West Ham United v Aston Villa: Prediction, Tips and Odds

West Ham United begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a home clash against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Hammers finished ninth last season and are looking to make further strides forward under Julen Lopetegui, who has replaced David Moyes in the hotseat.

Villa have UEFA Champions League football to look forward to and will be anxious to mount another strong challenge for a top four placing.

West Ham United v Aston Villa betting tips and predictions

West Ham United to win - 29/20

West Ham United have lost their Premier League opener on 15 occasions (more than any other club) but they have had a productive summer in the transfer market and can get the better of Aston Villa at the London Stadium.

Hammers supporters have been clamouring for a change of playing style and are going to get it under the club’s new manager, Lopetegui, who likes his teams to get on the front foot.

Crucially, Lopetegui has been backed in the transfer market. Attacking options have been bolstered by the arrivals of Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug, while the defence has been beefed up by the permanent signings of Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the season-long loan for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

All the activity presents Lopetegui with some welcome selection headaches and offers encouragement to Hammers fans, who have every right to be excited about the potential of their team.

Early-season optimism should also be abundant for Villa supporters, who are looking forward to witnessing their team in UEFA Champions League action.

But Villa need to key their eye on the ball in the Premier League if they are to fend off multiple threats to top-four status.

The midlands side are ambitious but they were unable to hold onto key midfielder Douglas Luiz, who clinched a summer switch to Juventus.

Amadou Onana was swiftly brought in as Luiz’s replacement but he is a different type of player with plenty of athleticism and less control and composure on the ball.

Unai Emery is a smart manager but his team have had a shaky pre-season, losing four of their last five games, and they may fall short against West Ham, who look overpriced at 29/20 for the win.

Niclas Fullkrug to score any time - 7/4

West Ham fans will be looking forward to seeing a number of the club’s new signings and they are likely to be especially enthusiastic about Fullkrug, who has the potential to be an effective Premier League centre-forward.

Fullkrug had to be content with a substitute’s role for Germany at Euro 2024 but still caught the eye and scored against Scotland and Switzerland.

The 31-year-old thrives on balls into the box and must be looking forward to the dead ball deliveries of James Ward-Prowse, who is one of the best corner and free-kick takers in the Premier League.

Fullkrug will be desperate to make an instant impact and he looks a tempting 7/4 shot to score on debut.

John McGinn to be carded - 12/5

Aston Villa’s challenge is to try to quieten the crowd by stemming the flow of West Ham attacks.

They are likely to be robust in the tackles and a few players could overstep the mark.

Midfielder John McGinn reached a double figure card tally (nine yellows and one red) in last season’s Premier League and he looks a likely caution candidate this weekend.

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West Ham United v Aston Villa odds

West Ham United - 29/20
Draw - 13/5
Aston Villa - 7/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.