Martinez To Return? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Lineup To Face Everton | OneFootball

After a late comeback win in the FA Cup 3rd Round against West Ham United, Aston Villa will resume their quest for a place in Europe with a trip to Goodison Park on Wednesday night. Everton have relieved Sean Dyche from his duties and brought back David Moyes to protect their top-flight status. Unai Emery’s men scripted a comeback at Villa Park from 0-2 down to secure a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture and it remains to be seen whether they do the ‘double’ over the Toffees.

Their last meeting at Merseyside was a stalemate a year ago. Everton grabbed some big results so far this season in their own backyard, and the Villans must look to improve their form on the road after a dreadful run of away results.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Lineup To Face Everton

Defence

Emiliano Martinez was not involved against the Hammers due to a minor injury. Emery expects him to be back for the midweek clash and replace Robin Olsen between the sticks. The Swedish custodian, who also had a brief loan stint with the Toffees, would keep his place unless the Argentine passes a late fitness test.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores his team’s second goal under pressure from Michael Keane of Everton during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Everton FC at Villa Park on September 14, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Matty Cash and the former Everton left-back Lucas Digne have maintained their starting status ahead of Kosta Nedeljković and Ian Maatsen. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings must continue as the central defensive pairing given the injury absence of Pau Torres and Diego Carlos. The latter has emerged as a transfer target for Fenerbahce which could also be the reason for the Brazilian’s absence.

Midfield

John McGinn and Ross Barkley are also sidelined with their respective thigh and calf injuries. This leaves Emery with Boubacar Kamara and another ex-Everton star Amadou Onana as the only available specialists for the deep-lying midfield slots. They are likely to form a ‘double pivot’ and help in attacking transitions from the centre of the pitch.

Leon Bailey has cemented a starting status down the right. Morgan Rogers is enjoying a blistering spell from the left, and the composure of Youri Tielemans down the middle has added flexibility in terms of tweaking the formation based on the need. Jacob Ramsey and Emi Buendia could be involved as substitutes to add more flair and finesse in and around the attacking third.

Attack

‘Super sub’ Jhon Duran should be back in contention after serving a three-match suspension. However, the Colombian is pushing for a winter exit amid interest from Paris St-Germain and the gaffer, therefore, must stick with Ollie Watkins even though the Englishman has not met his standard of last season.