By Ryan Ghee
December 24 2005

Aston Villa will be hoping to record their first Boxing Day victory since 1999 when they play host to Everton on Monday evening. With both teams locked together in the league table with only goal difference seperating them, this match could be a pivotal point in both teams' season. Aston Villa team news: David O'Leary is expected to recall Juan Pablo Angel to the starting line-up to play alongside Milan Baros. Olof Mellberg and Kevin Phillips will miss the match with hamstring and calf injuries respectively and Gareth Barry could also miss out if he fails to overcome a bout of flu.

Everton team news: David Moyes could hand Per Kroldrup his first-team debut with Joseph Yobo struggling with a shoulder injury. Tim Cahill and Marcus Bent are major doubts for the Toffees and James Beattie will face a late fitness test on his foot injury.

History of this fixture: In 197 meetings between these two teams, both sides have been victorious on 74 occasions with 49 games ending all square. In the two meetings last season, Everton won 3-1 at Villa Park and recorded a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. The last time the Villans defeated Everton was back in September 2002.

Match betting: Aston Villa win - evens
Everton win - 9/4
Draw - 9/4