West Ham United vs Aston Villa
Unai Emery and Julen Lopetegui share a lot in common.
Both Spanish managers? Check. Managing both clubs that have the same colour scheme on their kits? Check. Are they about to deliver a dazzling Premier League match for all of us to see? Put a big check mark next to it, thank you very much.
Lest we forget, both are also Europa League winners with Sevilla on separate occasions.
And on Sunday, they will find out which of them can crack a win in the new season.
Talking Points
Ollie Watkins looks to shine once again
The 28-year-old striker had his best season in an Aston Villa shirt last year after finishing with 19 goals and 13 assists. He was absolutely vital in the Villans’ rise to the top four, and there is no reason why he can’t replicate his success.
And with Emery buffing the squad up for a better chance at competing for silverware—and having an inspired run at the Champions League, of course—Watkins and co. are prepared to tackle whichever challenge comes their way.
Sadly, he failed to find the mark in Aston Villa’s final six games of the season after scoring his 19th goal against Arsenal, effectively ending their title hopes. For consolation, Watkins did finish the season with the most assists.
But when their season opens on Sunday, Villa’s scoring machine can once again resume his aim of being the first player from Aston Villa to win a golden boot. With his prowess in front of goal, surround him with proper service, and he can do just that.
They also raided Juventus after signing Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea, whilst Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene and Lewis Dobbin were also key additions to bolster a squad that’ll be fighting against Europe’s finest for the first time since 1982—a year they won their first and only European Cup.
The Irons welcome a new era
The former Real Madrid and Spain coach had a busy summer—just like the manager he is about to face this weekend—in hopes of improving from the 9th-place finish that the team achieved last season.
Borussia Dortmund talisman Niclas Fullkrug was signed for €27 million; former Wolves captain Max Kilman was acquired for a whopping €47.5 million; Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville was bought from the Championship side for €27 million; Nice standout Jean-Clair Todibo has been signed on a season-long loan; and former Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was also signed for €17 million.
These are exciting times ahead at the London Stadium.
History
These clubs have been mainstays of the league for a long time now, so it isn’t surprising that they have faced each other numerous times already.
West Ham are leading the head-to-head between the two with 45 wins, whilst Aston Villa have 39. Meanwhile, the other 36 times they met ended in a stalemate.
However, their recent past favours West Ham more, with the Villans only able to secure a couple wins against the London club since 2015.
To add to that, Aston Villa have yet to win a match at West Ham’s home ground since 2011—a total of nine straight games.
Betting Tip
It would be a tight contest, that I’m sure of. The SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds have West Ham as the slight favourites at 2.31, whilst Aston Villa are priced at 2.63.
You could bet either way, but for my money, I don’t see a lot separating these two together. There will be plenty of Premier League 2024 highlights to entertain both the home and travelling fans, and with the Spanish managers looking to outcoach each other, this promises to be an enthralling contest.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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