West Ham vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineups, team news, and score prediction

The 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off with an intriguing match-up as West Ham United hosts Aston Villa at the London Stadium on Friday, 16 August. This fixture marks the beginning of a new era for the Hammers under the guidance of Julen Lopetegui, while Unai Emery's Villa side looks to build on their impressive fourth-place finish from the previous campaign.

Aston Villa's European ambitions

Aston Villa's remarkable rise under Unai Emery saw them secure Champions League football for the first time in 41 years. However, their success came at a cost, with key players Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby departing during the summer transfer window. In response, Emery has brought in eight new faces, including Amadou Onana from Everton for £50 million, as he looks to maintain Villa's momentum across multiple competitions.

Despite the new additions, Villa's pre-season form has been a cause for concern, with the team losing four of their last five friendlies, including defeats on their U.S. tour and a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund.

Lopetegui's Hammers aiming high

West Ham United enters the season with renewed optimism under the guidance of Julen Lopetegui. The club has made significant investments in the transfer market, spending over £120 million to bring in new players. Lopetegui's objective is to assemble a well-rounded squad capable of securing a return to European competition after finishing ninth last season.

Despite a mixed pre-season, which concluded with a penalty shootout victory over Celta Vigo to retain the Betway Cup, West Ham faces a challenging start to the campaign. The Hammers have only managed to win their opening Premier League fixture once in the last eight seasons.

Team news and predicted lineups

West Ham will be without midfielder Edson Alvarez due to injury, while recent signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo may not start. However, fans can expect to see their new signing Max Kilman and their stars Mohammed Kudus, and new captain Jarrod Bowen starting.

West Ham predicted lineup: Areola, Coufal, Kilman, Zouma, Emerson, Paqueta, Soucek, Bowen, Kudus, Summerville, Fullkrug

Aston Villa face injury concerns of their own, with Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings sidelined. New arrivals Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen are in contention to start, while star striker Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line despite missing pre-season action.

Aston Villa predicted lineup: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, Watkins

The midfield battle could prove decisive, with West Ham's Lucas Paqueta, if available amid ongoing allegations, looking to dictate play, while Villa's new signing Amadou Onana will aim to make an immediate impact alongside the experienced John McGinn.

Historical context and prediction

West Ham boasts a strong record against Villa in recent years, having lost just one of their last 12 Premier League meetings. Villa has failed to win any of their previous nine away league matches against West Ham. Both teams will be eager to start the season on a positive note, with Villa aiming to break their three-year streak of losing opening fixtures.

Given the changes both sides have undergone and the early-season uncertainties, this match could be closely contested. Villa's quality may shine through, but West Ham's home advantage could prove crucial. A 2-1 victory for Aston Villa seems likely, but a draw cannot be ruled out.