Senior figures at Villa see every window as an opportunity to augment the squad, but this month feels especially pressing

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the Toffees' survival chances and David Moyes' return as manager: "I think this Everton squad is slightly better than last season and I just look at the teams below, even though they have picked up points, I still do think there are three teams worse than Everton.

Follow live coverage as Everton face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

David Moyes' return as Everton manager failed to muster a response from the toothless Toffees in a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday.But there was no new manager bounce as Villa took control inside the opening minutes.

Adam: Positive signs against a very good Villa side. Moyes seems to have given us a bit of confidence, especially in the first half, and added some much needed width to our game. We have too many players wanting time on the ball and need to find the net of course. I'm mildly optimistic for the rest of the season.

Goodison Park, Liverpool, UK

Everton is set to host Aston Villa in David Moyes’ first game as the club’s new manager. The Scot returns to the Goodison Park sideline after leaving the Toffees 12 years ago.