Overview
West Ham's 2023-2024 Premier League season was not very impressive when they only finished 9th. Among the top 13 teams, The Hammers' difference of -14 is also the worst. Therefore, it is not surprising that coach David Moyes had to part with the London team.
West Ham will enter a new era under the guidance of Julen Lopetegui. They have actively upgraded their squad in the 2024 summer transfer window with quality rookies such as Max Kilman, Summerville, Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Jean-Clair Todibo.
With strong investment, The Hammers will be determined to win all 3 points on the opening day to have a favorable campaign.
On the other side of the front line, Aston Villa has an impressive 2023-2024 Premier League campaign . Under the guidance of coach Unai Emery, they finished in the top 4 and won tickets to the Champions League for the first time since the 1982-1983 season.
Although they said goodbye to pillars like Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby, they were able to quickly add quality rookies, including Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Archer, Iling-Junior, Barrenechea and Ross Barkley. With improved squad depth, the Villa Park home team will set high goals in the new season.
In the last two confrontations at West Ham's home field, both teams held each other. However, at the present time, Villa will be rated slightly better than the home team.
Personnel situation
West Ham will be without the services of Edson Alvarez due to injury. Kurt Zouma is negotiating to move to Al-Ahli so will likely also be absent.
On the other side of the front line, Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are still recovering from injuries. Diego Carlos has been linked with his departure, so he is likely to be absent.
Villa's main striker Ollie Watkins did not play in the summer friendly period, but will likely still be the main starter in the next match.
Expected lineup:
West Ham : Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soucek, Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus, Summerville, Fullkrug.
Aston Villa : Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Bailay, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins.
The match between West Ham vs Aston Villa takes place at 11:30 p.m. on August 17 (Vietnam time).
