‘Won’t make it easy’ – Chris Sutton and Paul Merson share Aston Villa vs Everton prediction as Jack Grealish returns

Aston Villa have a prime opportunity to strengthen their title ambitions when they welcome Everton to Villa Park this weekend. The in-form Midlands side will be looking to continue their remarkable home run, having won 11 consecutive matches in all competitions on their own turf.

Currently sitting third in the Premier League table, Villa could further cement their place in the top four depending on how results unfold elsewhere. Liverpool host Burnley, Brentford face a tough trip to Chelsea, and Newcastle travel to bottom-of-the-table Wolves — a set of fixtures that could work in Villa’s favour.

With the season still unfolding, Unai Emery’s side may even dare to dream of an unlikely title challenge. They are six points adrift of leaders Arsenal and level on points with second-placed Manchester City. City face a stern test away at Manchester United, a side buoyed by the arrival of new manager Michael Carrick and free from domestic cup distractions. Arsenal, meanwhile, must negotiate a tricky away fixture at Nottingham Forest, where Sean Dyche will be hoping to engineer a shock result.

Villa have enjoyed strong results against Everton since their return to the Premier League and will be eager to extend that dominance. Below, we round up the predictions from pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson ahead of the weekend clash.

Sutton tips Villa to edge tight contest

Former Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton believes the hosts will make it 12 straight home victories, their longest such streak in a single season since 1972 — though they once managed 14 in succession during the 1980s across two campaigns.

Villa have recorded more Premier League clean sheets against Everton than any other opponent, with 25, but Sutton does not expect another shutout this time. He is instead forecasting a narrow 2–1 home win.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said:
“Villa drew 0–0 at Everton earlier in the season, but their form has improved massively since then. They are full of confidence and carry a real goal threat.

“Everton welcome Jack Grealish back from suspension to face his former club, which is a big plus for them. David Moyes will make things difficult, but I still see Villa coming out on top.”

Merson expects comfortable Villa victory

Paul Merson, who spent four seasons at Villa Park between 1998 and 2002, is even more confident in his former side’s chances. Villa are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League meetings with Everton since returning to the top flight in 2019, and Merson expects that run to continue.

Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson said:
“Aston Villa are a very strong team. Everton have done well away from home by sitting deep and counter-attacking, but Villa have the edge here.

“Iliman Ndiaye won’t be back until after the AFCON final and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains injured. Without them alongside Jack Grealish, Everton are a weaker side. I’m backing Villa for a comfortable win. I hope Grealish gets a warm welcome at Villa Park, but I’m not convinced he will.”