Everton preview: Everything Dean Smith had to say about the Toffees

Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Saturday evening to take on Everton in the Premier League.

The Toffees are undefeated since Rafael Benitez took charge - winning four (including the Carabao Cup tie) and drawing one.

Dean Smith is under no illusions about how tough of a task they face come 17:30 on Saturday and was quick to compliment his side’s next opponents.

“I thought they were really solid last season as well,” he said.

“They’ve had some big name managers - Ancelotti last season and now Benitez this season and they’ve certainly invested well over the last two or three years.

“We’ve got to be at our best but we’ve got every confidence that we can be.”

Smith also acknowledged the form of Demarai Gray and says his team will have to be at their best to stop the former Birmingham City winger.

“We’ve always been aware of him,” added the gaffer.

“He’s a player who hasn’t surprised me how he started the season. He worked under Craig Shakespeare at Leicester so he knows an awful lot about him as well.

“He’s a good player and one we have to look out for.”

Smith confirmed that Chukwuemeka and Philogene-Bidace picked up groin and ankle injuries while on England youth duty but aside from that is excited about having a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season.

“We’ve got the Argentinians coming back tomorrow morning and I’ll assess how they are before deciding what we do.

“It’s nice to have a full healthy squad leading into a three-game week with Everton, Chelsea in the cup and Man United. It’s very pleasing to be able to have a choice now.”