Villa Park ended in a 4-0 drubbing.

Team News

Jack Grealish returns from suspension and will be crucial for Everton’s creativity—his 36 chances created from open play this season rank second in the league.

However, Michael Keane remains banned, and Moyes is still without several key players, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tim Iroegbunam, and Carlos Alcaraz. Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are also unavailable due to AFCON commitments.

Head-to-Head

Villa boast a dominant recent record against Everton, remaining unbeaten in 13 Premier League meetings since 2019.

The Lions have won five of the last six encounters, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three—a trend they will be confident of continuing on Sunday.

Conclusion

Whenever Grealish is on the pitch, Everton will create chances, but converting them remains a major issue. With both sides weakened in midfield, Villa’s superior depth and home advantage should prove decisive.

Expect Emery’s men to claim a 12th straight home win and keep their title hopes alive.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet