The Hammers face Villa this weekendplaceholder image
The Hammers face Villa this weekend | Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for West Ham’s big clash with Aston Villa.
West Ham have another huge game this weekend, with every one of their remaining Premier League games likely to be hugely significant. The Iron are currently just goal difference from safety and needing to continue their recent good form to leapfrog one of the teams above them.
This weekend, they travel to the West Midlands to take on an Aston Villa side that has been in poor form in the league, allowing their grip of third place to slip, and they are now in fourth and face a battle to keep hold of that position.
This one is important for both clubs for very different reasons, and ahead of the game, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Chris Sutton
“Aston Villa have lost their past three Premier League games, while West Ham are showing plenty of resilience and have been picking up points. Morgan Rogers scored a couple of crackers when Villa fought back to beat the Hammers earlier in the season, and this is going to be just as close.
“Villa boss Unai Emery is cutting a frustrated figure at the moment with their loss of form, but they are still in fourth place. They are going to get back on track at some point and, if they can keep Jarrod Bowen quiet, then I see them edging this one at home. Prediction: 2-1.”
Paul Merson
“West Ham have become difficult to beat in recent weeks. They will sit deep and try to play on the counter-attack against Aston Villa here. I believe West Ham can get something out of this game because Villa have found it hard to break down teams in recent weeks.
“Having said that, I won't be surprised if Villa go on and score three in this game! But why I feel strongly about West Ham here is also because this is such a huge weekend for them. Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are playing each other and so there's a lot riding on this game for West Ham in the context of the relegation battle.
“Like I said before, I'm not expecting any of the teams chasing Champions League qualification to win this weekend. West Ham to play well enough and get a point out of this. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United.”
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