The new 2024/25 Premier League season has started. West Ham are facing Aston Villa in their first game of the new season. Also, Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui is making his West Ham debut in his first season at the club.
Last season, Unai Emery's Aston Villa finished fourth in the Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Champions League this season. On the other hand, West Ham finished ninth and couldn't qualify for European football.
Paul Merson predicts West Ham's opening match against Aston Villa
In the transfer window, West Ham have made eight new signings while Aston Villa sold their star players, Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby and signed Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley. Now, Premier League journalist Paul Merson has predicted West Ham's match against Aston Villa. The journalist expects a balanced game between the two sides and has predicted a 1-1 draw.
While Aston Villa have been one of the best English teams in the recent seasons, they have faced defeat in their opening Premier League matchday in the previous three seasons. Also, West Ham have won two games in the last five matches against Villa, with Unai Emery's side winning only one. On top of that, West Ham have been undefeated in their last nine home Premier League games against Villa.
However, Villa are still a top quality side having star players like Ollie Watkins, Amadou Onana and Emi Martinez. Also, Unai Emery's side have performed well in the preseason as they prepare for their UEFA Champions League campaign as well. Thus, West Ham will need to put a brilliant performance against Aston Villa in the first match.