12 April 2009: Aston Villa - Everton

A potentially huge match takes place at Villa Park on Sunday, as Everton in sixth place visit Aston Villa in fifth.
Villa have experienced a drastic loss of form in recent weeks, and having looked at one stage like they would comfortably end the season in fourth spot, have now been overtaken by Arsenal and sit just one point better off than the Toffees.

A good performance against Manchester United last week ended in despair for Martin O'Neill's men, after a last gasp goal from the Champions, while Everton romped to a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on the same day.
The last time the two sides met at Villa Park, the hosts won 2-0 thanks to goals from John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa played a great game last match against Manchester United and were beaten only y a late goal. “We played splendidly, we always looked dangerous and it was a real sickener to lose. We have been involved in another fantastic game but we have been beaten. “ - O'Neill says.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is doubtful with a virus while forward Emile Heskey, skipper Martin Laursen and Wilfred Bouma are all still out

E Heskey - Hamstring Injury (1 week)
S Sidwell - Hamstring Injury (1 day)
M Laursen - Knee Injury (no date)

Form WWDWLDLLLL
Home Form LDDWDWDLDL

EVERTON
Last game against Wigan was Everton's biggest win of the season and further cemented them in sixth place, while Wigan's European aspirations took a bad hit.Everton, in sixth and with an FA Cup semi-final later this month, still harbour hopes of Champions League, or at least catching Aston Villa in fifth.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will definitely play despite complaining of a sore hamstring after last weekend's 4-0 win over Wigan.

M Arteta - ACL Knee Injury (5 Months)
V Anichebe - Cartilage Knee Injury (3 Months)
A Yakubu - Calf/Shin Injury (3 Months)

Away Form WLWWWDLDDL
Form DDLWDWDWLW

LINES UP
Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, L Young, Davies, Knight, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Barry, Sidwell, Petrov, A Young, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Carew, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso.
Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha, Jo, Rodwell, Baxter, Nash, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Wallace, Van der Meyde, Hibbert.

VERDICT

Take Everton to win this match, or a draw.