Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League encounter between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park.
Tim Sherwood's Villa may be in the FA Cup final, but they have four more huge games to play before that, starting with the visit of the Toffees.
They go into this clash just two points above the relegation zone, so three points here would majorly boost their chances of survival.
In Everton, they face a side that have little to play for, but they are in good form following a run of six Premier League matches without defeat.
Who will come out on top in Birmingham? Stay tuned with us to find out.
Afternoon all. So, away from the madness that is the last day of the Championship season, we will be covering the Premier League's relegation fight, which promises to be equally as dramatic. Aston Villa are in need of the three points against a Everton, who have made the trip to Villa Park.
First of all, though, let's take a look at the team news coming out of the Midlands, starting with the home side.
VILLA XI: Given; Bacuna, Vlaar, Okore, Richardson; Westwood, Cleverley, Delph, N'Zogbia, Grealish; Benteke
VILLA SUBS: Guzan, Sinclair, Weimann, Cole, Hutton, Sanchez, Senderos
The big news as far as Villa are concerned centres around the goalkeeper, with the experienced Shay Given picked to feature between the posts. It's no surprise Tim Sherwood has gone with the Irishman, given the Brad Guzan's recent mistakes. The only other change from the side that lost to Manchester City last time out sees Charles N'Zogbia come in to replace Carlos Sanchez.
And now for the away side...
EVERTON XI: Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Naismith, Lennon; Lukaku
EVERTON SUBS: Joel, McGeady, Kone, Besic, Barkley, Osman, Alcaraz
Just like his opposite number, Roberto Martinez has made two alterations to his starting lineup. Ross Barkley and Leon Osman are the players that drop out, with Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas coming in to support lone striker Romelu Lukaku.
Right, what have the two gaffers been saying in the days leading up to this game? Well, Martinez has been full of praise for his centre-backs Phil Jagielka and John Stones, who in their 17 games together this term have shipped 14 goals. They both start again today.
"They complement each other really well and the most important reason is that they are phenomenal footballers," the Spaniard told the club's official website.
"In Phil Jagielka, you have got a captain, a leader and someone who is probably enjoying the best football of his career.
"He has that chemistry and understanding with someone so talented like John Stones. It is a joy to see John developing and growing as a footballer. To see him doing it alongside Phil, it is a very natural partnership and it has been really effective for us. We have been delighted with that partnership and all the levels in their defensive duties."
The duo could well have their work cut out today, though. They will be up against Villa striker Christian Benteke, who has scored 10 goals in his last 10 games for club and country. The Belgian is certainly flourishing under Sherwood's management.
As for Sherwood, he has insisted that he will not be looking elsewhere for favours as the relegation battle comes to a close:
"The game against Everton this weekend is what is occupying our minds at the moment. It's the only game that matters. I have no interest in other results - no interest whatsoever," he said.
"It's all in our own hands. If we do our job, we will be safe. We cannot rely on anyone else. Whatever we need, it's in our hands. I am not looking elsewhere for any favours.
While Sherwood may not be concentrating on those around his side, it's hard to ignore them. Leicester City currently lead Newcastle United 3-0 at the King Power Stadium, which if it stays that way, will take the Foxes above Villa and into 16th. Of course, Villa can move back ahead of Nigel Pearson's men with a win here. But, if Villa were to lose and Sunderland get the better of Southampton at the Stadium of Light, Villa will drop into the relegation zone. It really is that close down the bottom of the Premier League.
Indeed, if you want to look at the Premier League table before this one gets underway, you can do so here.
So, are Villa going to claim those all important three points today? Here, our very own Matt Law and Pascal Lemesre have their say on the Sports Mole Sofa.
STATS!
1. This will become the first fixture in English league history to have been played 200 times. Of the 199 so far, Villa have won 72, Everton 74 and there have been 53 draws.
2. Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored seven goals against Everton - more than he has mustered against any other opponent in the top flight.
3. Villa have won none of their last nine meetings with Everton and only one in 13.
FULL TIME! The final whistle has been blown at the King Power Stadium and hosting Leicester have ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over a poor Newcastle side, who ended the game with nine men. It means that the Foxes are now above Villa, making a win today even more important then it already was. The match report of that Leicester win can be read here.
Right, with 10 minutes until we get underway, a quick word for Everton. It's not been the greatest of seasons, but they've picked up of late and are now in 10th. Finishing any higher than ninth looks to be a big ask, but a win today would certainly help. Their away form is not great, though, having won just one of their last five matches on the road.
PREDICTION: The chaps had their say on the Sports Mole Sofa earlier, but here's my take on what is going to unfold. This game means more to Villa than it does to Everton and although that can create nerves, I expect them to edge this game. Let's go for a 2-1 win to the home side, with Benteke grabbing himself a brace.
The players are now making their way out on to the pitch and Villa Park and we will be underway very shortly.
KICKOFF! Hosting Villa, who are in dire need of the three points, get us underway at Villa Park. There's a good atmosphere inside the ground so let's hope that it inspires the two teams.
Both teams have mounted attacks in what has been a bright start to the match, but neither goalkeeper has been tested. Nevertheless, it's an indication that these two teams are looking to attack.
Aaron Lennon has been heavily involved during these opening exchanges. The Everton winger, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, is demanding possession whenever his side have the ball and looks to be in positive mood. Having said that, a couple of his crosses have been badly overhit.
Meanwhile, up the other end, Jack Grealish whips over a dangerous corner which Benteke is inches away from connecting with. It's end to end stuff.
GOAL! VILLA 1-0 EVERTON (BENTEKE)
It's that man again! Moments after he had gone close to scoring from a corner, Benteke puts Villa in front. I mentioned earlier that Stones and Jagielka would have their hands full with the striker and so it has proven. He leaps highest to meet Delph's cross from the left to power a header beyond the reach of a helpless Tim Howard in the Everton goal. That's a great finish from the Belgian. Villa Park erupts!
Villa certainly seem roused by that Benteke goal. They are in command of this game and while they haven't created any more opportunities, a second goal may not be too far away.
Villa's domination is being spearheaded from the midfield by the impressive Delph, who like Benteke is in a fine run of form. Moments ago he picked up possession and drove at the Everton defence - a run that was only halted by a foul from Everton left-back Leighton Baines.
Slowly, Everton are starting to come into this game. They are having some joy down the right flank, with the combination of Lennon and Coleman looking dangerous. As yet, though, they haven't troubled Given in the Villa net.
MATCH ACTION! Courtesy of Villa's official Twitter page.
CHANCE! What an opening for Villa to make it 2-0 and potentially wrap this game up, even at this early stage. Vlaar ghosts in to meet Grealish's corner, but despite being unmarked, the Dutch centre-back sends his headed effort from six yards out wide. Will Villa pay for that? Only time will tell.
UPDATE! Elsewhere, the good news for Villa is that none of their fellow strugglers are currently winning. QPR and Burnley are losing away at Liverpool and West Ham respectively, while Sunderland are drawing 1-1 with Southampton. If it all stays that way, it's going to be a good afternoon for Sherwood and his players. There is of course a long way to go.
A worrying sign for Villa because Delph is down following a challenge with Everton winger Naismith. It looks to be an ankle injury.
Thankfully for Villa, after some treatment, Delph is up and back into the action. It will be interesting to see if he returns after half-time because he still appears to be in a little bit of discomfort.
GOAL! VILLA 2-0 EVERTON (BENTEKE)
Well, that was far too easy for Villa, but they won't care. Grealish's inswinging corner is flicked on at the near post by Vlaar for Benteke, who is waiting all alone to turn the ball in from close range. There was no Everton challenge at any stage. What an awful half it has been for the visitors, but in contrast Villa are flying. Benteke is on a hat-trick and you wouldn't bet against him getting it.
HALF-TIME: VILLA 2-0 EVERTON
What a dream 45 minutes that was Villa. It's Benteke at the double as they lead 2-0 and look to be edging close to securing Premier League survival.
It's been a great 45 minutes for Villa. They've played in the same manor as their manager - aggressive and positive. It's paid off, with Benteke and Delph running the show. It could have been even better as well had Vlaar not missed a sitter from close range. No doubt Sherwood will be demanding that his players continue with the same outlook after the break.
As for Everton, the less said about them the better! They look like a team that are already mentally on their holidays. They started relatively brightly, but didn't work Given. After that, they've been on the back foot and their defending from set-piece situations has been very poor. It wouldn't be a surprise if Martinez was spelling out a few home truths right now!
Just before we get back underway, here's Benteke celebrating his goal:
RESTART! Mark Clattenburg blows his whistle and Everton, who trail 2-0, get us back underway at Villa Park.
CHANCE! Decent opening for the visitors as Baines swings over a corner from the right. Lukaku gets there ahead of Benteke, but his effort flies well over the crossbar. He probably should have been at least hitting the target with that.
There's a clash between Delph and McCarthy after the latter leaves the Villa midfielder in a heap. Delph isn't happy, but despite his protests, there is no booking for McCarthy and play continues.
UPDATE! Jordi Gomez has put Sunderland back in front against Southampton, but Burnley and QPR still trail.
PENALTY TO EVERTON!
GOAL! VILLA 2-1 EVERTON (LUKAKU)
Well, that has put the cat among the pigeons. Vlaar is the offender as he brings down Naismith inside the area and Clattenburg has no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Everton have not exactly been clincial from 12 yards this season, but Lukaku makes no mistake with his calmly taken strike. Given guesses the right way, but he cannot get near the ball. Game on.
What a difference a goal makes. Everton are in the ascendancy and there are plenty of nerves around Villa Park now. You get the feeling that this is going to be an important 27 minutes in Villa's season.
GOAL! VILLA 3-1 EVERTON (CLEVERLEY)
Relief! That's the perfect response from Villa, who have restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately. Cleverley scored his first goal for the club at Man City last week and he's now got another. It's a great pass from Bacuna, which catches out a slack Barry. Cleverley goes through on goal and shows great composure to get the better of Howard in a one-on-one situation. Villa Park is a noisy venue once again!
STAT! Here's an interesting statistic, courtesy of the team at Opta.
The Villa faithful are in fine voice - they certainly believe that the three points are as good as sewn up. The third goal looks to have killed Everton off, but you just never know in the Premier League.
BOOKING! Grealish has been causing problems all afternoon and Coleman has taken his frustration out on the youngster. The winger is away, but he's pulled back by the Everton full-back, who rightly goes into the book.
EVERTON SUBS: Barkley and Osman were dropped for this clash but both of them are now on the pitch, replacing the two players - Mirallas and Naismith - that profited from their absence. Perhaps Martinez's regrets making those changes.
VILLA SUB: There's also a change for Villa as Westwood is replaced by the industrious Sanchez.
SAVE! First sight of goal for Osman since he entered the action. He wriggles himself enough space inside the Villa area to shoot, but his effort is lacking in power, which allows Given enough time to get his body behind the ball.
VILLA SUB: Bacuna receives a great reception from the home supporters as he comes off to be replaced by the fit again Alan Hutton at right-back.
Benteke is desperate to score a hat-trick and he looks on course to get it as Hutton makes his way down the right flank. However, his cross towards the Belgian is well blocked by Stones.
BOOKING! Villa centre-back Vlaar goes into the book for a late sliding challenge on McCarthy that was ever so close to being inside the penalty area.
There will be four minutes of stoppage time at the end of this game, which is being played at pedestrian pace now.
VILLA SUB: Final change of the afternoon for Villa as the quiet N'Zogbia is replace by Joe Cole.
GOAL! VILLA 3-2 EVERTON (JAGIELKA)
How are the nerves Villa fans?! Given is adamant that he's been fouled as Jagielka's initial effort hits the crossbar. No foul is given, though, and Jagielka rises highest to nod in the rebound. Given has been booked for his protests. A nervy couple of minutes coming up now for Everton.
FULL TIME: VILLA 3-2 EVERTON
Huge relief at Villa Park as the final whistle is blown, securing Villa a crucial three points in the battle against relegation. While the scoreline looks close, it's a deserved win for the hosts. As for Everton, they look like a side that wished that they were on the beach.
That's all we have time for from Villa Park. Thanks for joining us this afternoon and be sure to stick with Sports Mole over the next couple of hours for reaction, analysis and player ratings of all of today's Premier League games. Until next time, goodbye.
