Prediction: West Ham vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to shore up their spot in the Champions League chase, Aston Villa will travel to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon when they meet West Ham.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a thrilling Europa League comeback earlier in the week as they secured a 5-0 romp against Freiburg, West Ham will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although the Hammers might have punched a quarter-final ticket on Thursday night, it is no secret that David Moyes has found increasing scrutiny on his position at the London Stadium. Last seen in Premier League having to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against relegation scrappers Burnley, West Ham have won just a trio of their previous 13 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to December 28th. Facing a real battle in their bid to secure another European finish in 2024, the Hammers have also shown some extended inconsistencies in east London. In fact, Moyes’ men have won just a pair of their last seven contests in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Missing out against Freiburg earlier in the week and still dealing with a recent groin injury, former Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri will once again miss out here. Likewise, Ivory Coast international Maxwel Cornet remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue.

Bagging a Europa League brace in midweek and continuing to shine since arriving from Ajax last summer, Mohammed Kudus will once again partner Jarrod Bowen in the final third. French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola will return between the sticks and replace Lukas Fabianski.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have fallen to a shock 4-0 drumming at home against Tottenham last weekend, Unai Emery’s high-flying squad came roaring back on Thursday night. Punching their Europa Conference League quarter-final ticket after storming their way to a 4-0 romp against Ajax in the Midlands, the former Arsenal boss finds the mood in his camp at a continued high. Battling it out in the top-four chase and with their sights firmly set on securing a famous Champions League return this year, Sunday’s guests will know the importance of making another domestic statement in the capital. Not suffering a single defeat away from Villa Park since opening 2024, Emery’s men will also be excited by their most recent showdown against the Hammers. Storming their way to a 4-1 win when they welcomed West Ham to town for their reverse meeting on October 22nd, the top-four contenders will be desperate for a repeat performance here.

Team News

Limping off against Ajax earlier in the week, Aston Villa are sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Ollie Watkins. Likewise, all still dealing with respective knee injuries, the trio of Boubacar Camara, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings will not feature here.

Shown a straight red card against Tottenham last weekend, Scotland international John McGinn will miss out through suspension on Sunday afternoon. However, handed an England call-up this weekend, 26-year-old Ezri Konsa could be handed a full recall in east London.

Key Factors to Consider

• When West Ham and Aston Villa met for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 22nd, Emery’s men picked up a 4-1 romp on home soil.
• Aston Villa have not lost a single matchup away from Villa Park since opening the New Year.
• Despite their Europa League success in midweek, West Ham have won just a trio of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions.
• The Hammers have won just a pair of their previous seven home fixtures across all formats.
• Seven of the last eight meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who punched their respective European quarter-final tickets in midweek, we could be set for an enjoyable showdown from the London Stadium here. However, with the Hammers struggling to find much stability since opening the New Year, Aston Villa will know the importance of making a major top-four statement on Sunday afternoon. With Emery’s men storming their way to a 4-1 romp when they welcomed West Ham to Villa Park for their reverse Premier League meeting back on October 22nd, we are predicting an away draw no bet this weekend.

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Luckster