West Ham and Aston Villa played out two draws last season in the Premier League. With both clubs seeking European qualification this season, managers David Moyes and Dean Smith will aim for a win on Monday night at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are eighth in the Premier League with 14 points from 27 possible. They are unbeaten in five of their last six league games claiming three wins and two draws.
Moyes has turned the team into a competitive side this term. They have posted a +5-goal difference with 15 goals scored and 10 allowed.
Aston Villa are seventh in the league standings with 15 points from 24 possible. Since sitting at the top of the table, Aston Villa have fallen down the standings thanks to three losses in their last four games.
The Villains are coming off of a 2-1 loss to Brighton at home. It was a shock result with Brighton sitting so low in the table at the moment.
Last season’s game at the London Stadium ended 1-1 after second-half goals from Jack Grealish and Andriy Yarmolenko. Grealish’s 74th-minute goal was cancelled out a minute later by Yarmolenko’s strike.
Smith has eight players on the injury list heading into matchday 10. Bertrand Traore, Keinan Davis, Kortney Hause, and Tom Heaton are all fighting injury but could make the squad. Meanwhile, Wesley, Ross Barkley, and Frederic Guilbert are all ruled out of the game on Monday.
Moyes could have striker Michail Antonio back from injury for the game. He is recovering from a thigh strain. Meanwhile, last year’s scorer in this fixture, Yarmolenko is sidelined due to self-isolating from COVID-19.
There is pressure on Moyes to start striker Sebastien Haller once more after his game-winning goal versus Sheffield United last weekend. A lot of fans want Moyes to play Antonio and Haller together which has not happened often.
West Ham are unbeaten in three straight games at London Stadium. They took seven points from nine in those games.
Aston Villa have won three straight games on the road. They took nine points from nine available, outscoring opponents 7-0. Can they post another win this weekend versus West Ham?
These teams drew both games last season. After a nil-nil draw at Villa Park, they combined for a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Monday’s game should resemble the latter rather than the former. Both sides are playing well this season and should cancel each other out when playing in east London.