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 delighted by the return of David Moyes.
Moyes secured a return to the dugout this week and takes charge of an Everton side in desperate need of points in the Premier League.
Villa have had another exciting season under Emery – particularly in the Champions League – but their recent away form has cost them. Villa have lost their last five away games in the Premier League – their worst such run since losing their last seven away games in the 2015/16 season.
Emery said: “Obviously every game we play has been difficult. Playing away (was) more difficult.
Last game against the Toffees:
◉ A brace from Ollie ✌️
◉ A rocket from Jhon 🚀
◉All three points 👊 pic.twitter.com/OybZs6AxsR– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 13, 2025
“Our challenge is how we can compete away from home because in the last few games we played away in the Premier League we didn’t get any points and tomorrow is our challenge.”
“Everton have a new head coach and of course I think they will be very motivated along with the crowd and the players; I’m also excited about Moyes. He was a very successful coach there before with them, but we have to try to concentrate on our game, our game plan.”
Despite their motion sickness, Villa go into the midweek program just four points off the top four and look well placed to challenge for the top of the table again.
Emery has injury concerns with defender Pau Torres and midfielders John McGinn and Ross Barkley missing.
He said: “Barkley takes about two or three weeks more. “McGinn will need at least a week to be more or less close to us, training and ready to play, and Pau Torres will need longer.
“Maybe he needs another six to eight weeks.”
