Everton vs Aston Villa pre-match thread

[Concrete John]

I'd expect, injuries aside, the same league side we've seen so far, but with Jenas in for Heskey.  I'd like to see Bannan get a start, even if it is wide left, so would do that and stick Gabby upfront if Bent isn't fit.

[pedro25]

Agree, if Bent id fit I'd put Barry in for Petrov, so Delph and Jenas in the middle with Barry just in front.

[TheSandman]

I'd expect, injuries aside, the same league side we've seen so far, but with Jenas in for Heskey.

I think we will see that. I will be angry though as it should be Bannan rather than Mr Mediocre.

[Shrek]

I'd go with.


........Jenas-Delph

N'Zogbia-Bannan-gabby

.......Bent/heskey

[Rigadon]

I'd go with.


........Jenas-Delph

N'Zogbia-Bannan-gabby

.......Bent/heskey

Yes, that look about right to me.  Bit harsh on Petrov being dropped for Jenas mind you.

[KRS]

I doubt AM will drop Petrov immediately...more likely sub him for JJ in 2nd half depending on how the game is going. Similarly I doubt he'll drop Heskey for Bannan.

[garyshawsknee]

I doubt AM will drop Petrov immediately...more likely sub him for JJ in 2nd half depending on how the game is going. Similarly I doubt he'll drop Heskey for Bannan.

Yep,unless theres some injuries,i cant see him dropping Heskey or making any changes. Nil Nil.

[JJ-AV]

Jenas - Stan - Delph
N'Zogbia - Bent - Gabby

For me.

If Bent is out then Bannan in for him and Gabby central and a re-jig.

[cdbearsfan]

I'd go with.


........Jenas-Delph

N'Zogbia-Bannan-gabby

.......Bent/heskey

I know Everton traditionally have a poor start but I still think it would be very foolish to start with just seven players, and no goalkeeper.

I'm all for the team being confident but that crosses the line into arrogance, in my opinion.

[villadelph]

I want Bannan in the squad but I'm a bit nervous he'll be out-muscled. For that reason Petrov must remain in the squad.

...............Bent
N'Zogbia  Bannan Gabby
.........Delph    Petrov
Nock Dunne Collin Hutton

I feel Bannan's distribution abilities will send N'zogbia and Gabby into the final third with a lot of pace. I want to see Jenas feature also, whether if it's because Bannan or Delph underperform or Stan gets tired. If Bent is unhealthy I would filter in Heskey and have him and Gabby alternating freely.

[Louzie0]

I've just voted for Villa to beat Everton because we can. 
And we will.

[pedro25]

Yer if Bent is out Gabby's a better centre forward than Heskey for me too.

[russon]

Everton are in proper strife and we can beat these if we play half decent. 2-0 with a Bent double. Hey! Bent double! Never thought of that before, might sell that to the headline writers at the Mercury if it comes true

[Vanilla]

Does anyone know if there is any update on Collins' injury from Tuesday?

[Simon Ward]

1016 FOOTBALL: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty on Twitter: "Everton fans will stage a protest march before game v Aston Villa on Saturday over "stagnation" under current board."