Kick-off: Sunday 26 January 2025, at 4:30 PM
On Sunday, 26 January 2025, Aston Villa will face West Ham United at Villa Park. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points to achieve their season goals. Villa aim for a spot in the upper half of the table, while West Ham are striving to distance themselves further from the relegation battle.
Form Analysis: Aston Villa
Aston Villa currently sit 8th in the table with 36 points after 22 matches and a goal tally of 33:34. Under manager Unai Emery, the team has been solid, though defensive lapses have occasionally cost them points. In their last five matches, Villa secured two wins, one draw, and two losses. A recent 2-1 FA Cup win over West Ham has given them an extra boost.
Ollie Watkins is Villa’s most important attacking player with nine goals to his name, excelling in efficiency and presence in the penalty area. He is supported by Leon Bailey, who provides pace and skill on the wings. In midfield, Youri Tielemans offers creativity and intelligent passing, while Pau Torres organises the defence.
Form Analysis: West Ham United
West Ham United are in 14th place with 26 points and a goal tally of 27:43. Under manager Graham Potter, the team has struggled for consistency, leading to fluctuating performances. Over their last five matches, the Hammers have managed only one win, alongside one draw and three losses. Their weak defence remains a significant issue.
Jarrod Bowen is the key player in attack, contributing five goals and four assists to the team’s dangerous moments. Lucas Paquetá is a creative playmaker in midfield who brings high quality to their build-up play. Tomas Soucek, a physically strong central midfielder, is crucial both defensively and during set pieces.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Aston Villa and West Ham have faced each other 123 times. West Ham lead the head-to-head with 46 wins, while Villa have 41 wins and 36 matches have ended in draws. Their most recent encounter at Villa Park resulted in a 2-1 victory for the Villans.
Tactical Analysis
Aston Villa typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 system, with Ollie Watkins as the central striker. Leon Bailey and Jhon Duran add pace on the flanks, while Youri Tielemans and John McGinn provide midfield stability and creativity. Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa anchor the defence.
West Ham also utilise a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jarrod Bowen posing a threat on the right wing. Michail Antonio leads the line as the target man, while Lucas Paquetá orchestrates attacking play. Defensively, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos lead a backline that remains vulnerable.
Predicted Line-ups
- Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martínez – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne – McGinn, Tielemans – Bailey, Duran, Ramsey – Watkins
- West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski – Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Mavropanos, Emerson – Soucek, Paquetá – Bowen, Kudus, Summerville – Antonio
Betting Options and Odds:
- Aston Villa to win (Odds: 1.60): Villa are confident and have home advantage.
- Over 2.5 goals (Odds: 1.85): Both teams have attacking potential, making a high-scoring game likely.
- Ollie Watkins to score anytime (Odds: 2.10): The in-form striker could find the net again.
- Draw (Odds: 4.00): A draw is conceivable given the close contest between the sides.
- Half-time/Full-time: Aston Villa/Aston Villa (Odds: 2.40): A controlled victory for Villa is possible.
Bet Tip & Prediction: Aston Villa – West Ham United (26/01/2025)
Aston Villa are slight favourites and will look to extend their strong home form. West Ham will aim to threaten on the counter but remain vulnerable defensively. Both teams are likely to create chances, promising an exciting match.
- Our Tip: Double chance 1X + both teams to score (Odds: 2.00)
- Predicted Scoreline: 2-1 to Aston Villa
OUR Prediction
Aston Villa – West Ham United (26/01/2025)
| Double chance 1X + both teams to score | Odds: 2,00 |
