Prediction: Aston Villa vs West Ham

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be an enjoyable affair from Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, West Ham will make the trip to the Midlands.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have been last seen heading into October’s international break with a 1-1 draw away at local rivals Wolves, Unai Emery’s side have continued to gain a string of plaudits. Punching their return to the European stage last season, the one-time Arsenal boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Signing off September with a stunning performance as they cruised their way to a 6-1 romp against Brighton, Villa have collected 10 points from just their last four Premier League appearances. With their sights firmly set on mounting another genuine top-six charge this time around, Emery’s side will be desperate to make another statement of intent here. Although the Villains might be riding an extended wave of momentum, Emery will be calling on his side to find some welcomed defensive resolve. It is worth highlighting, Villa have bagged just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous eight outings across all formats.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single Premier League appearance this season, Emery’s side are still unable to call upon Argentina international Emi Buendia this weekend. Likewise, Villa still remain without skipper Tyrone Mings here.

Bagging the winner against Australia last week on his return to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, the red-hot Ollie Watkins will spearhead Aston Villa’s attack on Sunday afternoon. The ex-Brentford star will be joined in attack by summer recruit Moussa Diaby.

West Ham

As for the visitors, heading into October’s international break with an action-packed 2-2 stalemate at home against Newcastle, West Ham have continued to shine since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Getting their Europa League adventure underway with back-to-back victories against Freiburg and TSC, David Moyes’ men are dreaming of the chance to mount their own top-six charge this time around. Signing off September with a routine 2-0 win against relegation scrappers Sheffield United, the one-time Manchester United boss has seen his side lose just one of their previous six appearances across all formats. Already picking up some notable scalps against both Chelsea and Brighton, West Ham will also be an eye-catching record against Sunday’s hosts. In fact, the Hammers are unbeaten in each of their previous 11 straight contests against Aston Villa – a run that stems all the way back to May 2015.

Team News

Dealing with a thigh injury and not making a single appearance since back on September 21st, West Ham are set to once again be without veteran defender Aaron Cresswell this weekend. Handed a full England recall over the past fortnight, attacking talisman Jarrod Bowen will spearhead Moyes’ charge in the Midlands.

Notching his first Premier League strike of the season against Newcastle prior to October’s international break, former Ajax star Mohamed Kudus could make a first domestic start of the season on Sunday afternoon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Aston Villa and West Ham last met back on March 12th, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
• The Hammers are unbeaten in each of their last 11 straight meetings against Sunday’s hosts – a run that stems back to May 2015.
• Six of the last seven meetings between Aston Villa and West Ham have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Emery’s side have recorded just two clean sheets from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
• West Ham have won four of their last five contests away from the London Stadium.

Conclusion

Two sides who have a habit of producing fireworks when they clash, neutrals could be treated to another action-packed affair on Sunday afternoon. While the Hammers might remarkably be unbeaten in each of their previous 11 straight contests against Aston Villa, Moyes’ men will know that they face a stern challenge in the Midlands this weekend. It should be noted, with six of the previous seven Premier League meetings between Sunday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, chances could come thick and fast here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster