Two teams ‘supposedly’ competing for European places who had started their season -more or less- like mid-table mediocre sides at best. Villa did win 3-0 in the opening day, but it was only West ham they were playing. What happened next? Nobody can tell for sure, but a draw away to Rapid Vienna was followed by a 0-6 reverse at Newcastle, and then a loss at home to the Austrian side that left the Villans out of the European scene already.

Everton lost at Blackburn in the opening day and settled for a draw at home against Wolves, but in the midweek they were back to goals when they won 5-1 against Huddersfield. Maybe they will take heart and have some confidence from that game on.

Villa without a full-term coach will suffer. They cannot wait until January to bring in the US coach Bradley. They need one now or they may end up competing for the wooden spoon real soon, and their defense needs reshaping.

We cannot say we trust either side at this time. Neither has looked particularly exceptional or even close. A dull draw will be our call.