Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley hasn’t played since August but could feature against his former club after overcoming an ankle injury.
Leighton Baines could make his first appearance of the season after stepping up his recovery from an ankle problem.
Aston Villa defender Jordan Amavi has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury he suffered on international duty.
Gabby Agbonlahor and Rudy Gestede are both injury doubts for Saturday.
Editor’s Note: Aston Villa held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw before the International Break although that performance would have almost felt like a win considering Manchester City threw everything at them but still didn’t manage to breach the Villa net.
New Manager Remi Garde will take massive comfort from that and look to build on that as they entertain an Everton side who are whose form has been a little indifferent. They hit Sunderland for 6 a couple of games ago but that is there only win their last 5 matches.
Although the result haven’t quite matched the performances this is an Everton team which seems to be seeing the full potential of Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has looked pretty bullish this season and his link up play with Arouna Kone against Sunderland was incredibly impressive, can they get more joy tomorrow when they travel to Birmingham.
I think Everton will have enough to overcome the challenge of Aston Villa and leave the Midlands with all 3 points.