New West Ham boss Graham Potter will make his managerial debut tomorrow against a heavily rotated Aston Villa side in the FA Cup third round.
Villa’s boss Unai Emery is preparing for a gruelling seven-match run over 22 days. With league games against Everton and Arsenal next week, followed by a crucial Champions League clash with Monaco, Emery is expected to shuffle his squad for the cup tie at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers returns for Villa after serving a suspension, but former West Ham target Jhon Duran remains unavailable as he completes his three-match ban for violent conduct. Ollie Watkins, who scored a penalty and provided an assist against Brighton, is likely to lead the line, with Leon Bailey in contention after netting his first goal of the season last weekend.
Captain John McGinn is out with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Jacob Ramsey to retain his spot on the left wing. Emi Buendia could earn a rare start after impressing off the bench, while Rogers might be rested for Villa’s upcoming fixtures.
In midfield, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are tipped to start in a double pivot, shielding a backline of Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen.
The Hammers and Potter will hope to capitalise on Villa’s rotation and make an early statement under the new gaffers leadership.
However, this game will not be easy despite the Midlander’s rotation. Potter will have only one training session before this fixture before heading up the M1 tomorrow.
Can’t expect too much tomorrow, even with rotated squad think they will have too much for us. Potter needs some time to sort the mess out, so hopefully we can get a few in and get rid of some dead wood ( which we have plenty !). Looking at improved performance levels over coming weeks which I’m sure there will be, which in turn will lead to better results. Good luck Mr. Potter 👍
Good to hear that McGinn and Duran will be absent.
COME ON YOU IRONS!
Not an easy gig by anyones measure, plus Villa are on some sort of 150th anniversary bender, one game only special kit is all we need. A more solid performance is all I’m looking for with anything more than that a bonus. Just one training session is a big ask…