Aston Villa host West Ham United at Villa Park tonight and could be in for a difficult evening given the strength of their opponents. Dean Smith’s men have won two of their last three games, but West Ham boast four wins from five.
Emiliano Martinez kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Southampton and should get the nod between the sticks against West Ham. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have partnered each other at centre-back for Villa’s last five league games and should continue to do so tonight.
Matty Cash turned over the ball six times on Saturday and no player blocked more shots than the 23-year-old, so his place at right-back is secure. Matt Targett turned over possession 11 times against Southampton, so Smith would be foolish to remove him at left-back.
Douglas Luiz made more interceptions than any Villa player on Saturday, so he could be key in midfield to thwart West Ham’s attacks. John McGinn turned over the ball six times, blocked two shots and won three freekicks against Southampton (WhoScored), so his energy will also be vital in the engine room.
Bertrand Traore has four goals and one assist in his last eight games, so he should get the nod on the right wing despite firing blanks in Villa’s previous two outings.
Ross Barkley’s place in the side was under threat before he scored the winner against Southampton, but Smith should reward him with another start in a central playmaker role. Morgan Sanson is knocking on the door, however, and might be introduced in the second half for his Villa debut, having been an unused substitute at the weekend (Transfermarkt).
Jack Grealish grabbed the assist for Barkley’s winner and has had a hand in four goals in his last five games, so he’s nailed on to start on the left.
Ollie Watkins has two goals in his last three games and has played every minute of every Premier League game this season (WhoScored), so he will get the nod up front.
It looks like Smith could go with the same starting XI that he utilised to victorious effect at St Mary’s on Saturday night.
Predicted XI vs West Ham: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
