West Ham v Aston Villa: The Hammers Destroy Villa’s Hopes for Fifth?
Even with Martin O’Neill’s words of warning to Everton and David Moyes, there is no denying Villa had a very big slip up right at the wrong time last weekend. Not only did they lose touch with the Toffees, they also lost their goal difference advantage. On the plus side, they now know exactly what they have to do here - produce nothing short of a win.
Always easier said than done however and the head to head history doesn’t offer much in the way of optimism although it far from fills Villan fans with doom and gloom either. Run ins between the two have been pretty consistent both historically and in the 21st century. Historically speaking West Ham just have the edge on Villa with 31 wins to their 29 while more recently the honours couldn’t be more even - 1 draw and 2 wins apiece from the last five matches.
Current Form
Villa definitely edge things in the current form stakes however. While the Hammers have just one win to their name from their past 7 games (and that was a 2-1 victory over Derby), Villa boast an impressive three from five. And not forgetting that incredible goal rush that occurred from those three wins.
Fifteen goals scored and just one conceded, plus the two scored against Everton and you’ve got a team who can seemingly find the goal with their eyes closed and one hand tied behind their back. Pair that against a team who hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 11, you can’t help but think that spells trouble for West Ham.
A Plague over Upton Park
The West Ham physio room is more congested than an A&E on a Saturday night. Two broken bones (one leg, one rib), three groin strains, one hamstring, injured necks, ankles and knees, a calf strain and a pelvis injury make up the current casualty lists for the Hammers.
Alan Curbishley is hopeful over the return of Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson for this clash with Villa. That can only be a good thing to combat the Hammers dodgy defending. They are capable of getting goals though even with Bellamy, Dyer and Bowyer’s season done and dusted many months ago; these goals just haven’t translated as all three points.
With all this in mind and the way the Hammers seemingly rolled over and died for Man Utd and their title chase, it’s more than likely they will do the same thing here in Villa’s quest for fifth.
Pundit’s Pick: The ball’s back in Everton’s court as Villa get the job done (away win). Do you agree with this for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Aston Villa, Hammers, Premier 10 match preview, Premier League football, Villans, West Ham
May 7th, 2008 at 13:15
I think you should adjust your headline oh so slightly. Exchange the question mark for an exclamation mark. I should see this as a home banker for the Irons.See us off into the summer on a high when 10th place is assured.
May 7th, 2008 at 20:30
goal difference doesn’t matter as a villa win and everton loss would swing it