The stars may well be aligning for West Ham in the battle for Premier League survival as Aston Villa are hit by an injury crisis before their crunch clash.
West Ham go to Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend and the stakes could not be higher for both teams.
The Hammers know a victory over Villa will see them go into the two-week international break – and last seven games of the season – outside the relegation zone given survival rivals Nottingham Forest are playing Spurs.
Meanwhile Aston Villa, who have lost four of their last six games in all competitions, know they must arrest their poor form to get back in the Champions League spots.
West Ham boost as Villa could be without five key stars for clash
Now it looks like the stars are aligning for West Ham as Aston Villa are hit by an injury crisis before the crunch clash.
Unai Emery’s side face Lille in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 clash at Villa Park on Thursday night.
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest on Sunday…
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Villa hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg so the tie is very much still in the balance, meaning Emery cannot afford to play a weakened team and rest players for the West Ham match.
Not that he has much choice right now.
Because it looks like Villa will be missing no fewer than five key first team stars for West Ham.
Villa’s new signing Alysson will miss the Hammers clash with a muscle injury after it was confirmed the 19-year-old will be out for at least the two matches before the international break.
Reports suggest key midfield trio Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn will also be out when West Ham head to Villa Park and so too will swashbuckling right-back Matty Cash.
Given they play again on Thursday, Villa are also at risk of picking up new injuries before facing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Villa stars McGinn, Tielemans and Kamara could miss West Ham
Meanwhile the Hammers get a full week of rest ahead of their trip to the Midlands and could have in-form star Crysencio Summerville back for the game.
While West Ham will be encouraged by Villa’s injury issues ahead of their meeting, they should not take too much notice of claims of dressing room and boardroom unrest.
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There have been rumours of an emergency board meeting over Emery’s future which emanated from unverified sources.
But it has been summarily dismissed by Aston Villa supporters and the claims have received no backing from credible sports new outlets.
While West Ham secured a resilient 1-1 draw with Man City at the weekend, Villa lost 3-1 to Man United.
The Irons can climb out of the relegation zone with a draw at Villa, but only if Spurs beat Forest.
A win could see West Ham rise above Spurs and Forest if they draw.
It would also see the Hammers draw level on points with Leeds, if they lose at home to Brentford.
Various analysts have predicted 39 points will be enough to stay up.
That means West Ham must find another 10 points from their remaining eight games – so three wins and a draw.
So getting what would be a bonus result at Villa could go a long way to helping the Hammers remain in the top flight for a 15th consecutive season.
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