After more than two months, West Ham return to Premier League action this weekend. After a summer full of international tournaments, new signings and preseason, the Premier League season is set to commence. West Ham have a home fixture against Aston Villa at the London Stadium and new manager Julen Lopetegui will want to start with a win.
With eight new signings this summer, West Ham want to aim for a top six finish in the upcoming Premier League season. However, West Ham have some massive fixtures in the first five matches. The Hammers face Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea and will need to put in some top performances to start the new season on a high note.
Hence, with that being said, here are three things to look out for as West Ham face Aston Villa at home in their Premier League opener.
Three things to look out for as West Ham face Aston Villa at home in their Premier League opener
Jean-Clair Todibo
West Ham conceded 74 goals last season which led the Hammers to finish ninth in the Premier League after a good start in the first half of the season. In the preseason as well, West Ham have conceded a lot of goals against Premier League opponents Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Thus, West Ham signed Max Kilman and French centre back Jean-Clair Todibo to improve the defence. Although Max Kilman has played a few games in the preseason, Jean-Clair Todibo has arrived recently and hasn't trained much with the West Ham squad.
Hence, Jean-Clair Todibo can be a second half substitute instead of a starting centre back in the first game.