Aston Villa have recovered from successive defeats and are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak in the Premier League. The Villans, now 9th in the standings, must maintain this exquisite run on Sunday afternoon when they would travel to East London to lock horns with West Ham United.
The Hammers registered a thumping 4-1 win last year in the reverse tie at Villa Park. Dean Smith was dismissed a few days later and the management opted for then Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as the new Aston Villa boss. There’s been a stunning turnaround even since and the claret and blue would seek revenge with all guns blazing.
Predicted 4-3-1-2 Aston Villa Lineup To Face West Ham United
Defence
Three clean sheets in a row have restored Emiliano Martinez’s confidence after a few underwhelming games earlier this campaign. The Albiceleste ‘number 1’ should retain his place between the sticks in the upcoming fixture.
Matty Cash is in fine form with his overlapping runs, goal-bound contribution as well as defensive duties. He should retain his right-back role, whereas the aggression of Lucas Digne down the left must be utilized to script swift attacking transitions. Calum Chambers is enjoying his minutes since securing a January transfer from Arsenal and the Englishman is expected to feature once again in the heart of the backline alongside fellow countryman Tyrone Mings.
Midfield
Liverpool’s ‘little magician’ Philippe Coutinho lost his charm following his Barcelona transfer. However, the Brazilian is regaining his reputation under Gerrard and has fired in 4 goals as well as 3 assists in 8 appearances as an attacking playmaker. He would continue as the ‘number 10’ to exhibit his creative spark in the middle of the park. Young Jacob Ramsey has been a revelation down the wide, also the box-to-box movements and the driving runs from the deep make John McGinn irreplaceable. David Luiz prefers to operate from the deep as a ‘number six’ and is tipped to occupy the deep-lying role once more similar to the previous outings.
Attack
The gaffer struggled initially to incorporate both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, but the pair have attuned to the current set-up quite well with Watkins shifting down the wide at times to add variation in their game. They must spearhead the attack against the Irons ahead of Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia and Bertrand Traore who are more effective as wide attackers. As the things stand, Gerrard is unlikely to alter his winning XI unless there is a late injury concern.
