Everton manager David Moyes was at Villa Park last Sunday to watch next opponents Aston Villa in action | OneFootball

Everton manager David Moyes was a guest of Aston Villa’s directors to watch their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday, according to The Times.

The Toffees boss was also hosted in the boardroom at Villa Park afterwards. Everton host Villa at their new ground – Hill Dickinson Stadium – when they return to Premier League action on September 13.

It is unknown exactly why Moyes was at the Midlands club as he was also at the Club World Cup earlier in the summer scouting potential transfer targets.

However, it is no coincidence that Everton’s next Premier League opponents are Villa.

The Toffees have won two and lost one in three league games so far in 2025-26, and they will be looking forward to continuing their recent winning run.

They have won their last three games across all competitions since losing to Leeds United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The Villa will be the third match at their new stadium following victories over Brighton & Hove Albion and Mansfield, and Everton will fancy their chances against the struggling Midlands club.

Unai Emery and his side are without a win this term, losing their last two league games to Brentford and the Eagles after a goalless draw against Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the season.

The Spaniard will be hoping the trip to Merseyside turns out well as he could do with a much-needed victory, but Moyes could know what to expect after seeing Villa in action.

Everton ended their transfer activities in the summer by recruiting the services of Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl on loan on deadline day.

Villa left it late to complete two key deals, signing Jadon Sancho on a straight loan from Manchester United and Harvey Elliott on loan from Liverpool with an obligation to buy on Monday.