West Ham United continue to battle relegation and will host title-chasing Aston Villa in a Premier League clash that highlights the stark contrasts in form across the division. The Hammers, languishing in 18th place, desperately need points to climb away from the drop zone, while Villa's manager Unai Emery's Villa arrive in East London riding an extraordinary wave of momentum.
West Ham sit on just 13 points from 15 matches (W3 D4 L8), with a goal difference of -12. They've shown signs of improvement under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, remaining unbeaten in five of their last six games across all competitions, but draws have been their Achilles' heel – they're winless in their last four league outings. Defensively fragile, the Hammers have conceded 29 goals this season, the joint-most in the league.
In complete contrast, Aston Villa are third in the table with 30 points (W9 D3 L3) and a +7 goal difference. The Villans have won nine of their last 10 Premier League games, including a dramatic late victory over Arsenal last weekend, and extended their overall winning streak to eight matches with a midweek Europa League triumph over Basel. Emery's side have transformed from early-season strugglers (no goals in their first four games) into one of the division's most potent attacks, scoring 22 goals since Matchday 5.
Recent encounters heavily favor Villa, who are unbeaten in the last six meetings across all competitions (W3 D3). West Ham haven't beaten Villa since 2022, and Villa claimed a 2-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last season. Historically, the sides are evenly matched, with West Ham holding a slight edge in overall wins, but current trends point firmly toward the visitors.
West Ham: Jarrod Bowen (4 goals this season) remains the Hammers' talisman and is closing in on 100 Premier League goal involvements for the club. Lucas Paquetá will be crucial in midfield for creativity and will lead a midfield unit that has become stronger with each week. With Mateus Fernandes in form along with academy star Freddie Potts, they have found their stride. Even the defense looks stronger during this current unbeaten streak, led by Jean Claude Todibo and the return of Konstantinos Mavropanos.
For Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins, is nearing his 200th Premier League appearance and leads the line with menace (78 goals and 34 assists in 199 games so far). Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have been instrumental in Villa's resurgence.
West Ham have no new injury concerns. Villa are without Ross Barkley (knee) and Tyrone Mings (hamstring), but Emery rotated effectively in Europe, keeping key players fresh. This looks like a mismatch on paper. West Ham's home struggles (five defeats in seven) and vulnerability to late goals could be exploited by Villa's relentless pressing and clinical finishing. The visitors' eight-game winning run and superior form make them strong favorites to extend their streak and keep pace in the title race.