West Ham looking for a rebound against Villa
West Ham still finds themselves in 5th place after a dismal result on Sunday against Liverpool. They once again have a tremendous opportunity to gain points as they look to rebound against Aston Villa.
As just mentioned, the Hammers are coming into the game with their tail dragging after failing to win and move up into 4th place on Sunday afternoon. As for West Ham United’s opposition, Aston Villa is coming off a narrow 1-0 victory against the Saints.
In the reverse fixture of this matchup from back in November, West Ham rode into the London Stadium on a hot streak and took all three points from the Villains. Both Angelo Ogbonna and Jarrod Bowen helped the Hammers as they scored within the first two minutes of each half.
West Ham Team News
David Moyes sent out a team on Sunday that fans should be getting used to seeing. After a sluggish showing and forms dropping, expect to see some changes leading into Wednesday’s matchup. The biggest “expected” change will be the debut showing of Jesse Lingard.
Lingard was welcomed in as a jack of all trades, but where and when will he fit into the side? Fans should expect to see him either replace Pablo Fornals or Said Benrahma, with the more obvious choice looking like Fornals. If he starts or comes off the bench, it is still up to the Gaffer.
As far as injuries go, Arthur Masuaku is still out, and Darren Randolph looks to be doubtful before the Wednesday evening clash. David Moyes has a full squad (as complete as possible) heading into this one as the Hammers look to get the season double over Aston Villa.
West Ham are looking for a rebound against Villa.
Predicted Starting XIs
Aston Villa Formation: 4-2-3-1
Martinez, Targett, Mings, Konsa, Ginn, McGinn, Luiz, Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish(C), and Watkins.
West Ham Formation: 4-4-1-1
Fabianski, Creswell, Ogbonna, Dawson, Coufal, Soucek, Rice(C), Benrahma, Bowen, Lingard, Antonio.
Match Prediction: 2-1 to West Ham United
Aston Villa has an incredibly talented squad, and with the likes of Jack Grealish, Ross Barkley, and Ollie Watkins leading the way, the Villains will undoubtedly want to keep their good fortunes rolling past the New Year.
Even with a dismal closing to the transfer window, the Hammers still have a stout lineup. The Liverpool dismantling has left Moyes with defensive questions, but there’s nothing a swift kick to the backside can’t fix.
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As the fast-paced New Year rolls on, look for the Hammers to make a quick turnaround from their weekend woes and knock Villa down, keeping them below in the table and earning a well-deserved double.