---
title: "Everton: Leighton Baines could make the bench against Aston Villa"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-leighton-baines-could-make-the-bench-against-aston-villa/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Danny Lewis"
section: "Everton"
published: "2019-08-23T15:05:37Z"
modified: "2019-08-23T15:05:37Z"
---

# Everton: Leighton Baines could make the bench against Aston Villa

**Leighton Baines could be set to make the bench for Everton against Aston Villa, as suggested in a report from [The Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-story-marco-silvas-everton-16801938).**

Marco Silva put out a very attacking bench during the 1-0 win against Watford, with Mason Holgate the only defender included, though he has since [**acknowledged that was a risk**](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-story-marco-silvas-everton-16801938).

The manager has confirmed his preference is to have a full-back on the bench as well as a centre-back, which [**the outlet**](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-story-marco-silvas-everton-16801938) believes indicates Baines could be part of the squad.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Baines has missed both of Everton’s opening two games of the season, but is now in contention for a place in the squad having recovered from a [**thigh injury**](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-marco-silva-digne-latest-16799339).

However, it is unlikely he will be able to force his way past Lucas Digne and into the team, as signified by the fact that the 34-year-old only managed five starts and one substitute appearance last season, as per [**WhoScored**](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/8222/History/Leighton-Baines), while Digne started [**33 times**](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/89925/History/Lucas-Digne) and came off the bench once.

Despite the limited game time, Baines did highlight that he can still be of use, making [**1.3 tackles**](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/8222/History/Leighton-Baines) and 1.2 clearances per game, while he also averaged 0.7 key passes and maintained a pass success rate of 82.2%.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

While Baines won’t be a starting option due to Digne standing in his way, the 34-year-old can certainly be a useful player to have on the bench.

It is likely Silva will end up choosing between Baines and Djibril Sidibe as to who will be used as a substitute for the game.

***Does Baines still have it in him at this level? Join the discussion by commenting below…***