Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his side must find a way to compete away from home as they prepare to take on an Everton side who will be buoyed by the return of David Moyes.

Moyes has returned to the dugout this week and taken charge of an Everton side in dire need of points in the Premier League.

Villa have had another exciting season under Emery – particularly in the Champions League – but their recent away form has cost them. Villa have lost their last five away games in the Premier League – their worst run since losing their final seven away games in 2015-16.

Emery said: “Of course every match we play is difficult. Playing away (remains) more difficult.

Last time against the Toffees:

◉ Brace from Ollie ✌️
◉ Rocket from John 🚀
◉ All three points 👊 pic.twitter.com/OybZs6AxsR

– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 13, 2025

“Our challenge is how can we compete away, because we haven’t got points in the last matches we’ve played away in the Premier League and that’s our challenge tomorrow.

“Everton have a new head coach and of course they are going to be, I think with the crowd, the players, very motivated; Also excited with Moyes. Before, he was a very successful coach with him there, but we have to try and focus on our match, our game plan.

Despite their travel sickness Villa go into the midweek program just four points behind the top four and are well placed to challenge again at the top end of the table.

Emery has injury concerns missing defender Pau Torres and midfielders John McGuinn and Ross Barkley.

He said: “Barkley is more or less two or three weeks out. McGinn will need at least a week to be more or less close to us, being available to train and play, and Pau Torres longer.

“He’ll probably need another six-eight weeks.”