Everton have only won once in their past nine home league matches (D3, L5).

Aston Villa have lost nine Premier League games in 2021 - only Sheffield United and Southampton have a worse record, with 12 defeats apiece.

Image source, Reuters

Emiliano Martinez has kept 14 Premier League clean sheets this season and needs one more to equal Brad Friedel's club record set in 2009-10.

Image source, Getty Images

To be honest, we'd just be happy with a close contest here.

Chelsea

More from Kai Havertz on the hectic schedule as Chelsea challenge for the Premier Leagued top four, Champions League and FA Cup: "It is very hard, you have to concentrate every three days on another game, another competition. We have played almost nine months already and have three days to regenerate.

"Of course it is very hard but that is the reason why we are professional. I played in the Europa League with Leverkusen but here with two more teams in the league, and one cup more, it is hard. But we are very happy to play in these competitions."

Will today's performance help him start against Real Madrid on Wednesday? "I'm always desperate to start games, I play football. But I know we have a lot of quality players in the team and the other players play well as well.

"I keep going, train hard and give my best. We will see on Wednesday."

James Rodriguez seems to have picked up an injury in the warm-up and he's been replaced by Alex Iwobi in the starting XI.

Not a great start for Everton.

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaking to Sky Sports: "We knew Fulham gives everyone a hard time. They make you under-perform and they make you suffer. You cannot get confused with the table. That's why I have the highest respect for what we did today. It was tough for us but we hang in the game. We could decide the match earlier but it was a tough and a very important win.

"We were spot on. It was what we demanded from ourselves. We showed the pride we are capable of - to do it in between two big games. I'm beyond happy that we did it. There was no lack of concentration. We had some trouble which everyone against this Fulham side has but there was no lack of concentration and that was key."

On Kai Havertz: "For sure, this is what we want if someone gets his chance. He scored two decisive goals and he was involved along with Timo [Werner] - two very good performances from our strikers how it should be."

On Mason Mount: "I hope really that Mason [Mount] is not a big thing and hopefully he can fully recover for Real Madrid."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored three times in his last 16 Premier League appearances, following a run of 11 goals in his first 11 games this season.

Chelsea

Chelsea matchwinner Kai Havertz, speaking to Sky Sports, on how vital beating Fulham was: "I think it was very important. We have to come in the top four of the Premier League, that is our goal for the season and this win today is crucial for us. Then, on Wednesday we have another important game so we're happy with the win.

"I scored very early so it gave me a little bit of confidence, it is always good to score and I'm happy to help the team. I hope I can continue like this on Wednesday."

On the assists from Mason Mount and Timo Werner: "We have a lot of quality players in our team and for us it is easy to create chances. When you have midfielders like this behind you it is always."

This is the 205th league meeting between Everton and Aston Villa, making it the most played fixture in English top-flight history.

It's the latest first meeting between two sides in an English top-flight season since 1987-88.

Villa have gone nine games without a win at Goodison Park since a 3-2 Premier League victory in December 2008 (D5, L4).

So far he has scored 32 goals in 99 top-flight games for Everton.

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

Aston Villa found a very late equaliser against West Brom last time out but the worry for Dean Smith's side is that they have started leaking goals.

At the other end, Jack Grealish's absence through injury hasn't helped but Villa's season has petered out and I fancy Everton here.

Last week's win over Arsenal was massive for the Toffees. They still only have an outside chance of making the top four, but at least they are in the mix.

Prediction: 2-0

Lawro's full predictions v Royal Blood drummer Ben Thatcher.

Everton are still on course for European football. They have a game in hand on rivals Liverpool and could move a point above them with victory today.

It means they are in the conversation for a Champions League spot and certainly in the race for a Europa League place.

As it stands, they need to make up nine points on Chelsea for a fourth-placed finish. They can close the gap to six today.

Image source, BBC Sport

Top stuff Neil.

Final game of the day then. Everton v Aston Villa up next. Can the Toffees boost their hopes for Champions League football?

It's a busy day and the action keeps on coming. It's Everton against Aston Villa next. My shift is done. Emma Sanders is going to guide you through to the close. Take it away Emma.

Fulham edge closer to relegation. Chelsea edge closer to a top-four finish.

Image source, PA Media

Timo Werner is threatening to break clear before being sent sprawling by Ola Aina. Free-kick within scoring range and a yellow card for the Fulham player.

Mendy is back up and will see this through. Not long now. It's been a case of job done for Chelsea.

Almost a chance for Fabio Carvalho but his touch lets him down and Edouard Mendy is off his line to gather. The Chelsea keeper has taken a knock and is down receiving treatment.

Four added minutes.