Everton and Aston Villa have the chance to boost their European ambitions.
Everton and Aston Villa have the chance to boost their European qualification hopes when they meet at Villa Park on Saturday.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
Chat about the game on our Message Boards
| Aston Villa 5/4 Draw 11/5 Everton 7/4 - Villa to win 1-0 6/1 Angel 1st scorer 5/1 Value bet: Half time draw 21/20 Click here for full odds with Sky Bet |
| 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 |
 | ||
