Aston Villa vs West Ham Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 English FA Cup | Third Round
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This all-Premier League tie in the FA Cup third round is a battle between a couple of Gipuzkoa-born managers as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa takes on Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United.
Kick-off date/time: Friday 10th January, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / US – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – ITV X / US – ESPN+
Aston Villa Preview: Not a necessity
Aston Villa have underperformed a bit since their bright start to the campaign and what was a bizarre summer transfer window is beginning to show through the winter as Villa, competing on multiple fronts, seem to have what is quite a small squad at this stage.
They are reportedly close to signing Donyell Malen and some attacking depth may well be needed as they even made hard work of defeating fellow midlanders Leicester City last weekend, defeating the struggling Foxes by two goals to one last weekend.
West Ham Preview: Lopetegui’s Irons for now
Julen Lopetegui is in charge of West Ham United but that is perhaps not a phrase that will be able to be used too much more with former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Graham Potter reportedly in discussions to take over from the underperforming Spaniard.
The Irons come into this one on the back of a hammering at the hands of the stumbling Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, suffering a 4-1 defeat in Manchester, despite having quite a few openings in the first-half with the scores level at 0-0.
Aston Villa Team News: Rogers returns
Diego Carlos, the subject of interest from Fenerbahce, is injured for this weekend alongside fellow centre-back Pau Torres. Jaden Philogene, also set to leave on loan, may be available if he remains at Villa Park by the weekend, whilst Morgan Rogers returns from suspension.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Barkley; Bailey, Rogers, Philogene; Watkins
Unavailable: Carlos (Injured), Torres (Injured), McGinn (Injured), Duran (Suspended)
Questionable:
West Ham Team News: Fabianski may be back
Lukasz Fabianski missed last weekend’s defeat to City as he follows Premier League protocol for a concussion and it is expected he will be fit and available for this weekend. Club captain Jarrod Bowen, though, is out after suffering a fractured foot.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka; Soucek, Rodriguez; Kudus, Paqueta, Summerville; Fullkrug
Unavailable: Todibo (Injured), Bowen (Injured), Antonio (Injured)
Questionable: Fabianski (Concussion), Emerson (Injured)
Aston Villa vs West Ham Prediction
This one is an intriguing encounter because, given the amount of football they have to play, Aston Villa could perhaps do without this game and yet they could also do with finding some fluency and rhythm and they face a West Ham side that could well be heading into their final game of the Lopetegui reign having spent the entire season searching for some sort of tactical and mental identity. West Ham created chances at City last week and will be encouraged last week so it could be quite an entertaining encounter at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs West Ham Tip: Both teams to score
