West Ham face Aston Villa in a tricky test in the Premier League. The Hammers travel to the West Midlands where newly-promoted Aston Villa lie in wait. The Villans will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss before the international break.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men are probably the favourites on paper – especially given the promising start to the season. But ahead of the game, we take a look at two reasons to be concerned and two reasons to be optimistic.
Concern: Midfield talent
Aston Villa spent over £100m on new signings this summer but it is their midfield that will cause West Ham the most problems. Jack Grealish and John McGinn were both instrumental in Aston Villa’s promotion and they pose the most threat.
Grealish is a silky playmaker while McGinn is a bundle of energy in the midfield. Both players have an eye for goal. And with Wesley Moraes up top, they have a target man to create chances for as well.
Optimism: Strong form
West Ham head into this game searching for four wins in a row in all competitions. The Hammers are five games unbeaten after the draw with Brighton and wins over Watford, Newport and Norwich.
Sebastien Haller is looking like the striker West Ham have needed for years with three goals in as many games. Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson are pulling the strings in the middle and Pellegrini has even tightened up the defence with consecutive clean sheets.
Concern: International break blues
West Ham were flying before the international break; hopefully, this hasn’t halted the momentum. All of West Ham’s good form could be wasted if the players are sluggish after a week away from competitive football.
The international break came at the worst possible time for West Ham and at a good time for Aston Villa. Dean Smith can regroup his men after a disappointing loss and get them fired up for a night under the lights at Villa Park.
Optimism: Injury situation
West Ham are only missing Michail Antonio and Winston Reid through injury while Aston Villa have more injury issues. This is an unfamiliar sight for West Ham: having less injured players than the opposition.
Trezeguet is suspended so he will not be available on the wing. Meanwhile, James Chester, Jonathan Kodjia and Matt Targett are unlikely to feature. West Ham will hope to take advantage of Aston Villa’s four absentees.
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