West Ham vs Aston Villa Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It is the claret and blue derby taking place at the London Stadium in the capital city as struggling West Ham United take on an Aston Villa side that are now in a title race.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock
West Ham preview: Struggling Irons
West Ham United have gradually improved, following the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, after the sacking of Graham Potter, but they do remain in the bottom three and the relegation places after 15 matches thus far.
That is because the Irons come into this one on the back of being denied all three points against Brighton and Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium due to a second-half stoppage-time equaliser scored by Georginio Rutter.
Aston Villa preview: Title challenging Villains
After what was a woeful start to the campaign, Aston Villa have been extremely impressive in the last couple of months, moving into the title race and now beginning the weekend sitting just three points behind Arsenal at the top-of-the-table.
The Villains managed to overcome the Gunners in a dramatic encounter at Villa Park last week, courtesy of a late Emi Buendia winner, before they backed that up by winning by two goals to one against Basel 1893 in the UEFA Europa League in midweek.
West Ham team news: Nuno doesn't say much
In his pre-match press conference, Nuno Espirito Santo was, as he so often is, reluctant to reveal too much with regards to injury issues and fitness concerns but the only player that is known to be an issue is Lukasz Fabianski, who is dealing with a back injury.
It has been confirmed that young defender Oliver Scarles is now an 'option' for the Hammers, having returned to training in the last week or so. Igor Julio is eligible to play after being unavailable against parent club Brighton last week.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf; Magassa, Potts; Bowen, Paqueta, Fernandes; Wilson
Unavailable: Fabianski (Injured)
Questionable:
Aston Villa team news: Martinez & Torres doubtful
Unai Emery confirmed that Argentina international goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain international centre-back Pau Torres will both have to be assessed ahead of the weekend after missing out against Basel.
However, England internationals Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley are both confirmed absentees with Villa set to return to full strength from their available players after rotating in Switzerland.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Unavailable: Mings (Injured), Barkley (Injured)
Questionable: Martinez (Injured), Torres (Injured)
West Ham vs Aston Villa prediction
West Ham have been performing a lot better of late with just one defeat in their last six matches since a damning 2-1 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road in late-October. Villa may be about to feel the heat of fatigue in a congested fixture schedule but Unai Emery’s side have now managed to win 14 of their last 16 matches across all competitions. Both teams scoring would appear a good bet for this one in the east end of London.
West Ham vs Aston Villa tip: Both teams to score
