I’m sure none of us need to be told how important this game is.
Quite simply, if Leicester beat Newcastle (very likely), Sunderland beat Southampton (not very likely, but you never know) and we lose, we’re back in the bottom three again.
Prior to the Man City game, I was feeling incredibly upbeat about our chances of survival, but we’ve been dragged back into it somewhat and I’m now feeling just a little nervous again.
I still think we’ll be ok, but getting the points that would move us up the table would just be nice.
Our five previous meetings against Everton at home aren’t very encouraging, with us having won one, drawn two and lost two.
And apparently Everton tore Man Utd a new proverbial last week, so it’s not as though they’ve got their suitcases packed, even though they’re quite safe, with nothing really to play for.
So we know it’s going to be a tough game.
Injury wise, Everton aren’t doing to badly and might be able to field an unchanged side.
Villa, on the other hand, have Clark and Baker out for the rest of the season and Gabby still has a tight Hamstring, if he hasn’t actually been dropped, that is. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, as while I think we actually look a better side without Gabby, he’s actually got more goals against Everton than any other Premier league player. And his pace always makes him a useful asset, even if only as an impact player later in a game.
On the upside, Hutton returned to training this week, but you’d have to think that this game is probably too soon for him.
Sinclair is available again, as is Sendoros, who might well be needed, if Vlaar or Okore get crocked.
Seeing that we didn’t pay Man City much respect last week, I’d expect us to go all out to get the three points.
And given that this fixture often produces goals, I’m going for more than two overall.
Our defence makes me worry, so we’re going to concede at least one in my opinion.
But we have the capability to score now.
Hence I’m going for a 2-1 win to us.
Here’s hoping, eh?
