Everton v Aston Villa: Team news published at 14:05 BST 13 September
14:05 BST 13 September
Everton make one change to the side that started their 3-2 Premier League win at Wolves before the international break. Tim Iroegbunam comes in for the injured Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Aston Villa make four changes to the side that lost 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace in the league before the international break.
Emiliano Martinez unsurprisingly returns in goal, while Emiliano Buendia, Lucas Digne and Lamare Bogarde also come in for Marco Bizot, Donyell Malen, Ian Maatsen and Evann Guessand.
Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho all start on the bench.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne McGinn, Tielemans, Buendia, Watkins, Bogarde, Rogers.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Aston Villapublished at 11:03 BST 13 September
11:03 BST 13 September
What a great game this is for Jack Grealish against his old club.
He has been on fire for Everton since joining them from Manchester City, and it is great to see him playing with a smile on his face. He has been the real creative spark for them this season and if he carries on this form he will be well and truly in the mix to make the England squad for next summer's World Cup.
So much has changed about Everton since David Moyes lost his first game back in charge against Villa, at Goodison Park in January, and not just that they now have a new ground.
You just sense that, with Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, they have the attacking threat now that they had lacked for a long time. They will be full of belief, against an Aston Villa side who badly need a positive result after their slow start to the new campaign.
The obvious prediction, based on form, is to back Everton to win but I actually don't think Villa will keep on losing.
They are under-performing and also maybe bought a few players in a bit of panic at the end of the transfer window - Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof all joined on deadline day - but Emery will get a tune out of his team sooner or later.
Everton v Aston Villa: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:23 BST 12 September
19:23 BST 12 September
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton resume Premier League proceedings flying high at fifth in the table against an Aston Villa side who have an excellent record against the Toffees but are still searching for their first goal of the season.
BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before their meeting at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
In-form Everton
Everton return to Premier League football having picked up more points than any other club since the start of May (16) and won two games in August – as many as they managed in that month over the past four years.
Opponents Aston Villa, on the other hand, have endured a difficult start.. They sit in the relegation zone with one point from three games and the ignominy of being the only club in the top four English tiers yet to score a goal.
So are Everton worthy of their lofty position early in the season and are Villa playing as badly as it seems? The truth, as is so often the case, is somewhere in the middle.
Jack's back
Everton's excellent start has been built around the return to form of Jack Grealish, who faces his former club.
The England international has already provided two assists in each of his two Premier League starts for the Toffees, having done so on only two occasions in his previous 191 appearances in the competition.
The form of fellow new arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has helped. He already averages more chances created per 90 of any Everton player since the start of last season, while no English player has created more chances in the Premier League in 2025-26 than Dewbury-Hall's eight. Not a bad way to start off a campaign with a World Cup at the end of it.
But the Blues' biggest boon is an improved efficiency in front of goal. In 2024-25, they ranked 18th for open-play goals (25). In this campaign, they have scored seven in their past three games in all competitions.
The new-found ruthlessness of David Moyes' side means they are outperforming their expected points total more than any team other than Liverpool, according to Opta data based on chances created and conceded.
Conversely, Unai Emery's Villa are suffering from something of a hangover following their European exploits last season, failing to find the net in all three top-flight outings so far.
The lack of goals is not for a want of trying. The Villans have had the same number of shots as Liverpool this season (33) – and the Reds are the Premier League's leading scorers on eight goals.
However, the West Midlands club are being undone by widespread wastefulness despite getting into good positions.
But if ever there was a fixture in which Villa's fortunes may change, it is this one.
They have won four of their past five Premier League visits to Everton (D1), keeping a clean sheet in their past four.
It is Villa's longest ever run of away league clean sheets against one opponent.
Everton have failed to score in their past four home Premier League games against Villa and Moyes' men will be hoping that a change of venue from Goodison Park to the Hill Dickinson Stadium also results in a change of fortunes in this particular contest.
Emery must keep 'best goalkeeper in the world' Martinez happypublished at 16:34 BST 12 September
16:34 BST 12 September
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Unai Emery brushed off any issues with Emi Martinez after he stayed at Aston Villa.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper remained at the club despite wanting a move to Manchester United.
That never materialised as United brought in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead.
Martinez missed the 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace because of the transfer speculation before the deadline, but is available for Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton.
"Everything happens with players - maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving, maybe other players were close to others or to join us," Emery said in his pre-match news conference. "It's normal.
"I understand it completely, everything. Staying here is good news - I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.
"He is always training to be his best, respecting Aston Villa. Some circumstances happen. Everyone is happy and the energy today was very good.
"Emi is happy and now he knows his challenge is with Aston Villa and his national team."
Emery only answered two questions on Martinez, both times saying he was happy and committed to Villa.
The manager was never going to go into detail about the situation with his star goalkeeper and offered what was expected.
Martinez may be happy now, but other windows will come.
The 33-year-old has four years left on his contract and Villa need to ensure they keep him focused for the foreseeable future.
🎧 Listen to Aston Villa Dailypublished at 16:29 BST 12 September
16:29 BST 12 September
All today's news and views on the Villa in two minutes.
This update has been created and reviewed by our journalists, using AI to help summarise the most up-to-date Aston Villa news. It's read aloud by an AI voice.
Emery on new signings, Martinez and adapting quicklypublished at 15:26 BST 12 September
15:26 BST 12 September
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Unai Emery says summer signings Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof will all be available this weekend, but are in "different circumstances" with their level: "Sancho was not training with the group and, physically, he will need time. Harvey Elliott was training and playing consistently with Liverpool and is more or less fit. Lindelof was training individually and he is available to be with us, but he will need time to know us tactically."
Elsewhere in the squad, Emery added: "Matty Cash is available. We have some players injured who are close like [Andres] Garcia, [Boubacar] Kamara and [Amadou] Onana. Ross Barkley has a personal issue and I think he will come back and be available soon, but not yet."
On Emi Martinez and a deadline day move to Manchester United failing to materialise: "Everything happens with players, maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving. It's normal, I understand it completely. Him staying here is good news - I am so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world, his commitment to Aston Villa is always massive. Emi is happy and he knows his challenge with us and the national team."
On trying to improve on a slow start: "We are trying to get everything to try to build the team as soon as possible. With signing three players [late] and [Jacob] Ramsey and [Leon] Bailey leaving, we have to adapt as soon as possible."
On Saturday's opponents: "They are playing fantastic and have experienced players. The new stadium makes the players and suppports excited. I want to play matches like this, it is a privilege as a coach."
You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play the Aston Villa game"..
Emery must offer Martinez answers this timepublished at 11:47 BST 12 September
11:47 BST 12 September
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
When asked about Emi Martinez before Aston Villa's defeat by Crystal Palace, Unai Emery just repeated one name.
"Bizot, Marco Bizot", he said when asked why Martinez was not in the squad. He then repeated the goalkeeper's name several times when pressed about the Argentina international's situation.
In his pre-Everton news conference at Bodymoor on Friday, the manager is not going to be able to repeat the same trick. He will need to give some answers.
Martinez did not get his desired move to Manchester United on deadline day so Emery has to use his man-management powers to reintegrate him.
The World Cup winner is Villa's best goalkeeper and he must put any disappointment behind him. His reaction will be crucial to whether the fans are willing to accept any of the aspirations he had to move on.
Emery needs Martinez - after a winless start, Villa are already playing catch-up having looked laboured in their opening three games.
The injection of Harvey Elliott, a deadline day signing from Liverpool, could be a masterstroke with the 22-year-old an exceptional player who just needs games.
Jadon Sancho's loan arrival from Manchester United fills a gap, but the England winger has much to prove and Emery needs to become the manager to harness a talent which has drifted.
Emery is due to speak to the media this afternoon - come back to this page later on for all the key lines from the Villa boss
Prioritise Premier League or Europe? Why Emery can do bothpublished at 16:16 BST 10 September
16:16 BST 10 September
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Earlier on Wednesday, BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor suggested there may come a time this season where Unai Emery will need to prioritise either the Premier League or and another competition for his Aston Villa side.
This is the third campaign where Villa are involved in Europe and, as favourites for the Europa League, a hectic schedule would be the natural result of good performances.
Whether Villa's squad can handle that is uncertain.
In any case, they have the manager to do so. Taylor acknowledged that Emery, a three-time winner of the Europa League at Sevilla, knows how to navigate complex fixture runs.
So, will he have to prioritise or not?
A quick look at some numbers shows that Emery has successfully balanced winning records in domestic leagues with going deep in European competitions.
During his time at Sevilla, he twice finished fifth while leading them to Europa League glory. Only in the 2015-16 season did their league form stutter, this time slipping to seventh.
That in part could be explained by the additional difficulties of a Champions League run in the first half of the season, before they dropped into the Europa League as a consolation and went on to win it.
At Aston Villa, it has been a similar story.
Despite the huge demands of Conference League football, Villa put together their best season in decades, for a while even challenging for the title in 2023-24, before settling for Champions League qualification.
Last season, Emery's side were in the hunt for the top four until the final day, when Emi Martinez's red card at Old Trafford played a huge part in limiting their chances.
Therefore, while winning a trophy - and a European one at that - does seem a suitable goal for Emery's side this season, doing well in the league should remain vital.
And you agree.
Here is a snapshot of your comments:
Jerry: The Premier League has to be a priority as this is what leads to future progress, but we have to play more attacking football.
Damien: Winning the Europa League is obviously very appealing, but putting all your eggs in the basket of knockout football is always a huge risk. Emery is right in focusing on the league because consistently high finishes are what will build a solid base for the future - and, hopefully, more trophies to come.
'No-one understands the task better'published at 11:46 BST 10 September
11:46 BST 10 September
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
When the overhauled Villa squad assembles for the first time later this week, they will set out on a fearfully demanding yomp towards Christmas.
Aside from international 'breaks' in October and November - badly named, since most of Unai Emery's players will travel to two games in each - there is only one midweek in the next three months where Villa will have no game to play.
Even that assumes they will go no further in the Carabao Cup.
For all the excitement of the other adventures the club has had since he took over, Emery has always underlined the Premier League is the top priority without which none of the rest happens. Every manager says this for most of the season and there is no reason to doubt that Emery means it.
But - let's call this a thought experiment - what if it wasn't?
Villa's stumbling start has given a small advantage to some likely rivals for a high Premier League finish. It is far from insurmountable and Villa are capable of achieving a Champions League qualification place again.
But many observers and fans have said that the next stage for Villa must be to win something. They are favourites for the Europa League and if they justify that status, they will achieve both ambitions at the same time - win something and return to the Champions League.
In Emery they have a proven course-and-distance winner, the Red Rum of Europa League management. Nobody understands the task of running a Europa League and domestic league season simultaneously better than him.
He sets out to win every game, of course, but with Villa's workload and resources, it is likely at some point Emery will face a delicate choice, to balance priorities.
Their defence laid low by injuries, Tottenham ended up in that sort of situation last season. A fat lot of good it did their coach, you might say, but they're in the Champions League now.
If Villa were to follow a similar path, Emery could surely expect a rather more generous tribute.
'A moment I will never forget' - Konsa on first England goalpublished at 08:48 BST 10 September
08:48 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa says scoring his first England goal was "a moment I'll never forget".
Konsa put the Three Lions three goals up in their World Cup qualifier in Serbia with his header just before half-time, England ultimately going on to win 5-0.
The 27-year-old also staked a strong claim to become Thomas Tuchel's favoured option in the second central defensive position alongside Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
He has featured in all of Tuchel's competitive matches in charge so far - starting four out of five - and also started 33 out of the 35 games he was available for last season for Unai Emery's side.
"Excellent night," Konsa said post-match. "Since I was a kid, you always dream about these moments.
"For it to finally happen with my whole family watching back home. It will be a moment I will never forget. To finally score was an amazing moment.
"I think it is everyone's dream to score for your country, no matter where you play. We have had a great week in camp, and we showed our levels in training."
Meanwhile, Manchester United have set their sights on signing Belgium centre-back Zeno Debast, 21, in January from manager Ruben Amorim's former club Sporting but Aston Villa and Arsenal are among the other sides interested. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
'The squad is no weaker than last year' - fans on Villa's transfer businesspublished at 14:52 BST 9 September
14:52 BST 9 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Aston Villa have a stronger squad compared with last season.
Here are some of your comments:
Malc: When all are fit, the squad is no weaker than last year. We should massage Emi Martinez's ego a little and welcome him back. A very good keeper on his day. Not sure about Europa League favourites, but we are in with a shout. Enjoy our season regardless.
Rob: After the dust has settled and barring any injuries to key starters, we still have what it takes to challenge the top six - but fifth might be our ceiling yet again. The top four teams have strengthened beyond belief, and so our best route back to the Champions League is likely to be winning the Europa League - something that is not beyond the capability of this squad. And we have half a dozen very talented 19 to 21-year-olds waiting in the wings. Write off Unai Emery at your peril.
Stephen: I agree the core of the team has stayed intact, and the addition of Jadon Sancho, who, although inconsistent, is capable of more off-the-cuff moments than Jacob Ramsey, as is Harvey Elliott in place of Leon Bailey. And Emery got Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio to show their previous form. So it's exciting times ahead.
Is Villa's squad stronger than this time last season?published at 08:28 BST 9 September
08:28 BST 9 September
David Michael Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
If you compare how Aston Villa's squad shapes up now to the one that started last season's Champions League campaign, then - despite a tricky transfer window and frantic deadline day - Unai Emery may quietly feel his side, when all players are fit, is stronger at this stage than they were a year ago.
New loan arrivals Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott will not need to contribute much to improve on Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, who started just 14 and 19 league games respectively in 2024-25 and contributed a combined two goals and seven assists. Both players are also currently sidelined with injuries at their new clubs.
Emery made no secret of targeting 'here and now' players. While there was initial scepticism over whether the loanees were simply band-aid short-term fixes, if the Villa boss can integrate them in a way that makes his side less predictable, both could offer real upside.
Each has a past connection with Morgan Rogers, and if they help the PFA Young Player of the Year reach another level, Villa will be better for it. The same goes for Ollie Watkins, who should also benefit from their ability to commit and drag defenders out of position.
Meanwhile, whatever soap opera has surrounded Emi Martinez, the reality is he remains a Villa player. And with Boubacar Kamara, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Rogers and Watkins all still in claret and blue, the core of the team has remained intact, despite fears at the start of the summer that one or two might be lost.
This may well be the last season before the spine of the team receives surgery, but knowing it is strong enough to make Villa the bookies' favourites for the Europa League should serve as a galvanising force for Emery, Martinez and company to sharpen focus after the international break.
Villa lead long throw revival - but are they taking advantage?published at 16:16 BST 8 September
16:16 BST 8 September
Jordan Butler BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It is not entirely surprising to see long throws making a comeback, especially with the addition of set-piece coaches and the recent sporting obsession with marginal gains.
However, the level at which they have risen might surprise.
This season the Premier League is averaging three long throws into the penalty area per game – an increase of 100% on the previous two campaigns and 233.33% more than in 2020-21.
Of course we are only 30 games into a 380-game season so therefore the sample size is small, but the numbers are clear - the long throw is certainly back in vogue.
When diving into the data for how individual clubs rank this campaign, Aston Villa come out joint-top alongside Bournemouth.
Unai Emery's side have already put 11 long throws into the penalty area across their three games - averaging 3.7 per match, perhaps something set-piece coach Austin MacPhee is targeting to get them up the table.
However, despite this use of long throws, Villa are yet to actually take advantage having not found the back of the net at all so far this season.
PSR limitations 'scandalous' - Albrightonpublished at 17:36 BST 5 September
17:36 BST 5 September
Image source, Getty Images
Former Aston Villa and Leicester City midfielder Marc Albrighton says the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) "need sorting out".
Villa have had to move on a number of high-profile players in recent times, including Douglas Luiz, Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey, to help them remain compliant.
That is despite the club thriving under Emery.
Albrighton was part of the Leicester team that shocked the football world by winning the Premier League in 2016 but feels the current rules limit the chances of another team challenging the traditional dominance of the division's biggest clubs.
"It is really frustrating because the Leicester victory was 10 years ago and somebody brings it up every single day - that is how special it was," he told BBC Radio WM's football phone-in.
"To take that opportunity away from potentially happening to other clubs is scandalous really.
"I just think the PSR issue really needs sorting out. It's so frustrating for clubs like Villa that have got the money but can't they spend it. Then they are having to sell other players too - it's making a mess.
"I think there's a few things at the minute which needs looking at in football and that is one of them."
