The return of David Moyes has changed the mood music at Everton but he needs to get some Premier League points on the board to keep the feelgood factor going, starting with the visit of Aston Villa.
Moyes has inherited a team sitting just a point above the drop zone after a horror run of one win in 11 games saw predecessor Sean Dyche escorted off the premises.
The Scot was hugely successful in his first spell at Goodison Park but the quality of the squad is a lot poorer now so he faces a big challenge turning things around. The Toffees still aren't among the favourites for relegation but if results don't pick up their price will shorten even more.
Facing Aston Villa is certainly a tough opener with Unai Emery's side on a high after coming from behind to beat West Ham in the FA Cup, bringing up two bets for Slips Tips.
Villa are chasing a top-four slot for the second season in a row and find themselves just four points off the pace so Emery will be determined to ruin Moyes' homecoming.
How the bookies view it: No happy return for Moyes
This is a tough one to call with Everton getting a lift from their change in the dugout but BoyleSports make the Toffees 11/5 outsiders. Aston Villa are 13/10 favourites and the draw pays 21/10.
Recent head to head: Villa turning it up to 11
Aston Villa beat Everton 3-2 at home earlier in this season and have gone 11 Premier League games without defeat in this fixture. But the Toffees can take a little heart from the fact they claimed a 2-1 win at Villa Park in the EFL Cup last term.
Players to watch: Jolly Rogers
Morgan Rogers grabbed Villa's winner in the FA Cup on Friday and that took his tally for the season to seven. The midfielder is always a threat and he's 11/4 with BoyleSports for another goal here.
Everton scored just once in the last five games of Dyche's reign, with Iliman Ndiaye netting in the draw at Manchester City. He also grabbed the clincher against Peterborough in the FA Cup and is 7/2 for another strike here at BoyleSports. Bet365 price him at a tempting 2/1 to either score or assist.
Probable line-ups
Armando Broja's injury against Posh was a huge blow for the Toffees as he had only just returned from a long spell out. He joins Dominic Calvert Lewin, Dwight McNeill, Seamus Coleman, James Garner, Tim Ireogbunam and Youssef Chermiti on the sidelines.
Villa are sweating on the fitness of keeper Emi Martinez after he sat out the win over West Ham. Ross Barkley was crocked in that game and now joins John McGinn, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos in the treatment room. But striker Jhon Duran is available again after a three-match ban.
Everton: Pickford, Patterson, Branthwaite, O'Brien, Mykolenko, Mangala, Doucoure, Gueye, Harrison, Ndiaye, Beto.
Aston Villa: Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Ramsey, Rodgers, Bailey, Watkins.
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Everton have been struggling in front of goal, I fancy BTTS in this one at 3/4 with BoyleSports, given Villa have conceded in their last seven games. That's not great value but you can boost the odds to 11/8 by adding on over 2.5 goals.
Amadou Onana will be going up against his old club and that makes the Villa midfielder a good option for a card. He has picked up three yellows so far this term and is worth backing to go into the book once that market is priced up.
Emery's side have averaged over 10 corners in their last two games so that's another market worth exploring. Over 10.5 match corners pays 10/11 with BoyleSports while over 5.5 Villa flag kicks is 20/21.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa will be played on Jan 15, 2025 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
