Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 12/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their sensational run of form, Aston Villa will travel to the capital on Sunday afternoon when they meet West Ham.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six Premier League appearances on either side of November’s international break, the Hammers have come under serious scrutiny this season. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Brighton as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate on the south coast, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are sat in the relegation zone and have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their Premier League status. Signing off November with a 2-0 loss at home against defending champions Liverpool, the former Nottingham Forest boss has also seen his squad gain a reputation for their glaring defensive issues. It should also be highlighted, including a 5-1 drumming against local rivals Chelsea on August 22nd, West Ham have lost six of their first eight showdowns at the London Stadium.
West Ham Team News
Still dealing with a long-term shoulder injury, West Ham will once again be without academy graduate Oliver Scarles here. Likewise, despite being forced to miss out against his parent club last weekend, Brighton loanee Igor will return to Santo’s squad on Sunday.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench last weekend, Freddie Potts should be handed a full return in the middle of the park. Finding the net away at Brighton and registering a fourth Premier League strike of the season, England international Jarrod Bowen will lead the line.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings back in August, Unai Emery’s men have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Embarking on what has quickly become a real fairytale, the one-time Arsenal boss has seen his squad receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. Last seen earlier in the week wrapping up a Europa League knockout stage ticket as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Dutch outfit Utrecht, Sunday’s guests find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Remarkably opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, Aston Villa should be excited by a trip to east London. Collecting a famous domestic scalp last weekend as they clinched a last-gasp 2-1 win at home against leading title contenders Arsenal, Emery’s men have now won all of their previous eight consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Aston Villa Team News
Still dealing with a hamstring issue and not featuring since the start of November, skipper Tyrone Mings remains on the sidelines. However, ahead of their trip to the English capital this weekend, Aston Villa have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
All settling for a spot on the bench earlier in the week, the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and French midfielder Boubacar Kamara should be handed respective full recalls. Bagging a stunning last-gasp winner against Arsenal last weekend, ex-Norwich player Emi Buendia will keep his spot from the start.
West Ham vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- When Aston Villa last travelled to east London for a Premier League showdown back in August 2024, Emery’s men collected a 2-1 victory.
- Aston Villa have won all of their previous eight consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- West Ham have lost six of their first eight showdowns at the London Stadium so far this season.
- Emery’s side have won each of their last three matchups outside of the Midlands by an aggregate score of 8-5.
- Shipping 29 Premier League goals so far this season, only two teams among England’s elite have shipped more top-flight strikes than West Ham.
Conclusion
Embarking on what has become a sensational purple patch, Aston Villa will be confident of making another statement here. Landing a remarkable 2-1 victory at home against leading title contenders Arsenal, Sunday’s guests have now won all of their previous eight consecutive appearances across all competitions. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, it should also be noted that Emery’s side secured a 2-1 victory when they last travelled to the London Stadium back in August 2024. Two camps scrapping it out at opposite ends of the table, we are backing an away victory on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 12/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
