Everton versus Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon doesn’t look one for the purists.
The home side are in search of investment and the loss of Arteta will be a much bigger blow than the fringe strikers who also departed at the close of the transfer window. The Toffees were very lucky to walk away will all the sweets after their smash and grab raid at Ewood Park two Saturday’s ago. The home side totally dominated and would have bagged the points but for missing a host of chances and two spot kicks. Previously Everton has lost their at home to newly promoted QPR.
Villa are adjusting life under McLeish but have struggled with the loss of Downing and Young. They do have a great record at Goodison and their only defeat in six came in a Cup game. Still unbeaten this season they have only conceded one goal in four games.
Baines is likely to miss for Everton and Bent is a doubt for Villa. Both sides have won four of their last six and the fixture has finished all square for the last two seasons.
A low scoring draw has to be the option here.
