At the start of the season, few would have expected either West Ham United or Aston Villa to be in a relegation scrap. Both teams have endured as opposed to enjoyed their seasons so far, and this game could be crucial for setting the standard for the remaining matches. The Hammers need a win to ease pressure on David Moyes; Villa need some positive momentum are slowing down from a fast start to life under Unai Emery.
West Ham United News
West Ham will come into this missing three of their most important players. Lukasz Fabianski sits out with a fractured cheekbone, and is unlikely to play anytime soon. Despite his advancing years, he has been an excellent signing for the Irons and they will miss his leadership on the pitch.
Vladimir Coufal also misses out, with the Czech full-back failing to live up to his excellent form last year. Still, he is an important player in the Moyes way of playing and it has hurt West Ham not having him in the first-team. Another big miss will be Michail Antonio, who looks set to miss out.
Despite having arguably his worst season for the Hammers, Antonio still provides something that cannot be easily replaced.
Aston Villa News
Villa are also short of a few of their most important players, with the likes of Diego Carlos out long-term. More medium-term absences include Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara, both of whom are unlikely to be back in first-team contention for a number of weeks. This could mean a spot opens up in the squad again for Leander Dendoncker.
Verdict
Both teams have not exactly set the world on fire with their recent performances, and this could be a game between two sides low in confidence. West Ham, though, have enjoyed a long unbeaten run against Villa – nine games – and will be confident of at least avoiding a defeat at home.
SCORE: 2-2