Aston Villa predicted XI vs Everton: Duran to start ahead of Watkins? | OneFootball

Aston Villa seek their third straight win as they head to Goodison Park for Wednesday night's Premier League clash. Unai Emery's squad enters the match with renewed confidence following their FA Cup triumph over West Ham. The hosts Everton, now led by returning manager David Moyes, aim to escape the relegation zone with a much-needed victory.

Villa's recent momentum

The Birmingham side's spirits are high after securing a 2-1 FA Cup win against West Ham, building on their previous league success over Leicester City. Their away performances have been concerning, though, with five straight losses on their travels. Yet, Villa's history at Goodison Park since 2019 remains impressive, going unbeaten in their last five league encounters.

Villa currently hold eighth place in the Premier League standings, trailing Chelsea by five points and keeping their top-four aspirations alive. The team faces a busy January schedule, starting with this crucial Everton fixture. The mood in the camp has been lifted further by the completion of Donyell Malen's signing from Borussia Dortmund, with the Dutch forward expected to join training later this week.

Whilst injuries have challenged the squad, Emery's side maintains a positive outlook. Jhon Duran, who found the net in each of his starts before serving a three-match ban, might replace Ollie Watkins in the starting eleven.

Key absences and likely lineup for Villa

Both clubs face notable injury setbacks. Villa's Ross Barkley is out with a calf problem, whilst John McGinn continues his recovery from hamstring troubles. Pau Torres is unavailable due to a foot injury, and Diego Carlos remains questionable with a similar foot issue. These absences likely mean Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa will partner in defence, with Emiliano Martinez returning between the posts after sitting out the FA Cup match.

The Toffees, under new management following Sean Dyche's exit, also deal with injury concerns. Dwight McNeil's knee injury keeps him sidelined, and Armando Broja could miss the remainder of the season after his recent setback. On a brighter note, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman might return to action, whilst James Garner could make his comeback after a lengthy absence due to back problems. Moyes needs to inspire his struggling team, who last tasted Premier League victory on 4 December.

Aston Villa's expected lineup: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Tielemans, Bailey, Duran, Rogers

What to Expect at Goodison Park?

Villa's impressive run at Goodison Park includes three consecutive clean sheets, a streak they hope to extend. Their previous meeting this season at Villa Park ended in Villa's favour, with Duran scoring the decisive goal.

Everton's situation grows more urgent with each passing week. Despite claiming a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Peterborough, their league performance remains poor, managing just three wins this campaign. Moyes, making his return after more than ten years, must revive a team that has struggled to find the net, scoring less than every Premier League side except Southampton.

Following their respective cup matches, both teams come into this fixture well-rested. Villa look to strengthen their position in the race for European spots, whilst Everton fight to climb out of the bottom three under their newly appointed manager.