Behind Enemy Lines: an Aston Villa fan's view on Saturday's clash with Everton FCVilla fan Sam Tighe gives his views on the weekend's game as the Blues look to kick-start their season at Goodison Park 
Everton FC still await their first win of the season at Goodison Park, and return to their home ground on Saturday after back-to-back trips to Anfield and Old Trafford.
Aston Villa, who sit firmly mid-table in 10th, are the next opponents for Roberto Martinez's side - and they have already taken three points from Merseyside this season.
What do Villa fans make of their side and the weekend's game? We spoke to Sam Tighe, lead writer at Bleacher Report and Aston Villa fan, to get the lowdown on Paul Lambert's side.
A mixed start for Aston Villa - what do you make of the first months of the season?Sam Tighe: The fans were pleasantly surprised when Villa held out for a clean sheet away to Stoke City on the opening day. It's often too early to draw dramatic conclusions from the first game, but it's been a long time since a Villa team looked even half as resilient as that XI did at the Britannia Stadium.
That continued into the next few games; Aly Cissohko's own goal was the only shot to make it past Brad Guzan in the opening four fixtures. Since then, though, the fixture computer has really ruined the flow of the team. In addition to losing Ron Vlaar - Villa's clear and obvious tactical lynchpin in defence - we've taken on last season's top four in consecutive games, and now face last season's 5th-placed side in Everton.
Given that we're not expected to win any of the games, and due to the fact we took a three-point haul from Anfield, fans aren't really concerned despite the three loss streak. We're patiently waiting for the storm to subside and see the team take on more reasonable opposition once again. We're nearly there.
Roy Keane has been in the news plenty over the international break. Given he is still your assistant manager, is it a problem at all?ST: I don't see it as a problem. In fact, given the doom and gloom that has surrounded the club over the past three or four seasons, picking up a paper or loading NewsNow and seeing Villa-related news that doesn't concern relegation, losses, failed sales or key players leaving is a welcome change. Whether it's the fear factor he has apparently installed or his magnificent beard (recently, tragically shorn), he's a cause for a chuckle or a smile and that's OK.
That said, perhaps the last few desperate seasons have taken such a toll that having an assistant manager with a big beard is now, inexplicably, a "positive."
Will we see a similar set-up to the side that beat Liverpool at Anfield, and which players should Everton look out for?ST: The big question is whether or not Christian Benteke - a man Everton's defence are very well acquainted with - is fit enough to start. He bagged 30 minutes prior to the international break against Manchester City and looked OK, then stayed at home and worked on his fitness while Marc Wilmots' men soldiered on without him.
If he starts, Villa will play; if he sits, Villa will counterattack almost exclusively through Gabby Agbonlahor. Villa's forward line isn't skilled enough on the ball to hold play and dominate possession without the Belgian, with Andi Weimann excelling mostly in work-rate and Agbonlahor mostly in pace.
Even if Benteke does come in, expect the lion's share of possession to go to Everton - just like it did last season, and the season before that.
Which Everton player are you most worried about?ST: Usually i'd say Romelu Lukaku for obvious reasons, but he's not playing well at the moment and if Paddy McNair can bottle him up, i'd hope Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos or Nathan Baker could too.
I never thought i'd say this, but the reinvention of Steven Naismith is a scary one for the opposing players, managers and fans. His delightful movement, clever attacking instincts and assured finishing makes him Everton's biggest goal threat right now in my view.
What do you make of the Blues' difficult start to the season? ST: The UEFA Europa League is a problem and it's contributed to the dodgy start, but I've seen plenty of Everton and they should be higher up the table than they are. They haven't closed out games well and haven't put them to bed. Toffees fans likely don't need reminding from me, but rest assured the rest of the Premier League also couldn't believe you botched the Leicester City and Arsenal games. You were probably good value for a draw at Old Trafford, too. It's a shame.
Prediction?ST: That "habit" Villa had under Martin O'Neill of picking up points at Goodison Park has dwindled, and recent history suggests a loss looms. That said, I watched a number of Everton players tire themselves out on the international break, and Villa look likely to be much better rested. I'm going for a sneaky draw, 1-1, though whether or not the away side will deserve the points on the balance of play is another question!
Echo
