Everton will take on a high-flying Aston Villa side, hoping to get their campaign back on track after crashing out of the FA Cup last weekend.
A depleted Toffees squad took on Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the third round of the cup competition. Despite chasing the visitors’ shadows all game, David Moyes’ side got a lifeline when Adam Aznou won a soft penalty shortly after coming on from the bench to make his first appearance in a royal blue shirt.
James Garner converted from 12 yards to force extra-time and with both sides still at a stalemate after 120 minutes, the waterfront stadium witnessed its first penalty shootout. That, however, proved to be a nightmare with Thierno Barry, Beto, and Garner all missing from the spot while Sunderland’s players all converted theirs to march into the next round.
The Blues are believed to be in the market for a striker this window, with Barry and Beto both coming up short in front of goal. The two players have three goals each this season and with Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall missing over the last month, goals have been hard to come by.
Everton secured a goalless draw with Aston Villa at home the first time the two sides faced each other in September. Unai Emery’s side have picked up steam since then and are third in the league table, tied with Manchester City on 43 points.
They’ve won three of their last five league games, but were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace in the Premier League before beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the FA Cup third-round clash.
Aston Villa vs Everton - Team News and Predicted Starting XI
Everton Team News
While Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman have returned to the grass, appearing in clips of “light” training sessions posted by the club on social media, they are still a few weeks away from gaining match fitness.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam are also ruled out, the latter two with undisclosed injuries.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye have qualified for the final of the AFCON where they will take on hosts Morocco and remain unavailable.
Jack Grealish will return from his one-game suspension to face his former side, though, but Michael Keane will serve the second of his three-game ban at Villa Park after picking up a straight red in the 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Everton’s predicted starting XI: Jordan Pickford (GK), Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, James Garner, Harrison Armstrong, Merlin Rohl, Dwight McNeil, Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish
Aston Villa vs Everton - Form Guide
Aston Villa: W-L-W-D-W
Everton: D-W-L-D-L
When is Aston Villa vs Everton?
Everton will face Aston Villa on the road at Villa Park on Sunday, January 18. Kickoff is scheduled at 4:40 pm UK time.
Where to Watch Aston Villa vs Everton?
The Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton will be telecast live on Sky Sports Main Event for viewers in the UK. It will also be available for live streaming on Sky Now.
Reader Comments (4)
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2 Posted 16/01/2026 at 16:31:24
3 Posted 16/01/2026 at 16:55:00
He looks like he is ready to prove himself. Either good enough or not.
McNeil looks jaded and leggy.
4 Posted 16/01/2026 at 17:03:38
2 wing backs Patto and Aznou and Garner, Harrison holding as DM
Grealish Beto Dibling up front.
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1 Posted 16/01/2026 at 16:24:32