Everton aim to pick up their first points of the 2023-24 Premier League season when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday (14.00 BST).
The Toffees suffered a 1-0 loss to Fulham on the opening day of the campaign although there were positives to take.
Sean Dyche’s side created more than enough chances to win the game, especially in the first half, but just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Still, the Everton boss would have taken the positives given he had a depleted squad to select from. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not risked for the game having been carefully monitored over the summer because of his issues he’s suffered during the past two years.
The striker did get 90 minutes under his belt in a training game against Manchester United.
Villa will also have their tails up after suffering a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United. Having made a surge to qualify for the Europa Conference League last season, a drubbing at St James’ Park was last thing they were hoping for. Unai Emery will be demading a response.
Both sides have injury concerns ahead of the clash at Villa Park and here’s an early look at how things stand on that front.
13. Leander Dendoncker- out
Did not feature Villa during pre-season and his return date is unknown. | Getty Images
14. Alex Moreno - out
The Villa left-back had surgery for a hamstring injury suffered in May and won’t be ready to feature until at least the end of August. | Getty Images
15. Jacob Ramsey - out
The Villa midfielder has an ankle injury that looks set to keep him absent until after the international break next month. | Getty Images
16. Tyrone Mings - out
The centre-back is sidelined for the long term after suffering a knee injury in Villa’s opening-day loss to Newcastle. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images