Irons v Villa- Preview

The Premier League season kicks off with a mouthwatering clash between West Ham United and Aston Villa, two clubs who have undergone significant transformations in recent times. Both teams have invested heavily in their squads and will be eager to make a strong start to the campaign.

The Irons have undergone a summer of upheaval, with the appointment of Julen Lopetegui and a flurry of signings marking a new era for the club. The Hammers will be looking to build on their impressive pre-season form and challenge for a European place.

Aston Villa have also strengthened their squad, but the departures of key players like Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby will be a blow. However, the club’s recent success under Unai Emery has generated optimism among fans, and they will be hoping to maintain their momentum from last season.

The Hammers ended their pre-season campaign by retaining the Betway Cup with a 6-5 penalty-shootout win over Celta Vigo last weekend, after playing out an entertaining 2-2 on home soil. Lopetegui’s men won one, drew one and lost two of their previous four friendly fixtures.

West Ham is now firmly focussed on the new Premier League season, and they enter tomorrows clash with Aston Villa with the unwanted record of just winning their opening top-flight fixture just the once in the last eight seasons – the Hammers have in fact lost their opening match in the Premier League more often than any other team (15) in the division’s history!

West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez; Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta; Fullkrug