Unai Emery’s Villa will come up against a rejuvenated Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday (3pm) as the Premier League resumes after the international break
Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye celebrate Everton's first victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye celebrate Everton's first victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson disagree in their score predictions for Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Jack Grealish and Everton.
Unai Emery’s Villa will come up against a rejuvenated Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday (3pm) as the Premier League resumes after the international break.
The former Villa captain has started his loan at Everton from Manchester City in great form, playing a key role as David Moyes’ side won two of their opening three matches.
In contrast, Villa are winless after three matches.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: “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's 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.”
Sutton's score prediction: Everton 1-1 Villa
Merson, however, is backing Everton to claim victory.
“Everton have become the entertainers, haven't they? Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish clicking straightaway has been a real delight for them. It's also a good time for Everton to play Aston Villa, who can't score a goal for a toffee!” he told Sportskeeda.
“I can't believe I'm backing Everton here because Villa are a good team. It's just that Unai Emery's men are not clicking as a unit and I expect their wait for a win to go on.”
Merson’s score prediction: Everton 2-0 Villa
What's your score prediction? Tell us HERE
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image