Premier League: Aston Villa v Everton match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Manager Paul Lambert of Aston Villa shakes hands with the mascot (Getty Images)

About the fixture...

It sounds like the answer to a pub quiz question, but Aston Villa v Everton is in fact the fixture in English football that has occurred the most.

Aston Villa will be looking to improve their dreadful home record which has seen them take just 14 points from their last 48 at home and will take courage from the fact that they have at times looked dangerous this season, defeating both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Christian Benteke's return from injury will also provide a real boost to Paul Lambert's men.

Facing them though will be another imposing Belgian striker in Romelu Lukaku who has started fantastically since coming to Everton on loan.

Everton have won four out of their last five games but have been shaky on the road winning only once in their last 12 away games.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Everton 3 (Anichibe, Fellaini x2) Aston Villa 3 (Benteke x 2, Agbonlahor), Premier League, February 2013

Aston Villa 1 (El Ahmadi) Everton 3 (Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic), Premier League, August 2012

Aston Villa 1 (Bent) Everton 1 (Anichebe), Premier League, January 2012

STATS…

This is the most-played fixture in the English top flight. Aston Villa have 72 wins to Everton's 71 from the previous 196 league meetings.

Seven of the last nine league meetings have been drawn.

Everton have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 18 Premier League games against Aston Villa.

The visit of Everton means Villa will have already played six of last season's top seven sides in their first nine fixtures.

No side has conceded the first goal of the game more often than Villa in the Premier League this season (six).

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 3.4

Everton to win: 2.2

Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm