The maths for this game are simple… if West Ham win at Villa Park, we climb out of the bottom three for the entire international break. Why? Because Tottenham and Nottingham Forest face each other, and thankfully both can’t win.
That alone should be enough motivation, but this is far from an easy task. Aston Villa’s so-called “crisis” has been massively exaggerated. They remain firmly in the top four, and with Champions League places likely extending to fifth this season, European football looks all but guaranteed.
The big talking point for West Ham is Crysencio Summerville. He is out for this match as confirmed by manager Nuno Espirito Santo and as a result will not make the Dutch squad.
As a result in the wingers absence, West Ham will have to find and alternative way to attack given only one shot on target against Man City when Crys was missing last time.
Summerville’s return will have to wait until after the international break.
Big Stakes at Villa Park
There’s no getting away from it — this is massive. West Ham have a real opportunity to shift momentum heading into the break, but Villa away is one of the toughest fixtures you can face.
Unai Emery’s side have hit a slight wobble, but context matters. They’re still competing on multiple fronts and remain a top side packed with quality. The added factor here is their European victory over Lille, which could leave them a little leggy — or force rotation. Unai Emery’s men are through to the last eight following a 2-0 win with Matty Cash making his return as a substitute.
Emery himself is under to illusion that they will just rock up and roll us over saying: “The last twelve matches they played, they only lost two, they have lost two against Liverpool and against Chelsea in the last minute.”
From a West Ham perspective, this is exactly the kind of moment where you have to be brave. Sit back and you get punished. Get it right, and there’s space to exploit, particularly in the wide areas.
Injury News: Mixed Bag for Villa
Villa have a few key absentees:
- Boubacar Kamara – Out
- Youri Tielemans – Missed the last 11 games but Emery has suggested he could play some part
- Matt Cash – Returned against Lille so could be selected
- Emi Buendía – Doubt but will face a fitness test following a run-out against Lille
That’s a significant chunk of midfield control missing, and it could be an area West Ham look to dominate.
For the Hammers, it’s all about Summerville. If he’s fit, he starts. If not, Nuno has a decision to make — and it could impact the entire system.
Predicted West Ham XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RWB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Disasi |
| CB | Todibo |
| CM | Soucek |
| CM | Fernandes |
| LWB | Diouf |
| RW | Bowen |
| CF | Castellanos |
| CF | Pablo |
There’s a real balance to this side. Physicality in midfield, pace with Summerville (if fit), and a defence that looks increasingly solid.
Key Battle: Midfield Control
Without Tielemans and Kamara, Villa lose a bit in midfield. That’s where Soucek and Fernandes have to step up and to a certain extent Pablo dropping back, helping out and winning the ball early.
Gonzo’s Verdict
I actually think we can get something here.
If Nuno sticks with a back four, it’s going to be harsh on whoever misses out, but it gives us a better platform to attack. The defence looks strong, and there’s enough pace and directness in the side to hurt Villa.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham
I can’t see us beating Villa without Summerville in the side. I mean, who else is likely to score a goal for us at the moment? It’s unlikely to be Jarrod Bowen because, unfortunately, our skipper has lost his speed, touch and general form. Maybe we could snatch a goal from a corner but surely Mavropanos won’t do it again (go on Mav, prove me wrong again!). Yes, we don’t have the ability to get goals without both Summerville and Bowen on the wings. Still, fingers crossed, COYI ! ⚒️🤞
Great call, Gonzo. I’m with you on this one.
Two goals from whomever Aston Villa choose to ignore. We must keep them occupied in their own half and more specifically in their own box. We need to give everything in this game to ensure a victory. We have a ‘rest’ for two weeks after Villa.
It would be terrific to be out of the bottom three when we entertain Leeds in the quarter final of the FA cup.
COYI
I think buendia is playing he played against lille
Not much to choose between the two teams as the home game showed. Big difference is the managers, Nuno is ok at setting up to defend and work hard but Emery is a great in game manager making great changes and cajoling his side over the line.
to be honest, I’m a bit concerned by our lack of scoring. Bowen was in a dry spell till he hit a brace in the cup, Wilson when he plays has not scored for a bit (but he looks threatening), not much from midfield at least not regularly, while Taty & Pablo are always thereabouts, not many goals from corners either. Maybe everyone will chip in a bit!! 😁
Forest are having difficulty scoring too and no doubt that is why they are in the mix, because their CBs are very good and they have Gibbs-White as well as Anderson, so you would have thought they would have dragged themselves away from the relegation area, but just can’t manage it. Against Liverpool 2nd half, they created plenty of chances and should have won.
WHU are certainly in with a chance, they’ve proven that, they use attacking formations (most times) and have some real quality in the team – COYI!
Villa didn’t struggle to much last night (Thursday) and proceeded to next round.
Some of the quick breakaways with ball over the top.
Midfield by passed and not troubled by their injuries.
Can’t see whu getting more than a draw, sorry hope I’m wrong.
Summerville will want to be in the pot for world cup just hope it doesn’t blur his vision.
Needs to be fit for rest of premier season.
With confirmation Summerville not going to be fit need some pace up front.
Relegate Killman to put Ajala/Orford/Landers/Fearon on bench (has numerous choices).
Somebody who Nuno might at least play.
Don’t see Villa injuries hampering them.
Need to keep Watkins and Rodgers leashed.
I wish I had your optimism, maybe I’ve been looking at our league position for too long. Winning away at high flying Villa seems a big ask to me, especially as they’ll want to improve on recent results to clinch a European place. I also think it will be too soon for Summerville.
I agree Gonzo, we can win this one. Villa have a midweek game and look at their form, it is not good in several games now. The fourth place is not on recent form.