Prediction: West Ham vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With what could prove to be an opening weekend thriller from the London Stadium, West Ham will welcome Aston Villa to the capital.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, getting a new era underway this summer as they appointed Julen Lopetegui, West Ham appear to have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. Despite falling short last season in the race to book another European spot, the Hammers have been heavily active during the summer transfer window and the mood around east London appears to be at a real high. However, struggling to find much of a boost during their pre-season preparations over the past few weeks, the former Wolves boss will know that defensive stability is key. Along with remarkably failing to muster a single Premier League clean sheet since way back on January 2nd, West Ham also shipped a staggering 74 top-flight strikes last year and no club outside of the relegated trio held a worse defensive tally throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Team News

All completing respective summer moves to east London, the likes of Max Kilman, Guido Rodriguez and former Leeds ace Crysencio Summerville should all play some part on Saturday evening. Likewise, arriving from Manchester United earlier in the week, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should be included in the Hammers’ squad.

While Germany international Niclas Fullkrug might have also joined the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund this summer, Michail Antonio should be given the chance to spearhead Lopetegui’s attack. Although Lucas Paqueta could still have some serious sanctions looming over him, the Brazilian playmaker is free to feature here.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, making real history last season as they secured an iconic Champions League return, Unai Emery’s men will be looking to once again upset the establishment. However, although Aston Villa might have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England’s elite last year, they did limp their way over the finishing line. Suffering Europa Conference League heartbreak back in May as they fell to a 6-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Greek giants Olympiacos, the former Arsenal boss will be calling on his squad to make an opening weekend statement here. However, failing to win any of their final six appearances across all competitions last season, Villa also failed to find much stability during their summer preparations. Signing off their pre-season run with a 2-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund, Saturday’s guests lost four of their final five friendly matchups.

Team News

Completing a £50million move from Everton this summer, Belgium international Amadou Onana will start at the heart of Aston Villa’s midfield this weekend. Likewise, arriving from Chelsea last month after a stellar loan spell with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund last season, Ian Maatsen will make his competitive Villa debut here.

Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury that he sustained last season, skipper Tyrone Mings will not travel to the London Stadium on Saturday evening. Crowned as a Copa America winner with South American giants Argentina this summer, Emiliano Martinez will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When West Ham and Aston Villa last met at the London Stadium back on March 17th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
• The Hammers have lost just one of their previous 13 meetings against Aston Villa across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to May 2015.
• West Ham conceded 74 goals in their 38 Premier League appearance last season.
• Aston Villa failed to win any of their final six appearances across all competitions last season.
• Eight of the last nine showdowns between West Ham and Aston Villa have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who will have their sights set on mounting another European charge this season, we could be set for an enjoyable showdown from the London Stadium this weekend. While the Hammers might have lost just one of their previous 13 meetings against Saturday’s guests, West Ham will face a stern examination here. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of action, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast in east London.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet