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Aston Villa vs Everton: Toffees still dreaming of Europa League football

Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe are hanging by a thread. A win over Aston Villa could put them right back in the mix.

When: Thursday, May 13, 18:00 GMT

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Correct score 1-1 at 6/1 (bet365)

Under 2.5 goals at 21/20 (Betfair)

Anwar El-Ghazi to score anytime at 5/2 (bet365)

Missing out on a place in Europe would be rather disappointing for an Everton side that recruited big in the summer.

The additions of players such as Allan, James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ben Godfrey raised expectations to at least a top-six finish and Europa League qualification. Unfortunately for Carlo Ancelotti, that European spot is far from settled.

Everton boss, Carlo Ancelotti

As things stand, Everton are eighth in the table and trail sixth-placed Liverpool by two points. With the Reds taking on Man United, there is a chance that the Toffees could leapfrog their neighbours in the standings. 

However, in order for that to happen, Everton must pick up all three points against Aston Villa.

The Villains aren't exactly pulling up trees but they haven't lost this fixture since 2016. Don't expect Dean Smith's side to simply roll over this midweek. 

Last Three Matches

Everton 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League - May 1, 2021)
It's only been 11 days since these two clubs last met. On that occasion, it was Aston Villa who came away victorious.
Ollie Watkins grabbed the opener in the 13th minute before Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the equaliser for the Toffees.
There was little to separate both sides until Anwar El-Ghazi scored the winning goal for Villa in the 80th minute.
Everton 1-1 Aston Villa (Premier League - July 16, 2020)
In a clash that was far from a classic, points were shared following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
Ezri Konsa scored the opener for Villa in the 72nd minute with the team's first shot on target.
The Villains seemed on the path to victory until an 87th minute equaliser from Theo Walcott sealed a point for Everton.
Aston Villa 2-0 Everton (Premier League - August 23, 2019)
On their last encounter at Villa Park, it was the home side that ran away as the 2-0 victors.
Wesley opened the scoring in the 21st minute as Villa took the early initiative.
Everton failed to find a response as the host side made sure of all three points with a stoppage time goal from El-Ghazi.

Last ten head-to-heads

Aston Villa wins: 3

Draws: 2

Everton wins: 5

Aston Villa goals: 13

Everton goals: 21

Can Toffees maximise opportunities?

Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Wolves and Man City. Those four opponents are all that stands between Everton and their European ambitions.

On paper, that isn't a bad run-in. Even the Man City games looks winnable considering their focus will now be firmly on the Champions League final.

Carlo Ancelotti with Everton forward Richarlison

The question is, are Everton capable of taking enough points to secure a top six finish? Considering their inconsistent run of form, that is a hard question to answer.
The Toffees have only managed two wins from their last eight Premier League games however, those two victories did come over the course of their last three fixtures.

Villa have Everton's number

Aston Villa are unbeaten against Everton in three straight games. In fact, their last defeat against the Toffees came all the way back in 2016.
Maintaining that won't be easy considering that Villa - unlike their opponents - have got nothing to play for.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith

Dean Smith's side are currently 11th in the standings and their main motivation is to try and finish in the top half of the table - how thrilling.
Nevertheless, Villa aren't here to roll over and Everton will be forced to pull off all the stops if they are to keep their European dreams alive.

Goalscorer bets

Anwar El-Ghazi may not be known for his goalscoring abilities but his recent record against the Toffees has piqued our interest.

Two goals in three games against Everton is a great incentive to back the winger at 5/2 to score anytime with bet365.

Aston Villa's Anwar El-Ghazi

Let's not forget, the Dutchman has already bagged eight goals this season - his highest tally since his Ajax days.

READ MORE: Fulham want Tottenham target Parker to lead them back to the Premier League

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