Aston Villa v Everton preview

Everton and Aston Villa have the chance to boost their European ambitions.

Everton are currently fourth in The Premiership and chasing a lucrative place in the UEFA Champions League, whilst mid-table Aston Villa beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park in their last outing and need a good run to energise their Uefa Cup hopes.

The Villans have struggled for goals this season and David O'Leary will be looking for Colombian hit-man Juan Pablo Angel to rediscover his touch.

Everton have not won at Villa Park since 1987 and face a tough task on Saturday as Aston Villa's home form has been good all season.

Carlton Cole remains on the Villa injury list after damaging his knee on England Under-21 duty, and the game has come too soon for Darius Vassell as he continues his comeback from a broken ankle.

James McFadden is doubtful for The Toffees with back and hamstring injuries, but Mikel Arteta is definitely fit following a hamstring injury.

Tim Cahill is available following suspension for Everton and Duncan Ferguson also has a chance of being fit following intensive treatment on a back injury.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-0 home win
Aston Villa to shade a cagey encounter 1-0.

Player to watch: Juan Pablo Angel

Post-match Highlights from Sky Sports Broadband

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Team	Aston Villa	Everton
Games Played	27	27
Goal Attempts	 	 
Goals	31	31
Ave Goals per game	1.15	1.15
Shots (excl blocked shots)	274	253
% Shots on Target	44%	39%
% Goals to Shots	11%	11%
Passing	 	 
Short Passes	6,737	6,249
Long Passes	2,895	2,942
Overall Pass Completion %	72%	71%
Crossing	 	 
Total Crosses	762	677
Cross Completion %	26%	30%
Defending	 	 
Goals Conceded	34	28
Ave goals conceded per game	1.26	1.04
Tackles	882	903
Tackles Won %	72%	74%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions	1138	1400
Discipline	 	 
Fouls	447	359
Yellow Cards	42	31
Red Cards	1	4