LIVE: Aston Villa vs Everton | English Premier League

Match info:

Time: 15:00 ET |
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)

Friday Night Football is back this week, as we prepare for an early start to this weekend’s bank holiday Premier League action.

The game we’re going to be taking a look at today will be contested between Aston Villa and Everton, both of whom have a long and storied history at the top of English football. They’re known for being Premier League regulars but Villa have only just managed to get back up to the top table, whereas Everton have some big plans for their future following a hectic summer transfer window.

Aston Villa

Nobody really knew what to expect from Aston Villa following their promotion from the Championship back in May, and we still think that’s the case even after a few games worth of evidence. The Midlands side brought in a whole host of new faces during the summer transfer window, and that kind of excitement it’s going to disappear just because of a few bumps in the road. Dean Smith has a plan of action with this squad, and we’re intrigued to see what the future has in store for them.

Chester, Hause and Kodjia are still out through injury, with Hourihane being tipped to return to the starting XI ahead of Douglas Luiz. Jota is also expected to feature ahead of El Ghazi.

Everton

Everton are in the process of sorting out a brand new stadium for themselves, which kind of gives you an idea of the ambition they have at the club in 2019 and beyond. Marco Silva has done a solid enough job as manager at Goodison Park since coming into the fold, but there’s still a long way to go before Toffees fans sign off on him. A top half finish is the minimum that fans will be expecting, with the return of European football to the blue half of Merseyside being an eventual goal.

Digne will face a late fitness test prior to the game, with Baines’ fitness also being uncertain. Delph could appear against his former side depending on if he can shake off his recent injury.