Aston Villa-Everton Preview

Oct 29, 2009 - 5:37 PM CHRIS TUPLING STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Aston Villa defender James Collins has warned Everton that his team-mates will show no mercy when the sides clash at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Beleagured Everton have lost their last three matches, shipping in ten goals in the process and building up an horrific injury list. The Toffees slumped to a 5-0 defeat at Benfica in the Europa League before losing 3-2 to Bolton in a Premier League match last weekend. They were then beaten 2-0 in the League Cup at Tottenham in midweek.

But as Villa prepare to take on Davis Moyes' decimated squad, Wales international Collins says there will be no respite.

Villa had to endure 120 minutes of Carling Cup action at Sunderland in midweek before winning through to the quarter finals on penalties.

Collins dismissed suggestions that Villa would be tired and jaded opponents for Everton to confront this weekend.

"We know Everton are going to be tough. We were not at our best last weekend when we drew at Wolves and 120 minutes at Sunderland is not the ideal preparation for Everton.

"Has it taken it out of us? I don't think so.

"We are a fit, young side so I am sure we will be all right . We are back in training and shaking the Sunderland match out of our legs.

"Against Wolves we were not at our best but you cannot play well every game. In the end we got an away point and that is all that matters."

Villa may be without Stephen Warnock who was injured at Sunderland. Nick Shorey stands by.

American goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved four penalties at Sunderland but is likely to lose his place to first choice compatriot Brad Friedel, who was rested at the Stadium of Light.

Guzan said: "Brad is number one but I am ready if the boss wants me in there. I made some saves at Sunderland and would like to play against Everton.

"Tim Howard, their goalkeeper, is an American and we work together for the national side so it would be great to take him on. There is a lot of competition when Americans play against each other."

Everton will be without ten key players, five of them long term, and not even the return of the formidable Nigerian striker Yakubu can lift the Merseyside gloom.

Toffees boss Moyes will survey the wreckage of his squad before he can name a team to face Villa but Yakubu seems certain to retain his place in attack.

"In terms of results we have had a bad run but they happen to all teams sooner or later, " Moyes said. "Apart from Benfica, we have been close to getting something at Bolton and at Tottenham but the injuries have been crippling.

"We have put our problems aside and get ready to face Villa. They are a strong side but there is real quality in my squad and we don't fear them."