The lights are coming on at Villa Park. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're looking for the Aston Villa game today, you might be a day early—or just eager. Technically, the big one against Everton kicks off tomorrow at 4:30 PM local time. But the conversation? That’s happening right now in every pub from Aston to Erdington.
Villa are sitting in third. Let that sink in for a second. After the chaos of the early season where we couldn't buy a goal, Unai Emery has steered this ship into some seriously calm, yet high-velocity waters. We are just three points off Arsenal and a single point behind Manchester City. It’s the kind of table position that makes you check the standings twice just to be sure you aren't dreaming.
But there’s a massive cloud hanging over the North Stand.
The Kamara-shaped hole in the middle
Honestly, the news about Boubacar Kamara is a gut punch. He went down in the ninth minute against Spurs in the FA Cup, and Emery confirmed in his Friday presser that it’s a knee issue. He’s out. We don’t know for how long, but "not available and maybe for a long time" are words no Villa fan wanted to hear.
Why does this matter so much for the Aston Villa game today and tomorrow? Because the engine room is suddenly looking a bit empty.
With Amadou Onana still sidelined and Ross Barkley not quite ready to return, the midfield pivot is basically a puzzle with missing pieces. We’ve seen Lamare Bogarde mentioned as a potential starter. It’s a huge ask for the kid. You’ve also got Youri Tielemans who can drop deeper, but then you lose that creative spark he provides in the "10" role.
Everton aren't the walkover they used to be
Everton are coming to B6 with a weirdly good away record. Since David Moyes went back there last year, they’ve turned into this stubborn, low-block machine. They’ve won nine of their last 19 away games. That’s not a typo.
Villa have this incredible record against the Toffees—unbeaten in 13 games since coming back to the Prem in 2019. We’ve kept 25 clean sheets against them historically. But stats don't win games when you're missing your primary ball-winner in midfield.
Emery’s tactics have evolved. We aren't just a high-press team anymore. We’ve become this "long-range" threat team. We've actually scored more goals from outside the box than anyone else this season. It’s a pragmatic way to deal with teams that park the bus. If they won't let Ollie Watkins behind the line, Morgan Rogers or Donyell Malen will just smash it from 25 yards. It works. Sorta.
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Predicted Lineup and the Martinez factor
There is some good news. Emi Martinez missed the Spurs game with a calf niggle, but the word is he’s likely back in the starting XI. Having the world’s number one between the sticks changes the entire energy of the back four.
Expect to see:
- GK: Emi Martinez (The GOAT is back)
- Defense: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen
- Midfield: Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers
- Attack: Malen, Watkins
It’s a 4-4-2 block that shifts into a 2-4 structure when we have the ball. Maatsen is basically a winger when we’re on the front foot, while Pau Torres acts as the quarterback.
What to actually watch for
Keep an eye on Morgan Rogers. He’s been the standout of the 2025/26 campaign so far. After signing that massive contract extension through 2031, he’s playing like a man possessed. His brace against Leeds back in November showed exactly what he’s capable of—power, finesse, and a weirdly good free-kick technique.
The match tomorrow is about momentum. We just beat Spurs 2-1 in the Cup. We drew 0-0 at Palace. We need to turn Villa Park back into that fortress where we win 12 in a row.
If Villa win this, we stay firmly in the title conversation. If we lose, people start talking about "squad depth" and "transfer window failures." It’s a fine line.
How to follow the action
The game is live on the USA Network for those across the pond, and obviously, the atmosphere at Villa Park will be electric for a Sunday 4:30 PM slot.
Actionable steps for fans:
- Check the final team sheet 60 minutes before kickoff. If Martinez isn't in there, adjust your expectations for a clean sheet.
- Watch the midfield battle. If Bogarde or whoever steps in for Kamara can’t stop the Everton transitions, it’s going to be a long afternoon.
- Monitor the "outside the box" shots. If Villa start hitting them early, it’s a sign Emery has identified a low-block defense and told the boys to let fly.
- Keep an eye on the bench. Donyell Malen has been a game-changer coming on late. His pace against tired Everton legs could be the difference in the final 20 minutes.
Villa are in a position we haven't seen in decades. Third place in January isn't a fluke. It's a statement. Now, we just have to prove we can handle the pressure without our midfield general. UTV.