Everton vs Aston Villa: Preview and Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

Everton will look to extend their winning run when they host Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

The Toffees went into the international break with back-to-back wins over Brighton and Wolves to climb to fifth in the standings. Despite beginning the season with a 1-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road following a tepid display, the Blues have shown immense grit and character to turn the situation around and the mood in Finch Farm is buoyant and positive.

Their opponents, Aston Villa are yet to win a game this season. They began their campaign with a 0-0 draw with Newcastle before losing to Brentford and Crystal Palace.

This is the perfect opportunity for Everton to pick up another three points and march into the Merseyside derby brimming with confidence next weekend.

Everton vs Aston Villa - Team News and Predicted XI

Everton Team News

Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite, who is getting closer to match fitness but is not quite there yet. Vitalii Mykolenko might also be touch-and-go.

David Moyes clarified in his pre-match press conference that Mykolenko felt something during the match against Wolves but decided he was fit to travel for the national camp in Ukraine, where he suffered a setback again and returned to Finch Farm.

Patterson and Aznou are back in training, revealed Moyes, while adding he's not 100% sure if they are "match-ready." James Garner is likely to deputise at left-back once again.

Moyes also mentioned Iliman Ndiaye sustaining a possible knock on international duty and is not sure if he's ready to start on Saturday.

Everton predicted starting XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto

When is Everton vs Aston Villa?

Everton will take on Aston Villa on Saturday, September 13. Kick-off at Hill Dickinson Stadium is scheduled at 3:00 pm BST.

Where to Watch Everton vs Aston Villa?

No 3:00 pm kick-off fixture will be broadcast live on TV in the UK throughout the 2025-26 football season. Wolves vs Everton will also not be available on live streaming.

Highlights will be available to view on Sky Sports' social media channels later in the day, while BBC One will also have a highlights package on Match of the Day at 10:20 pm.

Reader Comments (52)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

John Keating 2 Posted 12/09/2025 at 14:49:35

Iliman Ndiaye will be a big miss if his knock keeps him out.

The Villa game will be a big statement for us. Many knocking a new ground issue but more important besting a team that is playing at a high level, spending loads over the past few years, and classed at being on our level – which I don't agree!

Three points tomorrow will put a stamp on our season.

Brian Harrison 5 Posted 12/09/2025 at 15:24:13

Obviously, we would all prefer if Ndiaye is fit to start the game, as I think when you start reasonably well, as we have, you want to keep as settled a side as you can. Moyes said Mykolenko has to be assessed, maybe he is playing a blinder and both will be fit to face Villa?

They are a decent side and Watkins's pace up front will have to be watched as Tarkowski has no pace and Keane isn't the fastest. Also, Tielemans always seems to score a worldy against us on a regular basis.

But if Ndiaye isn't fit to start, then it will give us a chance to see Tyler Dibling start a game, I just hope our fans don't expect too much too soon from him. He is undoubtedly a talent but he is still young and learning.

John Keating 6 Posted 12/09/2025 at 15:57:35

As mentioned in my post 2 Illi will be a big miss.However, finally, we have some options!

Quite rightly Grealish has received immense praise, Kiernan's stats regarding assists have been mentioned. However, in my humble opinion, I would like to propose the usual scapegoat Keane as our surprise player so far!

We expect performances from Kiernan and Grealish but from Keane??

Great to see us becoming a “team” a la the '80s. No superstars but a team.

3 points tomorrow and we're on our – very slow – way to getting there.

Robert Tressell 7 Posted 12/09/2025 at 16:28:27

John # 6, that “becoming a team” thing is probably the low key thing that Moyes has done since arrival which has made a big difference.

Still all sorts of weaknesses (that Moyes can't do much about) but definitely a team being more than the sum of its parts.

The fact that we have a talented player like Dibling available to come into the team is really exciting too.

Raymond Fox 8 Posted 12/09/2025 at 16:48:45

Blast the International matches.

If we can put out a full side, the team that has played the first 3 matches I think we are favourites to win it; if not, it will be a tight game.

Villa have surely not become a poor side though, plus they have made a couple of good recent signings so they will be dangerous.

Rennie Smith 9 Posted 12/09/2025 at 16:50:13

Anyone found a decent place to park for the match yet?

I've done the train to Sandhills for all the games up to now but I've got to drive up north straight after the game so thought I might park and walk.

Kieran Kinsella 10 Posted 12/09/2025 at 16:58:19

John,

Yeah Keane has done well… so far.

I'm just loath to highlight it and tempt fate.

Sam Hoare 11 Posted 12/09/2025 at 16:59:18

Presuming that Garner is put at left back to cover Mykolenko, I wonder if it will be Iroegbunam in central midfield against his old club or possibly a debut from Röhl who Moyes said had done well in training?

Almost definitely the former, I'd think, though I still have worries over his positioning and tracking of runners.

Villa will surely not continue to be as bad as they have been but will not be high on confidence. Hopefully the crowd can create a real bear pit and Ndiaye is able to start. COYB

Jeff Armstrong 12 Posted 12/09/2025 at 17:12:27

Anyone else think good management might put Grealish on the bench to start with?

I think his old fans might affect him if he starts… could be a subdued performance. I'd bring him on at 60 minutes and let him tear it up for 35 minutes.

He's also been partying this week.

Paul Kossoff 13 Posted 12/09/2025 at 17:19:18

Everton Women v Spurs, live from Goodison Park, BBC red button.

Sunday 24 September at 2:15 pm.

Andrew Keatley 14 Posted 12/09/2025 at 17:33:29

I'd be astounded if Dibling starts in the event that Ndiaye misses out.

I would very much expect either Alcaraz or McNeil to get the start in such circumstances.

Ajay Gopal 15 Posted 12/09/2025 at 17:59:40

I agree Andrew, Dibling will most probably not start. Alcaraz more likely to start.

I feel for McNeil because I don't think he has become crap. Remember, he was the highest in goal involvements just 2 seasons ago, and he has a terrific left foot from around the edge of the penalty box.

Problems of too many options now?

Frank Fearns 16 Posted 12/09/2025 at 18:27:56

What a great problem, Ajay.

Mike Allison 17 Posted 12/09/2025 at 18:31:01

Alcaraz should not even be considered an option for the right-hand side. He can't do it. He's an excellent central player but doesn't produce anything when asked to play in the wide positions, hopefully Moyes has already realised this.

Just start Dibling; we've paid the money for him so why hold him back? McNeil should also be given time on the right. We won games last season with him playing there and we'll need everyone in the squad at some point in the season.

It feels so strange to have these options to discuss.

Jay Harris 18 Posted 12/09/2025 at 18:35:58

McNeil hasn't been the same player since the injury at the start of last season.

He was never quick but he just can't get the ball forward quickly enough these days.

Ndiaye, Dibling and Alcaraz are all better options IMO.

I hope Dibling and Röhl get some game time tomorrow and hopefully Mykolenko is fit.

John Raftery 19 Posted 12/09/2025 at 18:37:08

We have not beaten Villa in a league match since March 2016. That's twelve matches.

Time to break that sequence tomorrow.

Rob Hooton 20 Posted 12/09/2025 at 19:51:11

John, that's a horrific stat and proves why I'm apprehensive about this fixture! Won't get my hopes up just yet, if we beat Villa tomorrow I'll be well chuffed.

Like others have said, Villa haven't become bad overnight and will start getting points on the board soon (hopefully not for another week or so!).

If Ndiaye can't start, then I'd like to see Dibling on from the beginning, in the position we just spent big money on him filling.

Still looking forward to it, the most played fixture in the league rolls on.

Liam Mogan 21 Posted 12/09/2025 at 20:17:23

This optimism thing is actually quite scary

Mark Murphy 22 Posted 12/09/2025 at 21:43:30

It is LiamAnd I’m dreading the thump of back to earth reality!But let’s hope it’s after the derby at Greyskull.Just beat them cnuts and I’ll believe!

Tom Bowers 23 Posted 12/09/2025 at 22:41:45

Hopefully Moyes keeps up the great attitude of the last three games but the defence need to be solid.

They dodged bullets in the previous two league games and you cannot keep on doing that. Villa have decent strikers so we need to shut them out in midfield.

Nicolas Piñon 24 Posted 13/09/2025 at 02:52:10

Start Dibling if Ndiaye ain't 100%!!!

COYB!

Derek Knox 25 Posted 13/09/2025 at 05:55:08

I think it will be a good game, only worries being the part make-shift defence, but if we approach this like all the other games (apart from Leeds), we should be victors come the final whistle.

I would like to see Dibling and Röhl involved, even if only from the bench!

Ernie Baywood 26 Posted 13/09/2025 at 06:33:51

This feels like the build up to a round of golf.

Optimism is high...

Sometimes it lives up to the billing.

Laurie Hartley 27 Posted 13/09/2025 at 09:33:41

I would have to say it is a long time since I have looked forward to a game without some level of trepidation. Moyes has to be given a lot of credit for that in my book.

I hope Ndiaye starts but if he doesn’t I still think we will have too much for Villa.

Colin Glassar 28 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:04:19

Laurie, we could go unbeaten for the rest of this season and I would still feel trepidation about the beginning of the next season.

This is what 30 years of disappointment, anger, frustration, confusion can do to you. It’s now part of my DNA when it comes to Everton ie expect the best worst.

Raymond Fox 29 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:17:51

I cant muster your confidence Laurie, if our injured don't start it will be tough. We needed to sign a couple of experienced defenders in the window to plug the gaps.Villa are going to be desperate for a win so they are not going to lie down.

We cant really judge till we get the team news.

30 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:31:27

“Blue's the colour of the skyIn the mornin' when we riseIn the mornin' when we riseThat's the time, that's the timeI love the best”Sitting in my front room here in New Brighton - - Saturday morning - - Big Bay Window - - Bushes/Butterflies and Wonderful Cobwebs glistening in the early Morning Light, morning dew - - silver - - hanging - - dripping - - from the intricate lines linking bush to bush - - just a minute walk down the road from our front gate is The Prom - - the rock pools - - green and brown and wet with morning tide and dew - - Seagulls and Oyster Catchers - - diving and dipping for breakfast treats - - raise your eyes from the sand and waves and there it is in all it’s majesty - - right opposite - - Bramley Moore - - I could step onto the water and walk there in a few minutes - - sadly - - for reasons you are all aware of I cannot make it to the game - - instead I will have to watch it here in the house:“You might wake up some mornin'To the sound of something moving past your window in the windAnd if you're quick enough to riseYou'll catch a fleeting glimpse of someone's fading shadowOut on the new horizonYou may see the floating motion of a distant pair of wingsAnd if the sleep has left your earsYou might hear footsteps running through an open meadowDon't be concerned, it will not harm youIt's only me pursuing somethin' I'm not sure ofAcross my dreams with nets of wonderI chase the bright elusive butterfly of loveYou might have heard my footstepsEcho softly in the distance through the canyons of your mindI might have even called your nameAs I ran searching after something to believe inYou might have seen me runnin'Through the long-abandoned ruins of the dreams you left behindIf you remember something thereThat glided past you followed close by heavy breathin”

Sitting on my settee in the warm - - pause to rewatch the goal action - - rewind - - VAR - - warm and cosy - - tea and cake - - Eeeaargghhhh - - NO - - NO - - no matter what the weather conditions I wish - - I wish - - I wish - - Ohhhhh I wish - - I could be out there cold and wet - - sitting with family and friends covered in Blue - - watching The Boys - - walking from The Dark House - - arm in arm - - enveloped in our unspoken/unwritten love for each other: and for “Our Team”“We never much thought we could get very oldWe thought we could sit forever in funAnd our chances really was a million to one…How many a year has passed and gone?Many a gamble has been lost and wonAnd many a road taken by many a first friendAnd each one I've never seen againI wish, I wish, I wish in vainThat we could sit simply in that room againTen thousand dollars at the drop of a hatI'd give it all gladly if our lives could be like that”Sitting here - - missing all of this - - but - - after my recent situation - - Oh to be Alive - - to be able to watch The Mighty Blues - - I am Here”: ” The candle is burning, the wheels are turning, What you gonna do?If you are going to the game today - - suck it all in - - fill your heart - - your soul - - your spirit - - laugh smile- - cry if you want to - - I cried when my daughter took me to The Recent Cup Game/Mansfield - - and those of us - - like me - - Dear Blues Brothers and Sisters - - who for whatever reason have been removed from that which you love - - sit back - - dream - - Let Your Souls And Spirit Float Into The Mystic - - I am going now - - time for my 4 M’s (Medication/Meditation/Mindfulness/Music) - - a last bit of Van - - just to lift us:“Rave on John Donne, rave on thy Holy foolDown through the weeks of agesIn the moss borne dark dank poolsRave on down through time and space down through the corridorsRave on words on printed pageRave on, Walt Whitman, nose down in wet grassRave on fill the sensesOn nature's bright green shady pathRave on through the writing of "A Vision"Rave on, Rave on, Rave on, Rave on, Rave on, Rave on”

Finally my friends can I ask for help - - have a quick look at this: - - Link - - if you can - - remember this - - Goodness is Contagious.

With a firm handshake - - Your Friend In Blue - - Georgeous George

Paul Hewitt 31 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:43:45

3-1 win today. And I'm usually pessimistic.

Paul Johnson 32 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:45:08

Thank you George

Andy Riley 33 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:47:12

Rennie #9 - try parking in Bootle Strand and getting the shuttle right outside.

Danny O'Neill 34 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:53:07

Get every blue rolling George, wherever the are, we come together today.

Sam Barrett 35 Posted 13/09/2025 at 10:54:17

‘Kinell George, a beautiful post for a beautiful day at Bramley-Moore Dock!

Andrew Clare 36 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:02:44

Unai Emery is a very savvy manager. I just hope Moyes set us up properly for this one.

For once in a long time, we have an excellent group of players to choose from. It should be a very interesting match.

Brian Harrison 37 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:16:25

For me, our toughest game of the season so far, they will have Martinez back in goal and he makes a big difference to them.

Rodgers and Konsa both performed well for England in midweek, and though they are the only team not to have scored a goal so far this season, the pace of Watkins will be a factor.

They haven't become a bad team overnight so we will have to be at our best today. Be a shame if Ndiaye can't play as in him and Jack and Dewsbury-Hall, we have a team that asks questions of the opposition.

Brent Stephens 38 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:20:50

Paul #31,

"3-1 win today. And I'm usually pessimistic".

Such optimism and positivity. That's not the Paul I know and love! Must be an imposter!

Ray Roche 39 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:28:06

Just had to put my season ticket for today's game on resale. Full of snot so having to give it a miss.

Might be available if you're quick.

Kevin Molloy 40 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:31:04

It should be an absorbing game. Can't say I'm overly confident, Villa are a good side due a good performance, and they have the Indian sign over us.

But we're unrecognisable from last season, so who knows?

Brent Stephens 41 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:42:13

Ray #39:

"Just had to put my season ticket for today's game on resale. Full of snot.".

Ray, nobody will buy a ticket full of snot.

Colin Malone 42 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:43:54

I cannot understand why our fans boo Digne. Remember it was Benitez who wanted Digne out.

Anyway, I won't be booing him.

Mark Murphy 43 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:51:52

Rennie, I drove up to the Brighton game and left my car by my son's place in William Henry Street (horrible name I know).

It's a bit of a trek – 30 minutes after the game – but there's loads of free parking around there.

Have a great day!

UTFT

Lee Courtliff 44 Posted 13/09/2025 at 11:56:30

Armstrong on the bench for Preston!

As for us, we all know that when we start to believe Everton find a way to let us down. Hopefully today will be different, but you can guarantee Villa will end their goal drought... Everton, that.

Either way, I'm expecting an entertaining game.

Kevin Molloy 45 Posted 13/09/2025 at 12:07:03

Preston are weird, I recall they didn't play Gordon much, 'wasn't' at the level'.

Delusions of grandeur.

Michael Bennet 46 Posted 13/09/2025 at 12:44:48

Lee, that's what I feel like, my lad goes mad — he isn't scarred like me though

Laurie Hartley 47 Posted 13/09/2025 at 12:58:21

Colin # 28 & Raymond # 29 - as fans we have taken a terrible mental battering over the past three or four years during which time we were a hairs breath away from relegation on two occasions.

So it's understandable that our confidence has been severely dented.

But we survived - only Everton could have done that. And somehow we through it all, we got a fantastic new stadium.

I honestly believe we are on the up - at long last. I also believe that Moyes is a different proposition from the manager who left us for Utd.

Time to live in hope again.

George - Rave on.

Dave Abrahams 48 Posted 13/09/2025 at 13:02:36

Mark (43)

Call it by it's proper name — Willie Hennie. I lived all of my early life round there when it was alive and vibrant for most of the day and night.

Now you can hear a pin drop most of the time and most of the many, many characters and their families have passed away or left the area, as have all the pubs and shops.

Ray Roche 49 Posted 13/09/2025 at 13:11:34

Brent@41You can be relied upon….🤣

Anyway, it’ll wipe off…,

Dave Abrahams 50 Posted 13/09/2025 at 13:15:30

George (30), “ Oh to be alive” that’s the spirit George, keep those posts coming George, your soul comes through loud and clear on ToffeeWeb George and of course you know George, through that old priest whose sermons you were brought up on, that your soul is immortal.

George McKane 51 Posted 13/09/2025 at 13:21:22

Thank you Dave and Laurie and all for lovely comments - God Bless Father Winder - what a strange coincidence - is there such a thing??? - where the Pub stood that I was brought up in and lived in 1950/60’s is now Father Winder Court on the corner of Smith Street and Great Mersey Street - What Larks Hey Pip.

Howard Poole 52 Posted 13/09/2025 at 13:32:35

Well in George, the embodiment of all that is good about Everton & indeed the 'Liverpolitan' (your description) breed.

It is great to see the Blues have their own version of the late lamented renegade David Crosby, if you accept the comparison, and indeed I would welcome m, more quotes from him and his Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young associates; some Gerry Rafferty would not go amiss either.