West Ham United FC vs Aston Villa FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

West Ham United FC vs Aston Villa FC Match Prediction & Analysis

West Ham and Aston Villa are two of the teams outside of the ‘big six’ who have benefitted from a strange start to the Premier League season. 

Both have felled big teams already, with The Hammers taking down the likes of Leicester and Wolves, while Aston Villa thrashed last season’s champions Liverpool in a 7-2 shocker.

West Ham go into this match in slightly better form, however. They have won their last two matches with their only win since September coming against Liverpool. Although they sit below Villa currently, the look one of the teams most likely to break into the top six.

Villa’s form has dipped slightly of late. They have lost their last two home matches, sandwiched either side of a strong win against Arsenal. Perhaps that away form can help them here, but it should be a close encounter.

TEAMS PREVIEW

West Ham United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DDLWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Only one lost in last six matches

     Will take pride from hard-fought victories

Reasons to be fearful:

     Aston Villa’s away form is strong

     Scoring goals has been harder of late

West Ham manager David Moyes will be pleased with his side’s position at the base of the top half of the table, and will view this match as an opportunity to elevate themselves even further.

Their attack is looking good at present, though goals have been harder to come by of late – they’ve not scored more than once in their last four matches. Michail Antonio continues to work his way back to fitness.

Having said that, those recent hard-fought victories against Fulham and Sheffield United will bring a confidence to that side that would not have been there last season.

They have battled well this season, and should be tough for Aston Villa to break down this weekend. Said Benrahma will eventually be given his chance after his transfer from Brentford.

Star Man – Sebastien Haller

Has come on from last season, and has done well since his strike partner Antonio has been out injured

Aston Villa FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WLLWL

Reasons to be cheerful

     Scoring with more frequency than their opponents

     Yet to concede away from home this season

Reasons to be fearful 

     Will miss Ross Barkley through injury

     West Ham are difficult to break down

Like other teams, in particular Manchester United this season, Aston Villa have been a much better side on their travels than at home.

They are yet to concede on their travels this season and ran out brilliant winners in beating Arsenal 3-0 in their last away fixture.

Ross Barkley has been a terrific signing for them, adding ability and physicality in the middle of the park, so he will be a big miss as he recovers from a hamstring injury. It could mean that Conor Hourihane comes in as a replacement.

As with many teams, inconsistency in performance is what will determine their league place come the end of the season and whether they can keep their top half position.

Star Man – Jack Grealish

Was fantastic as usual in their last away match against Arsenal – he will have a heavier burden as his side have to cope without Ross Barkley.