The two sides finished one place apart last season, Everton edging out Aston Villa to finish in the top half by four points.

 

Everton take on Aston Villa this weekend and over the last two seasons under Smith in the Premier League, the Toffees have not managed to beat the Villans, suffering two defeats.

 

 

Smith feels that his side and Everton will challenge each other for a finish in the top half and takes heart from the fact that while the Toffees have started the season exceptionally, they did so last time out as well.

 

The Villa boss is hoping to continue the good record he has against Everton since he won promotion to the top flight.

 

 

“I believe that we’ll be challenging each other for a top half finish this season”, Smith said in a press conference ahead of the match against Everton.

 

“They’ve started really well, but they also started really well last season.

 

 

“Like ourselves, they won the first four games and they’ve started unbeaten this season as well.

 

“It’s certainly a challenge.

 

“I’m full of respect for Rafa Benitez.

 

“He’s an experienced coach and he understands this league at this level.

 

“Over the last couple of seasons since we’ve been back in the Premier League, we’ve got a really good record against them.

 

“Hopefully that can continue.”

 

While Smith thinks of the two sides as rivals, they are currently far apart in the standings, with the Villans in 12th place and Everton being kept off top spot only by virtue of goal difference.