Goodison View: Dyche must recall Everton gem v Aston Villa, he's ready after 'Baptism of fire'

Sean Dyche will hope his side can claim their first points of the Premier League season as Everton take on Aston Villa on Saturday (14 September).

The Toffees have begun their 2024/25 campaign in awful form, facing three straight league defeats against Brighton, Tottenham and Bournemouth, with a cup win in between.

Following the opening two losses, it looked like the first league win was in the bag, only for Bournemouth to come from two goals down in the final 10 minutes.

Injuries also look to be causing quite an issue at Goodison Park, with Seamus Coleman returning from international duty with a new reason to be sidelined, though it is understood not to be too serious.

Despite this, the 35-year-old is unlikely to be available and Nathan Patterson is still working his way back to full fitness [YouTube].

Ashley Young is the third and final senior right-back option but may have lost all trust with his red card against Brighton.

Roman Dixon to be handed third Everton appearance v Aston Villa?

The Toffees’ right-back problem has been ongoing from the start of the season. The club attempted to address it during the summer transfer window but to no avail.

This leaves academy prospect Roman Dixon as the final option for Dyche, who was given the nod during the 4-0 thumping by Spurs, and despite the scoreline, he was a rare shining light on the day.

Reacting to the 19-year-old’s performance, Nizaar Kinsella wrote via BBC Sport [24 August]: “Nineteen-year-old defender Roman Dixon deserves some praise for his Everton debut.

“He is coming out of it having won a fair few one-on-one duels versus Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min. It has been a real baptism of fire without any protection in front of him but he can hold his head high.”

If Dixon can somewhat handle the threat of Son, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Odobert, he will have a chance of putting up with the threat that Unai Emery’s Villa are bound to throw at him.

In other Everton news, John Textor is set for a £200million jackpot as he pushes to complete a takeover at Goodison Park.

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