Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Graham Potter is yet to eradicate all of West Ham United's issues. His appointment hasn't had an immediate impact — West Ham United continue to concede heavily, allowing two goals in each of his three games at the helm, including in the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa (1:2) in Birmingham.
Aston Villa
In that encounter, Aston Villa were trailing but turned the game around in just five minutes mid-second half, netting twice. Under Unai Emery, they have started conceding fewer goals in January compared to December. Back then, it was 1.75 goals per game; now, it's only one. At Villa Park, they've experienced few problems since late November: an unbeaten run of eight consecutive matches. Among these, only three ended in draws, and in five out of six Premier League games, they scored two or more goals.
West Ham United
Since the start of winter, West Ham United have rarely ventured away from London Stadium — just five times. Only once did they manage a clean sheet and a victory, coincidentally against bottom-side Southampton (1:0). Other teams haven't been so kind. Even Leicester City scored three against them, despite sitting firmly in the relegation zone. To win, they first need to score, which is challenging as three main forwards — Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug — are injured, along with Crysencio Summerville. The defence is also struggling, with Jean-Clair Todibo out injured and Konstantinos Mavropanos having been sent off for two yellow cards in the previous round against Crystal Palace (0:2), further sealing their defeat.
Aston Villa vs West Ham United Prediction
Sturdy Aston Villa are likely to score their customary two goals at home, which should be enough to secure a victory against a London side with significant squad issues.
