Aston Villa vs West Ham FA Cup Preview
- Villa to qualify
- Over 1.5 goals
The FA Cup third round delivers a compelling clash as Aston Villa host West Ham under the lights at Villa Park on Friday night.
With both teams undergoing contrasting fortunes, this match promises drama as Villa seek to capitalise on their home advantage and West Ham aim to bounce back from managerial upheaval.
Aston Villa: Building Momentum
Aston Villa enter this clash buoyed by a solid Premier League campaign under Unai Emery. Currently sitting eighth in the table, Villa claimed a 2-1 victory over Leicester City in their last outing, with Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey on target.
Villa’s FA Cup history at home is less inspiring, having lost their last six FA Cup fixtures at Villa Park. However, Emery’s tactical acumen and the team’s overall form offer hope of reversing this trend.
Should Villa progress, it would mark their first consecutive fourth-round appearances since 2015-16.
Villa are expected to rotate their squad due to Premier League and UEFA Champions League commitments, with injuries to key players Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, and Jaden Philogene, alongside Jhon Durán’s suspension.
However, the return of Morgan Rogers could bolster the squad as Emery seeks to balance his team’s workload.
Key Players to Watch
- Leon Bailey: Fresh off his goal against Leicester, Bailey’s pace and finishing will be crucial in exploiting West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Morgan Rogers: Returning from suspension, Rogers could play a pivotal role in Villa’s midfield setup.
West Ham: A New Era Under Graham Potter
West Ham begin life under new manager Graham Potter following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui. The Hammers have endured a turbulent season, with only seven wins across all competitions and a dismal 4-1 loss to Manchester City in their last game.
Potter’s immediate challenge is to lift a squad riddled with injuries and inconsistency. Long-term absentees Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio remain unavailable, while Lukasz Fabianski could return following a head injury. Niclas Füllkrug, who scored against Manchester City, is expected to lead the attack.
Despite their struggles, West Ham can draw on their FA Cup history, having defeated Villa in their last meeting in this competition back in 1980—a year they went on to lift the trophy. However, their current form and the transition to a new manager present significant obstacles.
Key Players to Watch:
- Niclas Füllkrug: West Ham’s primary attacking threat in the absence of Bowen and Antonio, Füllkrug’s physicality and finishing will be key.
- Lucas Paquetá: A creative force in midfield, Paquetá’s ability to unlock Villa’s defence could make the difference.
Head-to-Head
- Recent Meetings: Villa edged out West Ham 2-1 in their last encounter in August, but they haven’t won consecutive meetings against the Hammers since 2010-11.
- FA Cup History: The two sides last met in this competition in 1980, with West Ham winning 1-0 on their way to claiming the trophy.
Prediction
Aston Villa’s strong league form and home advantage make them favourites, despite their poor FA Cup record at Villa Park. West Ham’s managerial shake-up could provide a spark, but Graham Potter will need time to instil his philosophy in a team lacking confidence.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham
Final Thoughts
This FA Cup clash offers an exciting mix of narratives. Villa will aim to continue their upward trajectory under Emery, while West Ham look to turn the page with Potter at the helm. Fans can expect an intense and closely fought contest at Villa Park.