FULL TIME
West Ham [1-2] Aston Villa
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
West Ham possible starting lineup: Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez; Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta; Fullkrug
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers; Watkins
Match Preview
West Ham United begin a new chapter under Julen Lopetegui as they take on Aston Villa at the London Stadium in their opening fixture of the 2024-25 Premier League season. This matchup marks the first time since August 2012 that these two clubs have faced off in a season opener, where West Ham secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Upton Park.
West Ham's new era begins with the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints at Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 57-year-old Spaniard was lured back to the Premier League, and he has overseen a summer transfer window in which the Hammers spent over £120 million on eight new players, aiming to build a "complete team."
West Ham's significant investment signals their ambition to return to European competition, less than two years after their historic Conference League triumph. They are also looking to improve on last season’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League. The Hammers capped off their pre-season by winning the Betway Cup after a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Celta Vigo, following an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Historically, West Ham have struggled in their opening Premier League fixtures, winning just once in the last eight seasons. They have also lost their opening match more times than any other team in Premier League history, with 15 defeats.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are entering a season with high expectations, having secured a top-four finish last year, their best in decades. This achievement has earned them a spot in the top tier of European football for the first time in 41 years. Although they fell short in the semi-finals of the Conference League against Olympiacos, Villa's domestic performance was impressive.
However, Villa’s pre-season results have been less than encouraging, with four losses from their last five games, including defeats on their tour of the United States and a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. The departures of key players Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby have also been a blow, but manager Unai Emery still has a strong squad, bolstered by eight new signings. Villa will be aiming for another top-four finish this season.
Villa's record against West Ham has been poor, with just one win in their last 12 Premier League encounters. They have also failed to win any of their last nine away league meetings with the Hammers. Additionally, Villa have lost their opening Premier League match in each of the last three seasons, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Team News
West Ham will be without Edson Alvarez, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the 2024 Copa America. Kurt Zouma's proposed transfer to UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli is uncertain after he failed a medical. New signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka is unlikely to start so soon after joining, leaving Vladimir Coufal likely to retain his place at right-back. Jean-Clair Todibo is also expected to start on the bench, while Max Kilman could start in central defense. Guido Rodriguez, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Fullkrug are in contention to make their debuts, with Mohammed Kudus and newly-appointed captain Jarrod Bowen set to feature prominently.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be without Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings, both recovering from knee injuries. Backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen is doubtful due to a facial injury sustained in pre-season. With Diego Carlos possibly on his way out, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa are likely to start in central defense. New signing Ian Maatsen could feature at full-back, while Amadou Onana, who joined from Everton for £50 million, might start in a four-man midfield alongside John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and either Leon Bailey or Jacob Ramsey. Star striker Ollie Watkins, who had a standout Euro 2024, should be fit to lead the attack, with Morgan Rogers and West Ham-linked Jhon Duran also available for selection.