Aston Villa looking to bounce back in Everton clash.

Aston Villa vs. Everton kicks off at 16:30 [GMT] on Sunday, January 18, at Villa Park.

Aston Villa [WWLWD] have enjoyed a dominant run against Everton since returning to the top flight in 2019, remaining unbeaten in all 13 Premier League meetings (nine wins, four draws). That dominance has been particularly pronounced at Villa Park, where Everton have lost their last four league visits, their worst run at the ground since a six-game streak between 1995 and 2001. Defensively, Villa have historically had the Toffees’ number, keeping more Premier League clean sheets against Everton than any other opponent (25), including shutouts in eight of the last ten meetings. Current home form further strengthens Villa’s position. They have won their last 11 home games in all competitions, a sequence not seen since the early 1980s, and one that underlines the confidence and control they show in front of their own supporters. That consistency has been driven by a balanced attacking output. Emiliano Buendía has already matched his best-ever Villa season for goal involvements, contributing 10 in all competitions (six goals, four assists), while Morgan Rogers has emerged as a standout performer. Rogers leads the squad for both goals and assists this season and has been involved in 10 goals across his last 12 starts, giving Villa a reliable edge in the final third. He will be looking to make a mark once again when Villa appear with the 4—2—3—1 formation. Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the attack.

Everton, however, arrive with a more positive away profile than in recent seasons. They have won three of their last five Premier League away games, keeping four clean sheets in that run—a tally equal to their previous 18 away matches combined. Since David Moyes’ return, Everton’s away record has markedly improved, with nine wins in 19 league away games, a sharp contrast to the long drought endured under multiple previous managers. Defensive solidity has been central to that upturn. Everton have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five away league games and are chasing a rare milestone: three consecutive away clean sheets for the first time since May 2021. Jack Grealish remains their creative heartbeat, ranking second only to Jérémy Doku for chances created from open play this season and drawing more fouls than any other Premier League player. Despite Everton’s improved resilience, Villa’s exceptional home run and commanding head-to-head record suggest they hold the advantage. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Thierno Barry in attack may be seen against Villa. Michael Keane is suspended for this fixture.