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Aston Villa vs Everton Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: January 18, 2026 Venue: Villa Park Kickoff Time: 18:30 The significance not only lies in the rich history of this clash but also in the contrasting directions and ambitions of both clubs. Premier League betting fans can look forward to another classic encounter with odds to put you one step ahead before kickoff. Aston Villa and Everton have always had evenly contested, aggressive matches in recent times, and when the whistle blows, form and reputation count for a little, and resolve becomes decisive.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-01-13

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Jack Grealish of Everton is challenged by Matty Cash

Jack Grealish of Everton is challenged by Matty Cash/ Getty Images

Victory here for Villa would further cement their credentials among the league’s rising forces and keep alive aspirations of European football, which represents progress, prestige, and validation of their upward trajectory. For the Toffees, a positive result here would be more than just points on the board; it would be a statement of resilience and belief at a stage of the season where margins are thin, and consequences are unforgiving.

As the whistle approaches, Aston Villa will welcome Everton to Villa Park on 18 January 2026, a stadium buzzing with belief and once again a fortress for the home side. The noise and the tension will create an atmosphere fitting for a fixture that is expected to produce end-to-end action and moments of brilliance worthy of defining the outcome.

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (ASTON VILLA): 16/25 (1.64) – 61%

  2. DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%

  3. AWAY (EVERTON): 23/5 (5.60) – 17.9% 

    Odds courtesy of William Hill, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 1

    13/09/2025: Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

  2. 2

    15/01/2025: Everton 0-1 Aston Villa 

  3. 3

    14/09/2024: Aston Villa 3-2 Everton

  4. 4

    14/01/2024: Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

  5. 5

    27/09/2023: Aston Villa 1-2 Everton 

Aston Villa Current Form – WDWLW

There is no disguising the remarkable transformation Unai Emery has masterminded at Aston Villa. What was once a mid-table side has evolved into a genuine top-four contender. Villa’s game now hums with precision, a well-balanced midfield, lightning-quick wide play, and an attacking style that never lets up. Tactically astute and razor-sharp, they have become masters of outsmarting opponents.

Ahead of facing Everton, Villa has seen mixed results but still maintains its place amongst the top four. They earned a valuable away win in south-west London with a composed performance against Chelsea, but were humbled in a top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates against Arsenal. While Villa showed tactical discipline, they were outclassed, highlighting the gap between them and the elite.

Heading into the new year, Emery and his men came up with a confident response after their defeat to Arsenal and comfortably beat Nottingham at home. At Selhurst Park, Villa controlled possession and created chances, but the finishing touch eluded them, resulting in a goalless draw. In the most recent outing, the Villains defeated Tottenham away from home in an exciting FA Cup tie and now return home, looking to add another three points to their tally when Everton comes to town. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Morgan Rodgers: Rodgers is pure quality and has become the difference maker for Villa when it matters most. With speed, strength on the ball, impressive ball-carrying skills, and finishing at the highest level, Rogers is a player who can single-handedly turn a game on its head. 
  • Emiliano Buendia: Buendia is undermined at times, but is someone who can unlock a defence when you least expect it. He has the vision to make decisive passes in dangerous areas, his runs are purposeful, and he comes up with important goals, adding extra quality to Villa’s attack. 
  • Ollie Watkins: Watkins is the spearhead of Villa’s attack. He’s the type of forward who is always on the move and looking to make defenders pay when given the space to show his quality. Whether it’s a cheeky flick, a roaring shot, or a perfectly timed run, Watkin is sure to produce a moment of magic. 

Aston Villa Team News

Evann Guessand is away on international duty. Amadou Onana (hamstring) could see himself back in the squad if everything goes to plan after recovering from a hamstring injury. Ross Barkley (knee) is expected to make a return early next month after spending two months out with a knee injury. 

Everton Current Form – DDLWD

Everton may not always dominate the ball, but they know how to dominate a game plan. Organized, disciplined, and dangerous on the counter, the Toffees have shown they can frustrate even the toughest opponents. However, inconsistency has been their biggest setback, costing them valuable points. If David Moyes can iron out those issues, Everton has the tools and quality to climb the table.

The last five games have seen Everton struggle to find any glimpse of form. Despite keeping a clean sheet against Burnley, the Toffees struggled to create anything of real danger, resulting in a goalless draw. Against Nottingham, it was a better all-around performance in a much-needed victory, showing what they can be when both defence and attack click.

Going into the matchup against a resurgent Brentford outfit, expectations were high, but structural issues at the back cost them a heavy defeat. Everton then drew with Wolves in a performance that was marred by mistakes, despite showing good energy and attacking intent. Last time out, they were knocked out by Sunderland in a spicy FA Cup encounter, and now face a tough battle in their first away game of the new year as they take on Aston Villa with hopes of coming away with a positive result. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Thiernno Barry: Barry offers Everton a focal point in attack. He battles, he holds the ball, and he makes life difficult for defenders every single minute. With confidence growing and goals coming, he’s a forward who can cause an upset on the day if provided with the right opportunities.  
  • James Garner: Garner is a tireless workhorse with the quality to influence both defence and attack. His relentless energy drives the midfield, his footballing intelligence keeps everything ticking, and when the chance comes, he has the belief and quality to find the net. 
  • James Tarkowski: Tarkowski is the rock at the heart of the defence for Everton. Strong, fearless, and uncompromising, he wins his duels, owns the air, and turns defence into dominance. Add his threat from set-pieces, and he becomes key for the Toffees, especially in this fixture.

Everton Team News

Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are both away on international duty. Jack Grealish (red card) was sent off after receiving two yellow cards against Wolves, which will see him missing this fixture and returning against Leeds. Michael Keane (red card) received his marching orders after a direct red card for violent conduct, also against Wolves, and will return on matchday 25 against Fulham.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Aston Villa: 4-2-3-1
    Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Digne, Tielemans, Kamara, McGinn, Rodgers, Buendia, Watkins

  2. Everton: 4-3-3
    Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Patterson, Mykolenko, Garner, Armstrong, Iroegbunam, McNeil, Dibling, Barry.

Suggested Bets

Kick things off with a substantial welcome bonus and set yourself up for strong returns.

  1. Aston Villa To Win: Villa are in good form and have home ground advantage, where they have been exceptional, which will see them impose their style towards collecting maximum points. 16/25 (1.64) with Betway.

  2. Total (Over 2.5): Both teams have tended toward games with multiple goals scored over their recent meetings. 89/100 (1.89) with Midnite. 

  3. Both Teams To Score (Yes): While Villa might edge the result, the Toffees can still find the net. 91/100 (1.91) with Hollywoodbets.

Value Bets

If you’re looking for more value for your money, these value bets are designed to deliver stronger returns.

  1. Winning Margin (Aston Villa by 2): Villa’s attacking threat will pin Everton’s defence back, which will provide more control and scoring opportunities the longer the game goes on. 37/10 (4.70) with Unibet.

  2. Anytime Goal Scorer (Ollie Watkins): Watkins loves the big stage and is likely to show his quality and get his name on the scoresheet. 31/25 (2.24) with William Hill. 

  3. Half Time/Full Time (Aston Villa/Aston Villa): Villa will dominate and dictate the way this game plays, especially with Everton missing key players. 69/50 (2.38) with BetMGM. 

Prediction: Aston Villa to Win

Aston Villa is well-positioned to beat Everton at Villa Park. Their home strength, tactical clarity, and superior attacking quality give them a clear edge. They are likely to dictate the tempo, and if they get a strong early start, their advantage should translate into a home victory.

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.