Is Jack back, Everton tonight and we know what is possible

I knew we were playing Everton soon but didn't know it was so soon. I had it in my head that it was Spurs today for some reason. I'm getting old and forgetful.

What isn't getting old is Jack Grealish and there are rumours that he could be back tonight. Now, they're just rumours but I imagine it would be nice or him to play a part if he can before the season ends.

That said, we've had a good season and although it's not over, it sort of actually is. But as I wrote recently, Everton are one of those sides that I set the season against. A couple of weeks ago we won and that felt good. It will feel better if we win today.

Better because Everton are a decent side with a decent manager and they've had a decent season. Not as decent as West Ham or even Leicester and both of those sides that we should feel we can be doing better than. They have certainly shown us what is possible and achievable.

So, a win tonight and feel better about the season. A draw and we sneaked Everton. Defeat and it just means we did better than last season. Either way, it will be nice to see Jack back and to have a few beers in front of the football on a Thursday. Thursday football. What a time.

Match facts from the BBC

Head-to-head

• Aston Villa won the reverse fixture 2-1 and could do the league double for the first time since the 2000-01 campaign.
• Everton have won three of their past five away league games in this fixture.
• This is the 206th league meeting between the sides, extending its record as the most-played match in English league history.

Aston Villa

• They have lost half of their 20 league matches in 2021; only Sheffield United and Southampton have fared worse.
• It's eight defeats in 17 Premier League home fixtures this season for Villa. Relegated sides Sheffield United and Fulham are the only sides to have lost more often at home.
• Aston Villa's tally of 48 points is their highest in a Premier League season since they finished 2010-11 with a similar tally.
• Emiliano Martinez could equal Villa's Premier League record of 15 clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a season. However, Villa have gone eight matches without a clean sheet, conceding 14 goals.
• The Villans have only earned 12 points from 12 games without Jack Grealish.

Everton

• Carlo Ancelotti's side have earned 36 away points this season, compared to only 19 at Goodison Park.
• Everton are unbeaten in their past five midweek away league matches.
• They are one short of equalling the club Premier League record of nine away clean sheets in a season, set in 2008-09.
• The Blues have kept a clean sheet in three consecutive away league games for the first time since September 2015.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Everton's joint-top English scorer in a season with 16 goals.