Aston Villa v Everton: Team newspublished at 15:30 GMT 18 January
15:30 GMT 18 January
Image source, BBC Sport
Ollie Watkins starts up front for Aston Villa after Donyell Malen's move to Roma, while Emi Martinez is back in goal for Marco Bizot, who played in the FA Cup win at Tottenham Hotspur.
Youri Tielemans also starts with Boubacar Kamara out after picking up an injury early on at Spurs.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Jonsa, McGinn, Tielemans, Buendia, Watkins, Pau, Maatsen, Bogarde, Rogers
Jack Grealish returns for Everton at former club Aston Villa after serving a one-match suspension following his sending off for dissent against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He comes in for Tyler Dibling, while Thierno Barry is preferred to Beto as striker in the only other change from the team that went out on penalties to Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Newcastle" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Aston Villa v Everton".
Sutton's predictions: Aston Villa v Evertonpublished at 10:57 GMT 18 January
10:57 GMT 18 January
It must be such a wonderful time to be an Aston Villa fan - they have been on an incredible run and their one defeat in their past 15 games, at Arsenal at the end of the year, has not affected their confidence.
Villa drew 0-0 at Everton at the start of the season but their form has picked up a lot since then - they have stacks of belief and they have lots of goals in them too.
Everton will have Jack Grealish back from suspension to face his old club, which is a boost for them and him.
David Moyes certainly won't make it easy for Villa but I'm still expecting them to win.
Aston Villa v Everton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:31 GMT 17 January
12:31 GMT 17 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa will look to keep their Premier League title aspirations alive on Sunday at Villa Park when they welcome an Everton team that has lost momentum in 2026.
Villa are six points back on league leaders Arsenal and, after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last time out in the top flight, they earned a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.
Everton finished 2025 in eighth and with optimism. However, a wretched week of home games – defeats by Brentford and Sunderland (in the FA Cup) sandwiched a draw with bottom club Wolves – has led to simmering frustrations at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Attacking duo integral to Villa
When these two teams met at Everton in September, Villa looked listless in attack in a 0-0 draw. In the months following, they've been revitalised. Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia have been key to that change.
After a slow start, Rogers has been one of the best attacking players in the division this term. He leads Villa for goals and assists, with eight and six respectively in all competitions.
The England international is yet to score against Everton in three attempts. But for Buendia, the Toffees are among his favourite opposition; the midfielder has a career-best three goals against them in the Premier League.
Buendia's return to form and fitness this season has been vital to Unai Emery's side. His 10 goal involvements – including the dramatic late winner over Arsenal – already match his best total for a season since moving to Villa Park.
The duo have showcased their individual brilliance as part of a well-oiled machine. Villa have been canny throughout the season no matter what the situation, gaining the most points from losing positions and dropping the fewest from winning positions.
Can Grealish inspire Everton?
After three poor results in seven days at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton may not mind getting out on the road.
Under David Moyes, the team won nine away matches in 2025. Only Villa, Arsenal and Crystal Palace registered more.
Villa have not been a good match-up for Everton since their return to the top flight in 2019 though. The Toffees have not won any of the past 13 meetings in the Premier League.
Emery and his team are formidable at Villa Park too. Villa have won 23 and drawn four of their last 28 matches there; it's the best home record of any team in Europe since the beginning of last year.
Moyes will be looking to former Villa captain Jack Grealish for inspiration, as he'll be without Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Grealish, who joined the Villa academy as a six-year-old and made 213 appearances for the club, is available again after a suspension. He is yet to score in any of his five appearances against his boyhood club for Manchester City and Everton. He has been booked in his last three games against them though.
Moyes on Branthwaite latest, transfer window and Villapublished at 15:40 GMT 16 January
15:40 GMT 16 January
George Booth BBC Sport journalist
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Vila Park (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Defensive duo Seamus Coleman and Jarrad Branthwaite are making progress in their returns from injury, as Moyes confirmed both players "are back on the grass" and that both players "have been getting involved in training".
Everton are yet to bring in any new signings in the January transfer window. "We have not shut ourselves off from the transfer window. We need players more than ever," said Moyes.
On who has the final decision on transfers: "I have got the final say if we want to buy a player or if we don't want to buy a player. I get told by my superiors how much we have got to spend and what we have available. I have to work off those thoughts. We're in there trying, it doesn't mean we're going to take any player for the sake of it.
On Sunday's opponents Villa: "They have been remarkable in recent seasons. They have shown great investment, they have got Aston Villa back where they want to be. So I think Villa are beginning to challenge all the top teams now. They have got an excellent manager. There are a lot of good things that Villa are doing."
Moyes said he was "thrilled" for Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye for reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final with Senegal, and jokingly added: "I hope if they win they don't celebrate too long because I need them back!"
Fan views on Everton's transfer window and Armstrong's futurepublished at 11:36 GMT 16 January
11:36 GMT 16 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on how Everton should approach the transfer window and which players should be pursued.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris: Quite clearly we have striking issues. Ollie Watkins re-combined with Jack Grealish would be interesting, especially as game time would be important to Ollie, he would get that at Everton. It is just typical that after all Everton did for Calvert-Lewin, he has become free-scoring again. Hopes were raised with the Ben White rumour, if we could get him on loan that would be great too.
Stuart: We are not going to be relegated and therefore there's no need for "desperation" signings in January. This was always going to be a season of transition with the new stadium and the volume of player turnover. Callum Wilson knows the Premier League and offers a different option up front. Get him in for the remainder of the season then take stock over the summer.
Gary: Forget about it being the January transfer window, Everton need two strikers now. Most clubs in the top half of the table have four forwards to choose from. From chances created we should have scored at least 10 more goals. Where are Brentford getting Igor Thiago from? En-Nesyri was only on the bench for Morocco so might not be the answer. Striker first, then right-back next.
We also asked if you thought teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong should be kept at Everton for the remainder of the season, or loaned back out after he was recalled from his spell at Preston:
Jack: I think Armstrong should stay. We need cover in midfield as the last few weeks have shown. His performances in the past couple of games have been promising and he will only improve with more games.
Mike: Definitely keep hold. It puts pressure on the rest of the squad to perform well. We have seen a lot of average performances from too many players because they do not feel the need to perform at their best every game.
What next for Armstrong? published at 09:08 GMT 16 January
09:08 GMT 16 January
Image source, Getty Images
Should Everton keep hold of Harrison Armstrong until the end of the season, or is the best option to return him out on loan?
The 18-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Championship side Preston North End at the start of January, and was immediately thrown into the side as a used substitute in the 4-2 defeat against Brentford.
He then impressed during his first Premier League start in Everton's 1-1 draw with Wolves, and played the full 120 minutes in the penalty shootout defeat by Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.
Numerous injuries have left David Moyes with a lack of options recently, and the absences of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye due to the Africa Cup of Nations have left the squad even thinner.
Moyes, who spent five years at Deepdale as a player and began his managerial career with the club, told BBC Radio Merseyside that Armstrong would return to the Lancashire club "if things allow me".
The 18-year-old had made 17 league appearances for Preston this season, and was beginning to cement himself as a regular having started his last five games for the club.
Preston currently sit fourth in the table and are just three points off an automatic promotion spot as they look to enter the Premier League for the very first time.
While Everton are unlikely to guarantee him the same amount of game, Armstrong could still have an important role to play as they look to climb the table.
So, Everton fans, what should your club do? Should you keep hold of Armstrong, or return him to the Championship for more experience?
Everton's glaring problems - it's time to set a new transfer tonepublished at 08:06 GMT 16 January
08:06 GMT 16 January
Briony Bragg Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Everton played three home games in six days last week, with not a win to speak of.
It is incredibly disappointing for the club given the increased negativity building around the new stadium. With transport issues, increased prices, and it just not feeling quite like home yet, if we're to see no wins in a week then there must be something else to give the fans a lift – and that should be some new signings.
The first priority must be at full-back. Quite frankly, Everton have needed a right back for years. Jake O'Brien is being consistently shoehorned into the role, which is so frustrating when he has performed outstandingly when called upon at centre back.
David Moyes clearly doesn't feel Nathan Patterson has the consistency needed for the Premier League week in week out. Granted, he had a decent game against Sunderland, but it's probably best for the player that he gets that move he wanted last summer.
There have been strong links to Ben White over the past week (and unfortunately that negotiation stance may have swung strongly in Arsenal's favour with his goal against Chelsea on Wednesday night). He has fallen largely out of favour with Mikel Arteta over the past season and has injury issues. But let's face it, he would walk into Everton's starting 11 and has the Premier League experience Moyes so clearly craves.
And where to even start with the striker situation? Last night, when heavily-linked Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco ran up and just smashed the ball hard into the corner of the net for his winning penalty at Afcon, the immediate thought was 'sign him up!'. Unfortunately, whatever grace Thierno Barry and Beto were given by the fans has now gone out of the window.
There lies the frustration for Everton, like Brentford with Igor Thiago or Sunderland with Wilson Isidor, other clubs can find a gem in striker markets that Everton don't seem to want to exploit. Everton remain stuck between fan expectation and a recruitment strategy seemingly at odds with what the manager wants in terms of league experience.
With a new recruitment team in place, this could be the moment for them to set the tone and begin building a clear footballing identity for the future.
What do you think is key for Everton? And what names would you pursue?
'New striker wouldn't have to be out of this world to be an improvement'published at 08:04 GMT 16 January
08:04 GMT 16 January
Image source, Getty Images
Everton fan Natalie Bargery discussed the Toffees' struggles up front with BBC Merseyside as both Beto and £27m summer signing Thierno Barry fail to impress, and also looked at what reported January transfer target Youssef En-Nesyri could add to the side.
En-Nesyri has scored seven league goals in 15 league games for Turkish outfit Fenerbahce, more than Beto (two) and Barry (three) combined in the Premier League.
"I think the problem is Beto is a bit of a one-trick pony. Last season when things were going well everyone was saying we're playing to his strengths now because we're playing the ball in behind, he's turning defenders and that's what works for him. But the problem is you can't always rely on that," said Bargery.
The Everton season ticket holder says French summer signing Barry deserves more time before he is judged fully: "In fairness to Barry it's not been easy for him. I think that there's a lot more to come and there's a settling process, not just because he's a young player, but because he's also moved to the Premier League and a lot more experienced players take time to settle, so I think there's more to come from him."
On the prospect of signing Morocco international En-Nesyri, Bargery said: "I know Turkey isn't the home of prolific Premier League centre forwards. It has to be a bit of a red flag, but let's not all judge him by Cenk Tosun, let's give him a bit of a chance. I think he fits the bill physically. We're looking for a tall striker.
"If it is a loan, he doesn't have to be out of this world for six months to make an improvement. If he could score five or six goals, hold up play, bring others in, that would make a difference."
Everton transfer business will reveal future intentpublished at 16:19 GMT 15 January
16:19 GMT 15 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The type of transfers Everton pursue – be it this month or in the summer – should reveal plenty about the direction the club wants to take.
The Blues were besieged by financial trouble before the Friedkin Group completed their purchase in 2024, so scar tissue remains from two separate points deductions. Everton need to be fiscally more efficient and that includes in the transfer market. Young players with high ceilings and sell-on value would be the sensible approach.
With the likes of Tierno Barry, Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou, there were signs of that strategy being implemented in the summer. Whether the current manager – who is 62 and under contract until 2027 – is the man to see a long-term vision through is another matter entirely.
Some, though, will not be thinking about the future. The table is tantalising after all. And David Moyes? He wants European football next season.
If a costly immediate fix to a problem position were to present itself, the temptation to push their chips in would be real for Everton.
For any club, a stadium move and a huge turnover of players are always likely to trigger a reassessment of identity. So who – and what – are Everton going to be in their new home on the Liverpool waterfront? We are about to find out.
'I don't expect Everton to do huge amounts of business'published at 14:23 GMT 15 January
14:23 GMT 15 January
An FA Cup exit at home to an also depleted Sunderland highlighted Everton's threadbare squad and the selection issues David Moyes is facing. He could have almost made a starting 11 out of the players missing and those absences will remain this weekend for the Premier League game at Aston Villa.
With Idrissa Gana Guye and Iliman N'Diaye going all the way to the Afcon final with Senegal, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Seamus Coleman injured and Michael Keane still to serve two of his three match suspension, the numbers aren't going to improve in the coming days. There was some good news this week as Jarrad Branthwaite returned to training with the team but given the defender hasn't played all season it is highly unlikely he will feature yet. Jack Grealish will return for the trip to his former club on Sunday though and Harrison Armstrong's recall from his loan at Preston is likely to remain with a lack of players available.
So will this see an influx of players this January? In short, I don't expect Everton to do huge amounts of business. There are still two loan spots available to the Toffees so this feels the most likely when it comes to business. Earlier this month, Moyes warned "we're probably more unlikely than likely" to do some deals this window but after the red cards for Keane and Grealish against Wolves I asked the manager if that altered his plans. He told me: "It does a little bit because obviously we are a few more players down. We are out looking which means we are trying but there is a good chance that trying doesn't get to anything so we will need to wait and see."
It is fairly obvious to many supporters the two strikers have not hit the levels expected in the Premier League. Beto and Thierno Barry have just two goals each and Everton are desperate for a forward that can find the back of the net more frequently. Similarly the right-back position has been a case of square pegs in round holes. It's seen midfielder James Garner and centre back Jake O'Brien frequently deployed there.
Fans have felt frustrated with the lack of recruitment. I also asked Moyes why they have been unable to get deals over the line and he simply answered "it is more to do with availability."
In truth the issues surrounding the club has likely hindered deals. With relegations battles, PSR issues and points deductions, some have been put off joining. However, with financial problems being a thing of the past after a year of The Friedkin Group's ownership and the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, it all makes the Toffees a far better prospect. It could though need a top-half finish this season to ensure deals can be done more swiftly in the summer and prove Everton are truly a club on the up. All of that could mean the January window has come a few months too soon.
Check back for more Everton updates shortly and read on below for stats, fan views and analysis
Everton forwards an issue – but not the only transfer needpublished at 11:36 GMT 15 January
11:36 GMT 15 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Everton's issues may seem obvious at first glance - goalscoring.
Thierno Barry and Beto have just five goals between them in the top flight this season. Links to Fenerbahce and Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri come as no surprise.
They could undoubtedly do with an upgrade up top but there are other glaring issues, most notably at full-back.
When David Moyes returned, one tactical tweak that sparked the team's surge away from the drop zone was the introduction of Jake O'Brien at right-back. Barrel-chested and 6ft 4in (197cm) tall, the Ireland international does not fit the orthodox modern-day template for the position.
It never felt like a permanent fix. Yet O'Brien remains Everton's first-choice a year on.
On the opposite flank, Vitalii Mykolenko has struggled to strike up chemistry with Jack Grealish. Between the two full-backs, Everton have benefited from just one goal contribution all season – an O'Brien assist. Only Brentford (zero) have a worse return.
Supporting thrust from the flanks has not been forthcoming and while early indications are that the Toffees will be cautious in January, if a solution does finally surface at right-back - potentially allowing O'Brien to move to centre-back - it is something the club's recruitment team must consider.
Head back through the Everton page and come back later today to find more about the Toffees' January dilemma...
How injuries, suspensions and Afcon have affected Evertonpublished at 08:40 GMT 15 January
08:40 GMT 15 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Image caption,
Final four stats calculated per game
Everton are missing a lot of important players.
The club knew Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye would be taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations. There is an argument that they should have prepared better for their departures.
But, the succession of injuries and suspensions that have followed at the same time has not helped.
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a huge miss, while Carlos Alcaraz, Tim Iroegbunam and Seamus Coleman sat out the FA Cup defeat by Sunderland with injuries. Jack Grealish and Michael Keane were suspended for that encounter following their recent red cards, while star defender Jarrad Branthwaite has not played a minute all season because of a thigh problem.
Boss David Moyes has handled his depleted squad well at times – the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest in particular – but the absences of Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall have further blunted an attack that was already struggling.
Return to the Everton page throughout the day to find more analysis on what has been going wrong for the Toffees...
Will poor results force Everton and David Moyes into January signings?published at 08:38 GMT 15 January
08:38 GMT 15 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Everton and David Moyes are both approaching a crossroads, with the veteran manager starting the second year of his second spell in charge by facing Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League (16:30 GMT).
Moyes was reappointed on 11 January 2025 to replace Sean Dyche. It marked an emotional return to Merseyside for the Scotsman, who enjoyed an 11-year stint with the club between 2002 and 2013.
Both times his first job was to keep the Toffees afloat in the Premier League - and twice he succeeded. After defeat by Villa in his first game back last year, Everton went on a nine-game unbeaten run to pull clear of the bottom three - eventually finishing 13th.
After a stadium move and significant investment in the transfer market, Everton now find themselves in a curious position.
They are not in a relegation battle - 15 points clear of the bottom three - and sit just five points off fifth place. But they are 12th, out of both cup competitions, and there is a simmering frustration building after a wretched week at Hill Dickinson Stadium. A draw with bottom side Wolves was sandwiched between defeats by Brentford and Sunderland, in the FA Cup, across six days.
So what's gone wrong lately and where do the Blues go from here?
Come back to this page throughout Thursday to find out more
Gossip: Feneberbache's En-Nesyri favours Toffees movepublished at 07:56 GMT 15 January
07:56 GMT 15 January
Everton have sent an official bid to Turkish side Fenerbahce for Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri, 28. Negotiations are under way for an initial loan move with a £17m option to buy. (Fabrizio Romano), external
The Toffees, along with Werder Bremen and Ajax, are monitoring Ukraine right-back Yukhym Konoplya. The 26-year-old's contract with Shakhtar Donetsk expires in the summer. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Gossip: Blues target White won't be sold by Arsenalpublished at 06:53 GMT 14 January
06:53 GMT 14 January
Arsenal do not intend to sell England defender Ben White, 28, despite his lack of game time and interest from clubs, including Everton and Manchester City. (Teamtalk), external
🎧 Making sport stars into statuespublished at 11:27 GMT 13 January
11:27 GMT 13 January
Image source, Getty Images
Sculptor Tom Murphy has created numerous works across Liverpool, including the statues of former Liverpool boss Bill Shankly and legendary Everton striker Dixie Dean.
Murphy was part of a special episode of the BBC World Service's More Than The Score podcast, discussing why sculptures and statues are such a popular choice for honouring sporting greats.
"With all artworks, it's what you put into them - if you put a lot into them, a lot comes out of it," said Murphy, who spoke about how he aims to achieve an appearance of "movement" in his pieces and how he also tries to include elements of the subject's personality.
Art critic Eddy Frankel added: "Sporting glory is really fleeting. The great things your club has achieved can disappear incredibly quickly from collective memory. Having a statue makes it a lot more permanent."
'Our future is bright... It just isn't navy'published at 13:24 GMT 12 January
13:24 GMT 12 January
Mike Richards Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Even before Saturday's early FA Cup third round kick off against Sunderland, there was a rumbling of dissent within the fan base.
The move to Hill Dickinson Stadium-under the stewardship of The Friedkin Group signalled the beginning of a brave new dawn, catapulting the club into the 21st century.
Given the number of new partnership deals signed since their arrival, it's clear that commercial opportunities and increased revenue streams are at the forefront of the business model and rightly so.
We've long craved for competency at boardroom level and the work done commercially over the last 12 months has been refreshing.
Saturday's launch of a new fourth kit – a first for the club - was somewhat of an eye-opening moment for Evertonians.
The club have followed in the footsteps of many other clubs in Europe who have done the same, so there was somewhat of an inevitability about it.
The fact it was a navy blue and neon pink number, that we then donned for a home fixture, came as more of a shock.
The battle between traditions and modernisation is a tightrope, especially at a club that values it's history and heritage like Everton.
The shirt in isolation is a nice addition to this season's offerings.
Some may find it unnecessary - as was the case when a third shirt became the norm - but the owners clearly didn't want to be left behind and have jumped on the fourth shirt bus.
In business and in sport, lessons are always there to be learnt. The overarching feeling is that you simply don't mess with the royal blue jersey when we play at home.
Everton 1-1 Sunderland (0-3 on pens) - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:42 GMT 12 January
08:42 GMT 12 January
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Everton and Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Tony: We got what we deserved, beaten. More questions about Moyes as our manager with more and more fans becoming disgruntled with him. Yes he has a threadbare squad, but without our half decent first half of the season, again we'd be looking over our shoulder at another possible relegation battle. Villa next, yikes!
Jack: I'm afraid the game highlighted what we already knew. The squad is too thin to cover injuries and other absences for whatever reason. I accept Sunderland are playing well at the moment, but we looked miles behind them especially in the first half. Hopefully we'll soon be back to full strength, but it shows that we need to strengthen in the summer.
William: The outcome of the game was oh so predictable. A lack of creativity and determination and effort. Everton at home were dreadful and got what they deserved. The whole team - Pickford apart - showed no desire to win this game. The whole team need to practice their skills in penalty taking. Another trophy-less season again. Hopefully we will make mid-table in the league and quickly forget the miserable showing in the cup.
Thomas: With each passing week it's getting harder to distinguish this team from Everton under Sean Dyche.
Sunderland fans
Keith: In spite of a shocking penalty decision against us we played confidently and passed the ball round accurately. We desperately need a proven goal merchant. It was good to have a stress free penalty shootout for a change. Xhaka magnificent as usual.
Dave: After defeat against Brentford it was important not to panic by chasing a win. Fringe players got much needed game time and we still got a result, albeit against a lacklustre Everton.
Edward: Reacted really well to the defeat from Brentford. Very disappointed at the referee's penalty decision but great to see the team not drop their heads and actually play the better of the two sides. Well done to Luke O'Nien, coming into the team and giving such an outstanding performance. What a goalkeeper we have, he gave another tremendous performance.
Harry: What a comeback after Wednesday night. What a buy Robin Roefs is - I can't ever remember a keeper saving all penalties in a shootout. Just outstanding, give him a pay rise.
Everton 1-1 Sunderland (0-3 on pens): What Moyes saidpublished at 16:00 GMT 10 January
16:00 GMT 10 January
Image source, Getty Images
Everton boss David Moyes, speaking after the defeat to Sunderland: "We did well to get ourselves back into the game and hung in when we had to.
"Disappointed with the penalties, but it can happen.
"I didn't think we were very good in the first half but got better in the second half. Still, not to the levels where we have been in recent weeks, but better in the second half.
On Adam Aznou: "I thought he came on and gave us life. He ran about and was lively. I am pleased for Adam."
Did you know?
This was Everton's 100th home match in the third round of the FA Cup/League Cup, becoming only the third team to play 100+ home matches in the third round after Aston Villa (116) and Liverpool (107).
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, BBC Sport
