Premier League preview and odds: West Ham United vs Aston Villa

Published on: 01/02/2016

Premier League preview and odds: West Ham United vs Aston Villa

February 2, 2016 19:45pm - The Boleyn Ground

Premier League

West Ham will be aiming to keep their European qualification hopes alive on Tuesday night when they welcome bottom-of-the-pile Aston Villa to the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League. Meanwhile, a win for Villa would give them another straw to clutch in the battle for survival.

One defeat in 10 for Hammers

West Ham have been a revelation this season under new boss Slaven Bilic. The East London club have established themselves as firm European contenders with a string of consistent performances, despite having to deal with some injuries to key players.

Last time out, they held title favourites Manchester City to a 2-2 at home, and will look to follow that up with all three points against the league`s worst performers. The Hammers have not been beaten at home since August, when they fell 4-3 to Bournemouth.

Villa in deep trouble

Despite the best efforts of new boss Remi Garde, Aston Villa`s descent to the Championship seems increasingly inevitable. The Midland club are bottom of the table with just 13 points - nine of which have been secured under Gardes watch - and remain 10 points from safety with just 15 games left to play.

They come into this match on the back of consecutive draws away to West Bromwich Albion (0-0) and at home to league leaders Leicester City (1-1). However, they have still only won two games all season and may need to win half of their remaining fixtures if they are to survive.

Team news

The home side will be without James Tomkins, Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho, while Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate both remain doubtful.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Rudy Gestede, Carlos Sanchez, Adama Traore and Jordan Amavi.

Recent form (League)

West Ham United: DLWWW

Aston Villa: DDWLL

Betting odds and tips

Villa have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks but West Ham are a force to be reckoned with on home soil.

You can back the home side to Win to Nil at 15/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/02/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/02/2016 15:05:26) but are subject to change.