West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions

• West Ham won two of their final 12 matches last season in all competitions
• Aston Villa won just one of their last eight away fixtures across all competitions
• The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in this league meeting last season

Hammers can make their mark in home opener

West Ham have faltered on the opening day of the Premier League season in recent years – failing to win either of their last two first league fixtures – but they can put an end to this run when they host Aston Villa.

The Hammers have lost just one of their last nine matches at the London Stadium – drawing five – and they have made a number of statement signings in the transfer window to improve their squad, including 2023/24 Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville and German international Niclas Fullkrug.

Villa are preparing for Champions League football for the first time and will be hopeful that their league form can put them in good stead to perform on the continental stage. However, the Villans have lost four of their last five season openers in the Premier League – including a 5-1 humiliation at Newcastle last season.

Home advantage may well be key in this encounter and West Ham could make a real statement with victory as they look to improve upon their ninth placed finish last time out. Eight of the last nine meetings have seen both teams score so Villa will fancy their chances in grabbing a goal, however the Hammers have the quality to prevail and our prediction is a 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Fullkrug can endear himself to Iron faithful

German international striker Niclas Fullkrug impressed at this summer’s European Championships with two goals from five appearances – despite not starting a match – and he will hoping to make his mark on the Premier League on Saturday.

The 31-year-old netted 12 goals and eight assists for Borussia Dortmund last season and started for the German side in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Fullkrug is a strong, physical striker with plenty of aerial presence in the box and the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen have more than enough quality to provide decent service in the area.  Fullkrug averaged a goal every three shots on target and so wont require too many opportunities before finding the net.