Premier League: Everton v Aston Villa match preview

After moving within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham with their midweek win over West Brom, Everton will be looking to move into that final Champions League spot, at least temporarily, with Spurs playing a day later.

Coming off the back of two cup exits in a week and losing a home game with fellow relegation rivals Newcastle, Aston Villa will be hoping for another positive result on Merseyside, their 3-1 over Liverpool remains their only win in their last ten league games.

Jacob Stones could make his debut after signing for the Toffees from Barnsley on deadline day.

Yacouba Sullya is available for selection for Aston Villa after signing from Clermont Foot on Thursday.

KICK-OFF: 3.00 pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 1 (El Ahmadi) Everton 3 (Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic), Premier League, August 2012

Aston Villa 1 (Bent) Everton 1 (Anichebe), Premier League, January 2012

Everton 2 (Osman,Baines) Aston Villa 2 (Petrov, Agbonlahor), Premier League, September 2011

STATS…

The reverse league fixture was Everton's first league win against Aston Villa in the previous thirteen matches.

The two teams have met each other in the highest tier of English league football every season since 1975/1976.

ODDS…

Everton to win: 1.36

Aston Villa to win: 10.0

Draw: 4.5

CLASSIC MATCH...

The 3-3 draw in April 2009, saw six different scorers. The goalscorers for Villa have all left the club, (John Carew, James Milner and Gareth Barry) whilst only Tim Cahill no longer plays for the Toffees, Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini still very much integral players for Everton.

TV: Highlights (BBC1 10.35pm)