As the dust settles on huge European wins for both clubs attentions turn to West Ham vs Aston Villa in the Premier League.
West Ham have had Aston Villa’s number in recent years.
The Hammers had not lost to Villa in 10 consecutive meetings – winning six of them.
That changed this season as Champions League challengers Aston Villa thumped West Ham 4-1 in their Premier League reverse fixture.
Aston Villa are looking to emulate West Ham by winning the Europa Conference League this season.
West Ham are looking to go one better by tasting Europa League glory.
Both clubs are through to the last eight of the respective competitions after memorable nights.
Big match for Euro race after memorable Euro nights
West Ham smashed Freiburg 5-0 to advance to the quarter-finals 5-1 on aggregate.
And Villa made light work of Ajax 4-0 to also make the quarters of the Conference.
Now they face off in the Premier League with both clubs chasing European qualification.
For Unai Emery’s men they are desperately trying to cling on to a Champions League spot.
West Ham, in seventh, are looking to qualify for Europe for a fourth consecutive campaign.
Ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, Hammers boss David Moyes will be a relieved man.
Villa could be missing three key stars for West Ham
Because Aston Villa may now be without three of their top players for Premier League clash with West Ham.
And ironically they are all players previously linked with moves to West Ham.
Villa captain John McGinn was already suspended for the Hammers clash after his red card against Spurs.
The Scot was linked with the Hammers before signing for Villa. And again two years ago, as per The Mirror.
Then star striker and top scorer Ollie Watkins was substituted in the first half against Ajax with a nasty gash which teammate Leon Bailey saying after the game that it is ‘really bad, it’s a really open wound’.
Watkins was linked with a big money move to West Ham when at Brentford. And again two years ago, as per The Guardian.
And Emery has confirmed central defender Diego Carlos – a one-time West Ham target – will likely miss the trip to east London with a hamstring injury.
McGinn out, Watkins and Carlos doubts
Carlos was the centre of a reported transfer tussle between West Ham and Newcastle before joining Villa.
“I don’t know exactly what is the (extent of the) injury of them (Watkins and Carlos),” Emery said on TNT Sports.
“Watkins was injured but maybe not for Sunday to be available but could be available because (his injury is only a cut).
“Diego Carlos is a hamstring. Maybe, maybe – we are going to check tomorrow – could be not available for Sunday. But I don’t know exactly now.”
Moyes has a near fully fit squad for the game barring any injuries between now and the game.
But Lucas Paqueta was withdrawn as a precaution against Freiburg after feeling the calf which kept him out for six weeks at the start of the year.
West Ham vs Aston Villa kicks off at 2pm on Sunday March 17th.
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