MATCH CENTRE

Benitez Names Everton Team For Villa Test

Asmir Begovic makes his first Premier League start for Everton and there is a full debut for Salomon Rondon, as Rafa Benitez makes three changes for Saturday’s visit to Aston Villa.

Alex Iwobi comes into the team and could potentially operate behind centre-forward Rondon, the Venezuelan signed on last month’s transfer deadline day.

Richarlison misses out with a knee problem and a shoulder issue sidelines regular number one Jordan Pickford.

Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray – the two summer acquisitions who provided dazzling goalscoring contributions to Monday’s victory over Burnley – are poised to continue in their wide roles.

Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure renew their partnership in the centre of midfield.

Lucas Digne captains Everton from left-back and Ben Godfrey, making his second start this term, is set for a role on the right of defence.

Yerry Mina and Michael Keane are Everton’s centre-halves, while Bosnian goalkeeper Begovic plays his second game for the Club following a first appearance in last month’s Carabao Cup tie at Huddersfield Town.

Tom Davies, Mason Holgate, Andre Gomes and Anthony Gordon are included among Everton’s substitutes.

That quartet is joined on the bench by Ellis Simms, Jonjoe Kenny, Jarrad Branthwaite and keeper Andy Lonergan.