The Premier League returns with a bang after the international break, and all eyes will be on Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool this Saturday, September 13, 2025, as Everton host Aston Villa at 17:00 EAT.
This Matchday 4 clash promises to be a compelling encounter, with Everton riding a wave of confidence under David Moyes and Aston Villa desperate to kickstart their season under Unai Emery.
With contrasting fortunes early in the 2025/26 campaign, this fixture at the iconic Merseyside venue could be a defining moment for both sides.
Team form & recent performances
Everton have been a revelation in the early stages of the 2025/26 Premier League season, sitting comfortably in sixth place with six points from three matches. The Toffees have secured impressive victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-2) and Brighton & Hove Albion (2-0), showcasing their attacking flair and defensive resilience.
However, a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United exposed some vulnerabilities on the road. Over their last five matches across all competitions, Everton have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring an average of 1.7 goals per game while conceding 1.2.
The likes of Iliman Ndiaye, with two goals, and Jack Grealish, leading the assist charts with four, have been pivotal. Everton’s ability to dominate possession and create chances at home, coupled with a solid defensive structure led by James Tarkowski, makes them a formidable force at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, injuries to key players like Jarrod Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson could test their squad depth.
Aston Villa, in stark contrast, have endured a torrid start to the season, languishing in 19th place with just one point from three matches. Their last five games yield a worrying form guide of one win, one draw, and three losses, with a 0-3 defeat to Crystal Palace highlighting their struggles.
Villa have failed to score in their opening three Premier League matches, a stark contrast to their 1.2 goals per game average over their last 15 matches across all competitions.
Ollie Watkins, typically a reliable goal-scorer, has yet to find the net this season, and the team’s defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per game.
Despite the presence of quality players like John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, Villa’s lack of cohesion and inability to convert chances have left them in dire need of a spark. Unai Emery’s decision to start Marco Bizot over Emi Martinez in goal signals a shift, but it remains to be seen if it will steady the ship.
Head-to-head record
The historical record between Everton and Aston Villa leans heavily in favor of the Villans in recent years. Aston Villa have won three of the last five Premier League meetings, including a double over Everton last season with a 3-2 victory at Villa Park and a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
The most recent encounter on January 15, 2025, saw Villa edge out a 1-0 win, underlining their dominance in this fixture. However, Everton did manage a 2-1 victory in the League Cup in September 2023, showing they can upset Villa on their day.
Over the last eight meetings, Villa have won five, Everton one, and two ended in draws, with goals often at a premium—only one of these matches saw over 2.5 goals. This suggests a tightly contested affair, with Villa’s recent upper hand tempered by Everton’s home advantage and current form.
Prediction & scoreline
Everton enter this match as favorites, buoyed by their strong home form and attacking momentum. Their ability to score through multiple outlets, led by Ndiaye and Grealish, should exploit Villa’s defensive woes and lack of firepower.
Aston Villa’s goal drought is a major concern, and while players like Watkins and Morgan Rogers have the potential to turn games, their lack of clinical finishing could prove costly against a well-organized Everton side.
The Toffees’ home crowd will play a significant role, and their recent record at Hill Dickinson Stadium—three wins in six home games—suggests they can capitalize.
However, Villa’s historical edge in this fixture and Emery’s tactical nous mean they won’t roll over easily. Expect a hard-fought match, but Everton’s momentum should see them through. Predicted Scoreline: Everton 2-1 Aston Villa.
Betting tips
For bettors looking to make informed wagers on this match, backing Everton to Win at odds of around 2.52 (available at various bookmakers like Betway or SportPesa) is a solid choice, given their superior form and home advantage.
Second, the Under 2.5 Goals market at odds of approximately 1.90 is appealing, as four of Everton’s last five matches and three of Villa’s last five have seen fewer than 2.5 goals, aligning with their low-scoring head-to-head record.
For those seeking higher returns, a Correct Score bet on Everton 2-1 at around 8.50 offers a good balance of risk and reward.
Finally, considering Villa’s goal-scoring struggles, No Both Teams to Score (1st Half) at odds of 1.80 could be a smart play, as Eagle Predict’s analysis suggests a cautious opening period.