Premier League: Aston Villa v West Ham match preview

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

Andy Carrol reacts after he was sent off after clashing with Swansea's Chico Flores (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham have confirmed they will take legal action against the FA's failure to rescind the red card shown to striker Andy Carroll after his appeal was rejected. A win could see the Hammers escape from the relegation zone and come into the game on the back of a 2-0 home win against Swansea last week.

Villa will look to bounce back from last week’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, the second worst in the league, winning just three games. Even though they’re currently tenth, 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 five, 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 one out of their last six 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 three in his last four 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.