Confidence is at a high at the minute for Everton. Following three wins in a week, the signing of German Under 21s Merlin Rohl and settling into their new home things are starting to look up for the Blues.
This weekend Aston Villa will play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the very first time and currently sit in the relegation zone and haven't yet scored this season.
Despite their current struggles the midlands club haven't been defeated against the Toffees since being promoted back to the Premier League in 2019, winning nine and drawing three in the last 12 encounters between both clubs.
Everton will hope former Villa man Jack Grealish can keep his early form going, with the 30-year-old being instrumental in Everton's bright start to the campaign.
David Moyes's side sit 5th in the Premier League and victory over Aston Villa could be a statement win in what Everton's aspirations are this seasons.
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On Jack Grealish winning Premier League player of the month
Jack Grealish has won the player of the month for august after a stellar month where he registered four assist and has been influential for the Blues.
Speaking to the media manager David Moyes gives all the credit to the 30-year-old and was full of praises.
He said: "I'm really pleased for him. He's worked incredibly hard in games. He's looked after himself in the summer and came back with the right mindset to produce and he has produced for us."
"He's made a big difference for us. It's nothing down to me. It's down to Jack Grealish."
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Team news against Aston Villa
David Moyes has confirmed that both Vitaly Mykolenko and Illiman Ndiaye will be assessed after both suffering with Ndiaye suffering with a knock on international duty with Senegal.
Meanwhile Nathan Patterson and Adam Anzou are not yet match ready.
He said: "We've got a concern about Ndiaye. He's got a knock so we'll need to see, we're not sure how he'll be for tomorrow."
However, this game will be a game too far for Jarrad Branthwaite who is close to returning to the squad.
" Jarrad getting closer, but he's certainly not there yet. Hopefully we get him back because he is a huge player for us."
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Impressive first thoughts of Merlin Rohl
Signed on transfer deadline day on loan from Freiberg with an obligation Merlin Rohl became Everton's ninth signing in what was a busy summer for the club.
The German midfielder could feature this weekend for the Blues and David Moyes has been impressed with what he's seen in the under 21s international.
"I've been pleased with what I've seen from him. He's another young boy coming in from a different league.
A different speed, a different intensity, he'll be able to handle it I've got no doubts about it."
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On facing tomorrow's opponents
The Blues manager was high in praise for Unai Emery and is anticipating a tough game against the midlands club despite their early struggles so far this season.
"I've got massive respect for Aston Villa and I've got great respect for their manager and what they've done in recent seasons. They've been amazing."
"It's a huge game for us. They're one of the teams everyone expects to be near and around the top."
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Moyes's overall thoughts on the transfer market
Everton strengthened in numerous of positions over the summer brining in nine first time players and added quality in the final third.
On reflection of the progress the club made in brining in additions, the 61-year-old is happy with the business that was done.
"The players that we've brought in we can hope they can add to it but if they do as well as the players last season, I'll be more than happy."
The Scotsmen did reveal that the club tried to strengthen his side defensively but nothing came to fruition.
"We'd have liked to have strengthened defensively if we could have. For different reasons we didn't get one over the line."
"The main focus was always to get new attacking players in to give us something different."
