**By Louis Nixon**
**The lineups have been revealed, and Nuno Espírito Santo has opted for the same Hammers side that went against Manchester City.**
West Ham United managed to hold their own against Manchester City at a top level and are now set to attempt the same again, but Nuno will likely anticipate more chances to be created than the sole one we had last week.
Whilst Aston Villa are a threatening side, their attacking options are limited in comparison to Manchester City. Nuno opting for a back five of Wan-Bissaka, Diouf, Mavropanos, Todibo and Disasi is clearly an attempt to keep Emery’s side at bay, with Mavropanos being utilised for his height, Todibo for his speed and Disasi will be there to pick up the pieces as he’s set to return to Villa Park for the first time since the year-long loan spell he had.
The midfield relies on ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ as Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes, both of whom received international call-ups, lead the midfield as the pair play a crucial role in Nuno’s team. Aston Villa tend to play with four to five forwards whilst attacking, meaning Soucek’s defensive role could be pivotal this afternoon.
The attacking line-up doesn’t include Crysencio Summerville, as Nuno confirmed the Dutch international would miss the game because the Hammers didn’t want to take any risks. Subsequently, leaving West Ham with captain Jarrod Bowen, Taty Castellanos, and Pablo to provide the threat.
Taty and Pablo have been a duo that we see go hand in hand with one another, and whilst the pair might not be the most clinical in terms of output, they certainly put us in a better position everywhere else on the field as the pair demonstrate monstrous energy levels.
Villa Park doesn’t tend ever to be an easy stadium to go to, and the Hammers haven’t beaten Aston Villa since 2022! But both sides have a monumental amount to play for, just on the other ends of the table.
A strong lineup and once that was probably best to play in this instance, it’s now up to what the players can do on the pitch. Three points could be vital in the relegation fight, but Hammers fans will also have an eye on the other game that kicks off at 14:15 as Spurs take on Nottingham Forest.