West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions

• West Ham have failed to win four of their last five Premier League matches at London Stadium
• Aston Villa have lost only one of their last eight away league games, winning five
• Villa have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight away league contests

Claret and Blues clash after big Euro wins

West Ham and Aston Villa both enjoyed big European wins on Thursday, but each must now refocus on their goals of qualifying for next season’s revamped continental competitions.

The Hammers thrashed Freiburg 5-0 as star turns Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus sprinkled some quality on a solid overall performance. David Moyes’ men have reserved some of their best stuff for the Europa League, but their recent Premier League form has been patchy.

West Ham have won two, drawn four and lost three of their league games in 2024, during which their only clean sheet came in the dullest game of the season against Brighton.

Watkins the key as squad depth is tested

The contrast with Villa’s recent form is pretty clear, but Unai Emery’s men had a rare off day themselves when losing 4-0 at home to Tottenham between their two Conference League clashes against Ajax. Villa’s squad depth is being tested now and, with John McGinn suspended for this trip to London, Emery may not be able to rotate as many other regulars as he would like.

Ollie Watkins went off with a cut after scoring in their 4-0 thumping of the Amsterdam club, but reports suggest he will be ready to go again on Sunday. The Englishman’s importance to Villa’s success this season cannot be understated and his ability to stretch West Ham’s defence and finish off chances could give them a slight edge.

Watkins scored in a 1-1 draw when these two sides played at the same stage of last season as West Ham were fighting for European glory. This match could have a bit of after the lord mayor’s show about it given the two sides hit the scoring heights in midweek, but both teams have the quality to capitalise when it opens up in the second half.

Villa have been consistent on the road

Villa perhaps more so as they have scored 10 goals in their last three away Premier League games, which were all wins, while the Hammers have conceded 10 in their last three at home.

The Villans have hit two or more goals in seven of their last eight away games, which suggests a measure of consistency on the road that West Ham, who have been shut out in two of their last five at home, have not got.

But, given West Ham showed their best face on Thursday and have drawn three of their last five home games, our selection of Villa to win here is accompanied by the recommendation to back the visitors in the Draw No Bet market.