Prediction: West Ham vs Aston Villa

Prediction: West Ham win

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is back once again this weekend for the final set of fixtures before we enter the always-crazy month of December. There are so many teams up and down the top flight who are in desperate need of some points on the board before this period hits, mainly because momentum can be such a vital piece of the puzzle during the winter schedule. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what could be a barnburner between two of the season’s surprise starters: West Ham United and Aston Villa.

West Ham

They may not be world beaters but West Ham have already gone above and beyond what many expected of them this season, given that they were once considered to be one of the leading contenders for relegation. They’ve got a decent squad that definitely still needs some work in the next few transfer windows, but in David Moyes they have a manager that isn’t about to lie down and allow them to slip back into the Championship.

Team News

Yarmolenko is touch and go to start after testing positive for COVID-19 during the international break whereas Antonio isn’t expected to be rushed back into the starting XI.

Aston Villa

The talks of Aston Villa doing a Leicester City have calmed down in recent weeks after a few bad results, but that doesn’t mean their season is over – far from it. They’ve still got Jack Grealish and Dean Smith leading the charge in a way that few people probably could’ve imagined given the fact that they were on the verge of relegation just a few months ago. They probably aren’t going to challenge for a place in Europe but the building blocks are in place, and that’s what really matters.

Team News

There are some big concerns for Villa across the pitch in terms of injuries with Traore, Heaton, Davis and Hause being doubtful, with Wesley, Barkley, Engels and Guilbert all being ruled out.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting, West Ham and Aston Villa drew 1-1.
• West Ham have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Aston Villa have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• West Ham have scored 10 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Aston Villa have scored 15 goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Villa are going to get their shots in but West Ham seem to be playing with the sort of composure that is always going to give you the edge in a tight game, which is exactly what we’re expecting this to be. The claret and blue derby is a cute nickname but we do really feel as if these two teams are going to go at each other, if only because a win here would be so valuable for their top half – and perhaps even beyond – hopes. In terms of our official prediction, we’re backing a 2-1 Hammers triumph.

Prediction: West Ham win

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport