West Ham United will return to Premier League action on Sunday as they welcome Aston Villa to the London Stadium for an exciting clash.
At a time when the Midlands outfit are sitting fourth, the Hammers are seventh in the English league with 43 points.
Match Preview
West Ham will enter Sunday’s game on the back of an emphatic 5-0 success over Freiburg in midweek, thus winning the Europa League last-16 tie 5-1 on aggregate.
Mohammed Kudus scored a brace while Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell all earned their names on the scoresheet as the Irons sealed a comfortable victory at the London Stadium.
David Moyes’ side now turn their focus to the Premier League where they are still in contention for a European berth despite their inconsistent form in the new year.
The Hammers picked up victories against Brentford and Everton before being held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by league strugglers Burnley last weekend.
Missing out on a European place will be a blow for Moyes whose future in East London is still in doubt, as reported by West Ham blog.
On the other hand, Aston Villa were also at the top of their game in midweek as they demolished Ajax 4-0 in the home leg of their Europa Conference League Round of 16, winning the tie 4-0 on aggregate.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the first half before Leon Bailey, Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby extended the scoreline after the break as the Lions comfortably made it to the quarter final of the European competition.
Unai Emery’s side bounced back emphatically following their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last weekend.
The good news for Aston Villa fans is that their team is still ahead of Spurs in the table but their lead has been reduced to only two points.
Team News
West Ham boss David Moyes will not be able to avail the services of Maxwel Cornet due to injury. The 27-year-old is not expected to be back before the international break. Meanwhile, Emerson Palmieri’s availability is also doubtful and he will be assessed before Sunday’s match.
As for Aston Villa, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey will all be missing due to fitness issues. There are also doubts over Watkins’ fitness while John McGinn will be serving his suspension.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa potential line-ups
West Ham United: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Paqueta, Bowen; Ings
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Rogers, Tielemans, Luiz, Bailey; Diaby, Duran
West Ham United vs Aston Villa prediction
Villa’s top striker Watkins may not be available for Sunday’s clash at the London Stadium, which will be a huge blow for the visitors. Although West Ham haven’t been very convincing with their performances in the Premier League recently, they are expected to beat Unai Emery’s side due to home advantage.
West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa
