Aston Villa ‘must compete’ at Everton and turn away form around

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his side have to find a way to compete away from home as they prepare to take on an Everton side who will be roused by the return of David Moyes.

Moyes secured a return to the dugout this week and takes charge of an Everton side in dire need of points in the Premier League.

Villa have had another exciting season under Emery – particularly in the Champions League – but their recent away form has cost them. Villa have lost their last five away games in the Premier League – their worst such run since losing the final seven away games in 2015-16.

Emery said: “Of course every match that we are playing has been difficult. Playing away [has been] more difficult.

Last time out against the Toffees:

◉ A brace from Ollie ✌️
◉ A rocket from Jhon 🚀
◉ All three points 👊 pic.twitter.com/OybZs6AxsR

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 13, 2025

“Our challenge is how we can compete away, because the last matches that we have played away in the Premier League we didn’t get points and tomorrow is our challenge.

“Everton have a new head coach and of course they are going to be, I think with the crowd, the players, very motivated; excited as well with Moyes. Before, he was a very successful coach there with them, but we have to try and focus on our match, our game plan.”

Despite their travel sickness Villa go into the midweek programme just four points behind the top four and look well placed to challenge at the top end of the table again.

Emery does have injury concerns with defender Pau Torres and midfielder John McGinn and Ross Barkley missing.

He said: “Barkley more or less is two-three weeks more. McGinn will need one week minimum to be more or less close with us, training and being available to play and Pau Torres is longer.

“He maybe needs another six-eight weeks more.”