Alan Shearer has predicted another defeat for Everton in a “difficult” game against Aston Villa on Saturday [14. September].
The Toffees have lost all three league games this season and sit bottom of the Premier League table after the international break.
Sean Dyche needs a result at Villa Park after a shock 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth at Goodison Park and is expected to suffer a long afternoon against Unai Emery.
“It’s another tough task for Everton. Their confidence must be very, very low after what happened against Bournemouth last time,” Shearer predicted to the Metro [13. September].
“It will be a long international break for them and I think it will continue. I don’t see them getting anything out of the game, so I’m going for a home win.”
Sean Dyche needs to find a way for Everton
This time last season, Dyche’s Everton were in a similar position but managed to find form midway through the season to secure a comfortable mid-table position, 14 points clear of the relegation places.
Kevin Thelwell has done well with his limited resources to provide the Blues with the necessary additions in key positions to build on last year’s efforts. After three games, however, all optimism disappeared from Goodison Park.
The breakdown against Bournemouth is emblematic of Everton. They are accused of not scoring enough goals, but when they do, it’s still not enough for all three points. Fingers should be pointed at the locker room with 10 goals conceded in three games.
Iliman Ndiaye has been a shining light and has shown glimpses of what he can offer Everton in defeat, so it will be vital for the Blues to get a result at Villa Park.
With Jarrad Branthwaite confirmed and Seamus Coleman likely to miss the game, the odds are high against the Toffees. They will have to rely on the out-of-form Michael Keane and one of Ashley Young or Roman Dixon to stop Aston Villa’s attack.
Dyche produced a masterful move in the 2-0 win against Liverpool last season and his side will need to repeat the same level of play to have any chance of beating Emery.