Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his side must find a way to compete away from home as they prepare to face an Everton side who will be roused by the return of David Moyes.
Moyes earned a return to the dugout this week and takes charge of an Everton side badly in need of points in the Premier League.
Villa have enjoyed another exciting season under Emery – particularly in the Champions League – but their recent away form has cost them dearly. Villa have lost their last five away games in the Premier League – their worst run since losing their last seven away games in 2015-16.
Emery said: “Of course, every game we play has been difficult. Play away [has been] more difficult.
Last time against the Toffees:
◉ A double from Ollie ✌️
◉ A rocket from Jhon 🚀
◉ The three points 👊 pic.twitter.com/OybZs6AxsR– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 13, 2025
“Our challenge is how we can compete away, because in the last matches we played away in the Premier League we didn’t score 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 with Moyes too. Before, he was a very successful coach with them, but we have to try to focus on our game, our game plan.
Despite their travel sickness, Villa enter the midweek schedule just four points off the top four and look well placed to challenge at the top of the table again.
Emery has injury problems with defender Pau Torres and midfielders John McGinn and Ross Barkley missing.
He said: “Barkley lasts more or less two or three weeks longer. McGinn will need at least a week to be more or less close to us, train and be available to play and Pau Torres is longer.
“He may need another six to eight weeks.”
