Aston Villa vs West Ham: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Max Parsons
Aston Villa host West Ham on Sunday afternoon, as the two clubs face off against each other in the Premier League.
Dean Smith's side go into this one without a win since beating Manchester United at Old Trafford last month. In October, Villa have lost all three of their Premier League fixtures - 2-1 to Tottenham, 3-2 to Wolves and, most recently, 3-1 to Arsenal. Their poor run of form leaves them with five defeats in their nine opening league games, placing them 13th in the table.
A whole nine places above them sit West Ham, who have won five of their opening nine league matches. They are simply loving life at the moment. David Moyes' men came away from their midweek Carabao Cup tie against with a penalty shootout win over Manchester City - the first team in five years to dump them out of the competition. Prior to that, the Hammers had won their last two in the Premier League - 1-0 victories against Everton and Tottenham.
Here's 90min's preview of this claret and blue clash.
How to watch Aston Villa vs West Ham on TV
When is kick off? Sunday 31 October, 16:30 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Villa Park
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (UK), fuboTV (US)
Highlights? Premier League YouTube channel
Referee? Chris Kavanagh
VAR? Stuart Attwell
Aston Villa team news
Emi Martinez was forced to rush back to Argentina this week due to a family emergency, making his presence on Sunday doubtful. The goalkeeper, however, is reportedly ready to fly back and is set to feature in the West Ham clash.
Having lost their last three, the Villa boss could also decide to switch up the side somewhat. We could see a change in system to a back four to allow more creative and attacking threats to feature. If that is the case, Axel Tuanzebe could drop out of the side while Leon Bailey, who marked his return form injury with a productive cameo against Arsenal last time out, may be in line for a first start in Villa colours.
Following his consolation strike against the Gunners, Jacob Ramsey could also be set for a start in place of Emiliano Buendia, who is still yet to register a goal contribution since scoring in late August.
West Ham team news
Moyes rotated his side in midweek to rest some of his big name players. With that in mind, we should definitely see top scorer Michail Antonio lead the line against Villa, while Declan Rice will certainly come back into midfield.
Vladimir Coufal came on as a substitute to make a return to action against City meaning that, despite Ben Johnson's excellent performance, the Czech international could be set for a start on Sunday.
Fringe players Alphonse Areola and Issa Diop also hugely impressed in Wednesday night's cup triumph although Moyes is expected to set out in familiar fashion, meaning likely starts for Kurt Zouma alongside Angelo Ogbonna, and Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks.
Aston Villa vs West Ham predicted lineup
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Watkins, Ings, Bailey
West Ham: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio
Aston Villa vs West Ham prediction
One of these sides is on a run of three straight defeats. while the other comes into the clash having won their last three - it should be pretty straightforward to predict. A trip to Villa Park, however, is never a guarantee of success.
Smith's side will have the backing of a loud home following and, of course, some serious quality on the field. The likes of Douglas Luiz and John McGinn are bound to rediscover the form that has seen them dictate the tempo on so many occasions previously, while Bailey always represents a danger with his pace and drive - not to mention the goal threat of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.
Moyes' men have every reason to be optimistic, though. The Hammers are the epitome of unity at the moment, consistently putting in collective performances and looking a very strong outfit. Furthermore, there is visible quality in every department of the West Ham side and, particularly following their midweek success against City, they go into most games as favourites.
It's a tough test for the side currently occupying fourth spot but, on current form, they should edge it.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham