Aston Villa vs Everton: Match Preview and Team Updates

Aston Villa looks to strengthen their position in the Premier League title race as they host a struggling Everton side at Villa Park this Sunday.

Currently in third place, Unai Emery’s team received a boost when their title rivals had a tough weekend. Leaders Arsenal drew with Nottingham Forest, while Manchester City lost to Manchester United. A win today would help Villa close the gap significantly.

Villa Park has become a stronghold for the team, and they are aiming for their 12th consecutive home victory, a milestone they haven’t reached in a single season since 1972. On the other hand, Everton arrives under pressure, hoping to end a poor run of one win in their last seven games.

Aston Villa vs Everton – Match Preview and Team News

• Date: Sunday, 18 January 2026
• Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
• Referee: Tony Harrington
• VAR: Paul Howard
• Last Meeting: Everton 0–0 Aston Villa, 13 Sept 2025, Premier League

Team News

Aston Villa

Unai Emery faces challenges in midfield with Boubacar Kamara (knee), Amadou Onana (hamstring), and Ross Barkley (knee) missing out. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, however, is fit to start after a calf issue. Ollie Watkins will lead the attack following Donyell Malen’s move to Roma, supported by Morgan Rogers, who has been in good form with 11 goal involvements in his last 12 starts.

Everton

Everton’s squad is significantly weakened, with Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable due to the AFCON final with Senegal. Michael Keane is suspended, and Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are all injured. However, Jack Grealish returns to the starting XI after serving a one-match ban.

Form

Aston Villa

Villa has been impressive at home, winning their last 11 matches at Villa Park across all competitions. After drawing against Crystal Palace in the league, they secured a solid FA Cup win over Tottenham. They have not lost any of their last 13 Premier League meetings against Everton since promotion in 2019.

Everton

Everton comes into this match in poor form, winning only once in their last seven matches. Their latest league game ended in a 1-1 draw with Wolves, followed by a penalty shootout loss to Sunderland in the FA Cup. They have struggled to score in two of their last three away games against Chelsea and Burnley.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins

Everton Predicted XI: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Rohl, Garner; McNeil, Armstrong, Grealish; Barry

How to watch Aston Villa vs Everton?

The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, starting at 16:00 GMT.

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