Everton vs Aston Villa - Roberto Martinez relishes run of fixtures

Posted Saturday, November 21, 2015 by PA

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is relishing his side tackling the "incredible block of fixtures" ahead that starts on Saturday and will go a long way towards determining how their season pans out.

The international break just concluded was the third so far in 2015-16, but the next one is not until March.

And between now and then, Martinez's men are scheduled to play 19 Barclays Premier League matches - beginning with this weekend's home clash with Aston Villa - as well as ties in the Capital One Cup and FA Cup.

Everton, who have finished fifth and then 11th in their two seasons under the Spaniard so far, are currently ninth in the table after 12 games.

And asked ahead of the Villa contest what his team could achieve this term, Martinez said: "I think that's the theme of this period - from now until the next international break, that is exactly the answer we need to find.

"Now is our time to show what we can do and how good we can be, and clearly the next 19 league games are going to give us that answer.

"It's such an incredible block of fixtures now - a really, really important period starting with the game on Saturday."

Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley is poised to return to action against his former club Villa, while a late decision will be made on whether Leighton Baines is ready for his maiden first-team appearance of the season.

Cleverley, who last featured in August, and Toffees full-back Baines have both been sidelined by ankle problems.

The game could also see a first Everton appearance since September for fit-again midfielder Muhamed Besic. Defenders Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning are two more who will undergo late checks due to knocks.

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde has put the brakes on any move for Steve Round.

Former Manchester United assistant Round held talks with Villa in the summer while Tim Sherwood was still in charge.

Garde confirmed he spoke to Round after he was appointed this month but has brought in Reginald Ray as his assistant.

"I am happy at the moment with my staff," said Garde.

"I have brought with me Reginald Ray and Robert Duverne. I know Steve Round has been linked with the club but probably before I came here.

Jordan Amavi has been ruled out for the rest of Villa's season with a serious knee injury he suffered on international duty with France's Under-21s.

The left-back is likely to be replaced by Kieran Richardson at Everton while Gabby Agbonlahor is struggling with a calf strain and Rudy Gestede will be monitored after a knee injury.

Ashley Westwood is set to return to the squad after missing the 0-0 draw with Manchester City following a blow to the head, Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori - who has not featured for the club this season - is training but not match fit while Ciaran Clark is also set to keep Joleon Lescott on the bench.