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Everton vs Aston Villa - Live match updates

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First Half: Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Teams | Villa without a win or goal scored | Everton can move top

FREE highlights from 5.15pm! 🚨 | Live Premier League table

Latest: Everton | Villa

Live commentary by Patrick Rowe and Sam Cohen

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Ndiaye finds space to run into and cuts the ball to Beto in the box but the striker can't direct his shot on target!

He couldn't sort his feet out in time.

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe:

"Faint boos from the away end as Grealish gets his first touch of the ball."

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

KICK OFF!

We are under way at the Hill Dickinson Stadium...

Can Everton move level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table or will Aston Villa secure their first win of the season?

Time to find out...

Team news reminder!

A reminder of how the teams shape up this afternoon...

Everton: Pickford, O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Garner, Gana, Iroegbunam, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, Beto.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins.

Emery: New signings working well

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery:

"The new signings are working really well. They are tactically understanding everything we need, and each one has their own qualities and position on the field.

"They are more or less understanding everything and progressing in each training session, but of course now we need to take one step forward by getting them minutes and playing matches."

Could Grealish haunt VIlla?

Aston Villa academy graduate and former club captain Jack Grealish will come up against some familiar faces this afternoon.

Will he haunt his former side and continue his strong start to the Premier League season?

He currently leads the league in assists with four and helped himself to the Player of the Month award in August...

Emery: Happy that Martinez is back

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on Emi Martinez:

"Good news. It’s back to the normal situation now. We’re happy that Martinez is coming back after a different situation, but we’re back to normality.

"The players in the starting lineup are really focused."

Moyes: Hopefully Ndiaye makes it through

Everton boss David Moyes:

"I’m feeling really good because the team are performing really well. Unfortunately, we’ve got no Mykolenko today, but Ndiaye felt okay, so hopefully he’ll be able to make it through."

The new stadium in all its glory...

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Thomas Frank shocked by Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham: 'I expected long exit' with outgoing chairman

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Thomas Frank shocked by Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham: 'I expected long exit' with outgoing chairman - Sky Sports
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Thomas Frank has revealed he was as shocked as the rest of the footballing world at Daniel Levy's sudden exit from Tottenham over the international break - and had been planning for a "long relationship" with the departed chairman.

Levy stunned Spurs fans and the rest of the footballing fraternity by stepping down from his role after more than two decades last week, though Sky Sports News understands he was asked to leave his post with the club keen to move in a new direction.

The long-serving chairman came increasingly under fire in the later years of his reign from Tottenham supporters, who staged a number of protests against his decision making and perceived lack of investment in the club - who have the smallest wage-to-turnover ratio in the Premier league.

But after bringing him to Tottenham this summer, Frank told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday's trip to West Ham that he had no inkling his boss was going to be out of a job less than three months after that appointment - but hopes a "bigger and better" future is to come.

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"It was a big surprise for me," he said. "Of course, I was told a little bit before it was announced, but that still came very sudden, very quick in every aspect. I've worked together now with Daniel for three months and enjoyed that. I think I owe him a lot.

"I've definitely been on course for a long relationship with Daniel. That was the plan, that was my idea. But in life and football, things happen, things change, and then you need to move on. And against West Ham it will be business as usual.

"The legacy he has at Spurs is fantastic, and it's such an incredible job. He's done it in many ways. He's been here for 24 years and has been a big part of changing the club. The two biggest things are this world-class training centre and, of course, a world-class stadium. So to have those two to stand on as a foundation is incredible.

"So we can really build something for the future that's hopefully going to be even better and bigger and more hopeful."

Frank admits it will be easier for him than some others at the club to transition back into normality following Levy's departure, as the pair's direct interactions were largely focused around the transfer window which closed last week. "I could imagine there's a bigger day-to-day change for a lot of other people he's worked with for a long time. For me, a little less," he said.

One of his Levy's actions in that transfer window was to sign off the arrival of Randal Kolo Muani on Deadline Day from PSG, with the Frenchman's loan signing catching fans off guard nearly as much as his subsequent resignation.

Frank denied suggestions the Frenchman was signed as cover for Dominic Solanke, who remains ruled out after missing much of last season with a succession of injuries.

"it's nothing to do with that," he said. "We wanted an extra offensive player in, because we think that's important.

"The good thing is that Kolo Muani can play on both sides as a winger. [Richarlison] can play to the left as well.

"I will not be too much against playing with two strikers sometimes, either during a game or at the start of a game. I've done that in the past. For me, it's about having enough weapons, finding the best team with the best players on the pitch.

"Of course, I will be searching a little bit for the next couple of probably months to find that. Hopefully, I find it as quick as possible, but that will be a little bit of a work in process. Completely normal. I'm learning every day about the players."

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Thomas Frank shocked by Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham: 'I expected long exit' with outgoing chairman

Submitted by daniel on
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Thomas Frank shocked by Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham: 'I expected long exit' with outgoing chairman - Sky Sports
Description

Thomas Frank has revealed he was as shocked as the rest of the footballing world at Daniel Levy's sudden exit from Tottenham over the international break - and had been planning for a "long relationship" with the departed chairman.

Levy stunned Spurs fans and the rest of the footballing fraternity by stepping down from his role after more than two decades last week, though Sky Sports News understands he was asked to leave his post with the club keen to move in a new direction.

The long-serving chairman came increasingly under fire in the later years of his reign from Tottenham supporters, who staged a number of protests against his decision making and perceived lack of investment in the club - who have the smallest wage-to-turnover ratio in the Premier league.

But after bringing him to Tottenham this summer, Frank told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday's trip to West Ham that he had no inkling his boss was going to be out of a job less than three months after that appointment - but hopes a "bigger and better" future is to come.

Got Sky? Watch West Ham vs Tottenham LIVE on your phone📱

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺

"It was a big surprise for me," he said. "Of course, I was told a little bit before it was announced, but that still came very sudden, very quick in every aspect. I've worked together now with Daniel for three months and enjoyed that. I think I owe him a lot.

"I've definitely been on course for a long relationship with Daniel. That was the plan, that was my idea. But in life and football, things happen, things change, and then you need to move on. And against West Ham it will be business as usual.

"The legacy he has at Spurs is fantastic, and it's such an incredible job. He's done it in many ways. He's been here for 24 years and has been a big part of changing the club. The two biggest things are this world-class training centre and, of course, a world-class stadium. So to have those two to stand on as a foundation is incredible.

"So we can really build something for the future that's hopefully going to be even better and bigger and more hopeful."

Frank admits it will be easier for him than some others at the club to transition back into normality following Levy's departure, as the pair's direct interactions were largely focused around the transfer window which closed last week. "I could imagine there's a bigger day-to-day change for a lot of other people he's worked with for a long time. For me, a little less," he said.

One of his Levy's actions in that transfer window was to sign off the arrival of Randal Kolo Muani on Deadline Day from PSG, with the Frenchman's loan signing catching fans off guard nearly as much as his subsequent resignation.

Frank denied suggestions the Frenchman was signed as cover for Dominic Solanke, who remains ruled out after missing much of last season with a succession of injuries.

"it's nothing to do with that," he said. "We wanted an extra offensive player in, because we think that's important.

"The good thing is that Kolo Muani can play on both sides as a winger. [Richarlison] can play to the left as well.

"I will not be too much against playing with two strikers sometimes, either during a game or at the start of a game. I've done that in the past. For me, it's about having enough weapons, finding the best team with the best players on the pitch.

"Of course, I will be searching a little bit for the next couple of probably months to find that. Hopefully, I find it as quick as possible, but that will be a little bit of a work in process. Completely normal. I'm learning every day about the players."

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Premier League predictions and best bets: Mohammed Kudus to take centre stage on West Ham return, Jones Knows tips up 4/1 double

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Premier League predictions and best bets: Mohammed Kudus to take centre stage on West Ham return, Jones Knows tips up 4/1 double - Sky Sports
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Our football betting expert and top tipster Jones Knows is back to preview all 10 Premier League games with a 4/1 double on his radar.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest, Saturday 12:30pm

You couldn't get a more seismic shift in football philosophy from the pragmatism and safety of Nuno Espirito Santo to Ange Postecoglou's front-foot philosophy.

It's a wild appointment from Forest, one showered with risk.

There will be teething problems, especially at the heart of the defence.

Nuno's centre-backs, often protected by a double pivot and narrow shape, were rarely exposed to isolation or high-line races. They weren't expected to be part of the attack, they were there to clear, block and survive. It's what made Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo such an imposing duo last season.

SUPER 6: £1m still up for grabs!

However, Postecoglou doesn't just want control, he wants chaos. The press is high and aggressive. The defensive line creeps ever closer to halfway and centre-backs are no longer shielded - they become part of the plan in possession.

Milenkovic and Murillo are going to take time to adapt which means their prices to be carded offer great value while being caught out of possession is going to be extremely likely. Both are 3/1 with Sky Bet to pick up a booking.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1

Bournemouth vs Brighton, Saturday 3pm

This should be full of goals.

Bournemouth press relentlessly, commit bodies forward in numbers, and play with almost a disregard for defensive structure that leaves their centre-backs asked to do lots of one-on-one work. It's high-risk, high-reward football that leads to goals at both ends when the opposition can hurt them. Brighton are the perfect dance partner in that regard with their last 16 away games in all competitions averaging 3.88 goals per game.

Over 300,000 Super 6 players are predicting a 1-1 draw

The over 3.5 goals line is on offer at 13/8 with Sky Bet and that looks a price to take seriously.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

Oliver Glasner is arguably one of the best pound-for-pound managers in world football and his skills are going to be tested over the next few weeks to keep Palace moving forward. Eberechi Eze has gone while Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton are both set to be out for this one.

One player who could take advantage of opportunities is Justin Devenny and if you're digging around the player shots market this weekend, him to have a shot on target at 4/5 with Sky Bet rates as a juicy price. With injuries forcing Glasner to shuffle his pack, Devenny looks set to be handed a more attacking remit and he does love to shoot as outlined by his 2.65 shots per 90 data from his appearances for Palace so far.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

Everton vs Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm

There was a time when backing goals in an Everton game felt like throwing cash into a firepit. In recent years with Sean Dyche at the helm the football has been functional, efficient and predictable.

They've been an under-goals gamblers dream.

How times have changed though. Everton are now opening up the game. And the arrival of Jack Grealish has added the kind of attacking intent and tempo that's turning David Moyes' team into a great watch. Backing goals in their games looks to be a sweet spot of value to attack as the markets are sleeping and holding too much emphasis on the Dyche days.

Over 2.5 goals here at Evens is one of the best punts of the weekend.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Over 2.5 goals (Evens with Sky Bet)

Fulham vs Leeds United, Saturday 3pm

Opposition centre-backs beware - there's a foul drawing supremo playing as the Leeds centre-forward. And as bettors we must try and take advantage of this edge when assessing the player fouls markets.

Lukas Nmecha isn't renowned as a regular goalscorer but what he does do well is the dirty work needed from a striker. He wins fouls, he's good at the dark arts.

Across his last 50 appearances, he's drawing 3.1 fouls per 90 and has drawn four fouls in his first two starts for Leeds. These types of markets rarely adjust foul lines for defenders based on the specific forward they're facing, so there's an angle to exploit here with Joachim Andersen's price of 5/2 with Sky Bet to make two or more fouls standing out.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

Newcastle United vs Wolves, Saturday 3pm

This stinks of a Newcastle to win to nil betting opportunity at 13/10 with Sky Bet.

Eddie Howe's side may not get the plaudits they deserve for defensive organisation, but this is a team drilled to an elite level. Despite a tough fixture list of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Leeds, Newcastle have managed the best expected goals against process of any team this season, offering up just 1.58 worth of chances. They've also faced the fewest shots (18), showcasing just how strong they are as a unit.

Meanwhile, without Matheus Cunha injecting his quality and class, Wolves look like a team running out of ideas already in the final third. Boosting the raw Newcastle win price of 2/5 with Sky Bet by adding in the clean sheet looks a smart play.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-0

West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur, Saturday 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from this season

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The narrative of Mohammed Kudus returning to West Ham following his move to Tottenham for £55m adds lots of intrigue to an already spicy London derby. Kudus is the first player to join Spurs from West Ham since Scott Parker in 2011 and - as they should - Hammers fans have taken Kudus' move very personally.

He's in for a hot reception and strikes me as a character who will embrace the hostility.

This makes his price of 13/8 with Sky Bet to rack up five or more foul involvements very appealing.

Across his last 50 games in the Premier League playing for West Ham and Spurs, his per 90 foul involvement average is 3.75. And in his four appearances for Spurs already, he's racked up 15 foul involvements.

If you just pull his foul involvement averages against the bigger clubs - in his last 15 appearances against teams that finished in the top 10 of the Premier League and PSG in the Super Cup final, the number comes in at 5.4 per 90. He can hit that average here.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

Brentford vs Chelsea, Saturday 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from this season

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If Chelsea are to challenge for the Premier League title this season, these are the meat-and-drink fixtures that require a no-thrills return of maximum points.

It's something they are becoming very accustomed to doing, though, as Enzo Maresca's side have won 16 of their last 19 games in all competitions. Chelsea are a very reliable team to trust. There's a calmness and control about this team now.

Over 250,000 Super 6 entrants are predicting a 2-0 win for Chelsea

They possess a machine-like quality, quietly getting results in matches they're expected to win. That makes them a dangerous animal for Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.

SCORE PREDICTION: 0-2

Burnley vs Liverpool, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from this season

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These newly-promoted teams at home are going to be bigger forces to be reckoned with than last season. Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester only won five home games between them while the new boys are already at four wins combined from just five matches.

Burnley at Turf Moor can make this scrappy and fiddly for Liverpool. Scott Parker's team are unbeaten in their last 24 home league games and although that run is likely to end here, there will be positive vibes with the players likely to feed off the fact they're very used to winning games in front of their own supporters.

Despite Liverpool's perfect start results-wise, it has been clear they've struggled to find their flow and that stodge may just continue for another week due to the international break limiting time on the training pitch for Arne Slot. The Reds beat Leicester, Wolves and Southampton twice across all competitions by a one-goal margin last season on the road. It's 11/4 with Sky Bet to happen again at Turf Moor.

SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1

Manchester City vs Manchester United, Sunday 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from this season

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The Premier League might be back on your screen, and you're ready to go goals galore with your punting after sitting through England vs Andorra for the 32,000th time but the trends suggest this is a time in the calendar where goals drop like a stone.

Players have been flying halfway across the globe and managers have had barely a day or two with their full squads.

The result? Slower starts, lower intensity, fewer chances.

Across the last two seasons, this matchday immediately after the international break, the average goals per game sits at a lowly 2.35 which is way down on the overall average of 3.1 per game during those two seasons.

Also, of the last 40 Premier League games played immediately after the first international break, 20 of them have been 0-0 at the break and the average first half goals scored is 0.9 per game.

Matches can be cagey and this one fits the bill where the market is overplaying the chances of goals. That makes the under 2.5 line at 13/8 with Sky Bet a nice edge to attack in a fixture which has only averaged 2.6 goals per game across the last 10.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-0 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals (13/8 with Sky Bet)

Jones Knows' Best Bet:

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