In recent weeks we have seen the best and worst of Aston Villa. We had the depressing, negative style at Goodison Park last weekend, the free-flowing counter attacking style at Anfield the week before and the win at all cost mentality against West Bromwich Albion so the jury is well and truly out on what we can expect this afternoon when Sam Alladyce and his West Ham side come to town.
The two sides are five points apart. However, one sits in the relegation zone while the other occupies what looks like a comfortable tenth place in the Premiership.
Only Fulham have a worse home record than Aston Villa, having only picked up eleven points from a possible thirty-six. Following the last home game, in which they overcame local rivals West Brom in a thrilling 4-3 encounter, it is vital that Paul Lambert’s men build on that victory.
West Ham’s away record is hardly something to shout about, with the Londoners having only picked up two victories and ten points in total on the road, but it is far from the worst in the league as they would sit thirteenth in the league based on away games only.
I personally believe that the Villa need a minimum of 4 points from the next two games (West Ham and Cardiff) to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. However, we all know it hasn’t been plain sailing at Villa Park for the past few years. A nice routine victory would go down just nicely, wouldn’t it?
Projected Team
Ron Vlaar remains a major doubt with an hamstring injury picked up in the 2-1 defeat against Everton last weekend.
Gabby Agbonlahor is expected to hand Paul Lambert a boost by returning to action after colliding with a advertising board in the 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Chris Herd (hamstring) and Joe Bennett (back) could both return to the bench after recovering from their injuries.
The Opposition
Sam Alladyce will be without star signing Andy Carroll after his red card appeal was turned down and he will begin his three match suspension.
Ricardo Vaz Te will face a late fitness test following a knee injury but the Hammers will be without Joe Cole (groin), Mohammed Diame (knee) and Joey O’Brien (shoulder).
Italian duo Marco Borriello and Pablo Armero could make their debuts.
Game Information
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
Referee: Mike Dean
Kick Off: 15.00
Tickets: Available from £15 – £42
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1
Predictions
Aston Villa 2 West Ham 0 – Stuart Young
Aston Villa 2 West Ham 0 – Mark Lawrenson
Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1 – Paul Merson
Have to go with Merson here. 2-1 sounds like a pretty good bet. Can’t see us keeping a clean sheet without Ron, but we should have enough fire power up with Gabby to outscore them.
Should be a good game. utv
Utter garbage. This home form is the worst I’ve ever seen. Won’t be going to Villa Park again this season. I believe the club has been sold an will be announced in the summer. We need change throughout the club.