I’ve only got 30 minutes of airport internet so let’s make this preview fast! Aston Villa host West Ham this weekend and we can only hope it will be a lot more entertaining than the previous fixture earlier in the season. Aston Villa managed a 0-0 draw against the Hammers and Upton Park. Andy Carroll has been in the centre of the media this week, following his red card against Swansea city and the FA’s decision against overturning the red card. West Ham believe strongly that Carroll did nothing and it was Chico’s acting that convinced Howard of the red card decision. Unbelievable there is still a chance that the FA might re-consider the decision.
West Ham are a completely different team with Andy Carroll and if he plays, out defence will have a tough time dealing with the former Liverpool player. It might make it even harder with captain Ron Vlaar ruled out. Agbonlahor is back and Aston Villa will hope to get back-to-back home victories.
Team News:
Ron Vlaar is ruled out with a hamstring injury, Agbonlahor is fit and raring to go. Chris Herd and Joe Bennett are too available.
Andy Carroll will miss this game with a suspension, may still be overturned today.
Match Facts:
Villa have won three and lost just one of their last six Barclays Premier League games against the Hammers.
Benteke has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances for Villa.
Aston Villa have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League games, conceding at least two goals in eight games during this run.
West Ham have kept the joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League along with Arsenal (11).
Nolan has also picked up two red cards and one yellow in his last three Premier League appearances away from home.
Predicted Lineups:
Guzan
Bacuna-Clark-Baker-Bertrand
El Ahmadi-Westwood-Delph
Weimann
Agbonlahor-Benteke
Borriello
Downing-Nolan-Jarvis
Nocerino-Noble
Armero-Tomkins-Collins-Demel
Adrian
Match Prediction:
Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham
It’s simply really, if Andy Carroll plays, West Ham can get a point from this fixture. If he doesn’t, Villa should be strong enough to win this game. Vlaar is a huge, huge miss however it will be welcoming to see Agbonlahor back in the side, last time he played (against Liverpool) he provided both assists.