Ace Football previews the Premier League match between West Ham United and Aston Villa, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
The second Premier League fixture on Monday night will see West Ham United and Aston Villa lock horns at the London Stadium.
A single point is all that separates the two clubs ahead of their showdown in the English capital. Villa have the edge on 15 points in ninth and could move up to fifth by claiming victory. Although 11th-place West Ham are in excellent form, having recorded back-to-back wins.
It could be a close affair in London, as both sides have enjoyed solid starts to their respective campaigns and have been evenly matched in the past. In fact, five of their last eight meetings have ended in a draw.
West Ham Form & Stats
The Hammers arrive on the back of successive 1-0 wins over Fulham and Sheffield United. They’ve now recorded four clean sheets in their last seven league games and could, like Villa, move up to fifth in the standings by Monday night.
David Moyes normally prioritizes keeping his team tight at the back, explaining how West Ham have the league’s second-best defensive record on 10 conceded goals alongside Chelsea. Even against tough opposition, like Liverpool (2-1) and Manchester City (1-1) for example, they’ve kept the scoreline down.
West Ham have also been quite prolific this season, having scored 15 goals in the Premier League. But Michail Antonio’s absence has been felt, with the club scoring three times in their last three outings. The striker’s return to training is a boost and he could be in contention for a return on Monday.
Key Team Stats
- Lost just one of their last seven league games (W4 D2).
- Four clean sheets in their last seven league games.
- Unbeaten in their last six home games against Aston Villa in all competitions.
- Under 2.5 goals in eight of their last nine games against Aston Villa in all competitions.
Aston Villa Form & Stats
Dean Smith’s side enter the fray on the back of three consecutive home defeats to Leeds, Southampton, and Brighton. All that momentum gained from their strong start to this season appears to be no more.
Although it’s worth noting Villa have won their last five away games in all competitions and are unbeaten in seven. Their most recent trip saw them defeat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates on November 8. They’ve also kept four clean consecutive sheets on the road.
Another notable fact is that only Liverpool (62) have bettered Villa’s tally of 59 corner-kicks in the Premier League. A fourth-best haul of 16 yellow cards has come also the Villians’ way.
But while these stats make a good read, a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last time out proved consistency is an issue. Villa have also lost Ross Barkley and may find it difficult against an in-form and defensively sharp West Ham.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last five away games in all competitions.
- Kept a clean sheet in their last three away league games.
- Under 2.5 goals in their last five away league games.
- Jack Grealish has won a foul in each of his last 44 league games.
- The second most corner-kicks taken in the league this season (59).
Team News
West Ham: Andriy Yarmolenko (out); Michail Antonio (doubt).
Aston Villa: Ross Barkley, Keinan Davis, Bjorn Engels, Tom Heaton, & Wesley (out); Keinan Davis & Kortney Hause (doubts).
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Dean Smith
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
