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 reawakened by the return of David Moyes.
Moyes has secured a return to action this week and is in charge of an Everton side in dire need of Premier League points.
Villa have had another exciting season under Emery – particularly in the Champions League – but recent away form has cost them. Villa have lost their last five Premier League away games – their worst run since losing their last seven away games in 2015-16.
Emery said: “Of course every game we play has been difficult. Playing away [has been] harder.
Last time against the Toffees:
◉ Strap from Ollie ✌️
◉ 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 the last games we played away from home in the Premier League we did not win points, and tomorrow is our challenge.
“Everton has a new head coach and of course they will be, I think considering the crowd, the players, very motivated; excited as with Moyes. He was a very successful coach there with them before, but we have to try to focus on our game, our game plan.”
Despite the travel sickness, Villa enter the midweek program just four points behind the top four and look well placed to challenge again at the top of the table.
Emery has injury problems with defender Pau Torres and midfielders John McGinn and Ross Barkley missing.
He said: “Barkley is about two or three weeks out. McGinn will need at least a week to be as close as possible to us, train and be available to play, while Pau Torres will need longer.
“Maybe he needs another six or eight weeks.”
