West Ham United travel to the West Midlands on Sunday, March 22, looking to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone, while the hosts, Aston Villa, are aiming to end a four-game run without a win.
While Unai Emery's side have struggled in the league of late, they have enjoyed success in the Europa League.
The Villans defeated Lille 1-0 in France last week before beating them 2-0 at Villa Park on Thursday night to set up a last eight clash with Bologna, hoping they can translate their European form over into the league this weekend.
Nuno Espirito Santo's Hammers head to Villa Park in desperate need of a win that would move them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Despite being in better form of late, West Ham sit 18th with 29 points to their name and will take confidence from their latest point earned against Manchester City last Saturday and the fact they are unbeaten so far this month.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert Premier League predictions.
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Aston Villa vs. West Ham key stats
- Aston Villa are aiming to secure a league double over West Ham for the first time since the 2010-11 season, which was also the last campaign in which the Hammers were relegated from the top flight.
- West Ham have failed to win in their last six Premier League meetings with Aston Villa, with results alternating between three draws and three defeats.
- No side has scored fewer Premier League goals so far in 2026 than Aston Villa (10). The Villans were the joint-fifth highest scorers between August and December this term with 30.
Aston Villa vs West Ham preview: Return to winning ways on cards for hosts
| Aston Villa | vs | West Ham United |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 18th |
| 51 | Points | 29 |
| 40 | Goals For | 36 |
| 37 | Goals Against | 55 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 4 |
| 4th | Home Rank | 17th |
| 6th | Away Rank | 14th |
Aston Villa have been keeping a keen eye on sides around them in recent weeks with the hope of sides like Chelsea and Liverpool slipping up to maintain their place in the Premier League top four.
For now, Emery's side remain in the Champions League places with a two-point cushion over fifth, meaning a win on Sunday could increase the gap to five points if other results go their way.
Although they have used a league-high 32 different players this season, no side has fewer different scorers than the Hammers' 10.
While they booked their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals during the week, Villa will be keen to end a run of four league games without a win and know they come into this one as big favourites.
Emery has confirmed that there is a chance Youri Tielemans features for the first time since picking up an injury against Tottenham, while Ollie Watkins will be looking to prove a point after missing out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
As for West Ham United, they will look to end their bad run against Aston Villa without the services of Crysencio Summerville, who will not recover in time for this one.
Aston Villa have gained 19 points from a losing position while West Ham have dropped 20 points from a winning poistion.
While West Ham United are unbeaten in three in all competitions, they have won just one of their previous five Premier League games.
The Hammers will be desperate to sort their defensive issues out before it's too late; their 55 goals conceded is the second-worst record in the division and will be a vulnerable area the Villans will target.
Aston Villa vs West Ham United form guide & betting tips
| Aston Villa | vs | West Ham United |
|---|---|---|
| W-D-L-L-L | League Form | D-D-L-W-D |
| 4 | Points | 6 |
| 17th | Form Table | 13th |
| 4 | Goals For | 5 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 7 |
| L-L-W-L-W | Form (all comps) | D-L-W-D-D |
Whispers predicts: Aston Villa 3-1 West Ham United
Given their contrasting positions in the league table, it is no surprise to see a home win priced at 10/11 while an away win comes in at 3/1.
With both sides struggling for real momentum, a draw is priced at 13/5 and could be a valuable shout.
An Aston Villa win or draw is 2/9 and could less of a risk than a draw or a West Ham win which comes in at 5/6.
John McGinn scored the opening goal of their Europa League second leg encounter and is 10/3 to score for a second successive game.
> 1x2 - Draw at 13/5 | Likelihood: Possible
> Double chance - Draw/ Villa at 2/9 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS - Yes at 4/6 | Likelihood: Possible
> Anytime goalscorer - Morgan Rogers at 13/8| Likelihood: Possible