Premier League: Aston Villa v West Ham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Sam Allardyce takes his West Ham team to Villa Park this weekend (Chris Radburn/PA)

A victory on Saturday could see West Ham escape from the relegation zone and they come into the game on the back of a 2-0 home triumph against Swansea last week. The Hammers have, however, failed to win back-to-back Premier League matches this season.

Villa will hope to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat by Everton, but could be without captain Ron Vlaar once again. Manager Paul Lambert may have to alter his formation given the injury problems his side faces at the moment. However his side may be boosted by the likely return on influential forward, Gabby Agbonlahor.

The hosts have a dreadful home record, second worst in the league, winning just three games. Even though they’re currently 10th, Villa lie just five points above the relegation zone.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham 0, Aston Villa 0, Premier League, November 2013

Aston Villa 2 (Benteke, N’zogbia) West Ham 1 (Westwood OG), Premier League, February 2013

West Ham 1 (Nolan), Aston Villa 0, Premier League, August 2012

STATS…

West Ham have the joint league highest amount of red cards with 5, along with Sunderland.

Villa’s average possession this season is 43%.

Both teams in the past last six games have won two, lost two and drawn two.

West Ham have only won 1 out of their last 6 away games.

West Ham have kept the joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League with 11

18% of both teams’ passes are long balls

Christian Benteke has scored 3 in his last 4 appearances

West Ham haven’t won at Villa Park in their last 6 attempts

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 2.05

West Ham to win: 3.6

Draw: 3.4

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day on BBC1 at 10.30pm.