Prediction and odds for the game: Aston Villa (13/10) vs West Ham (21/10)

We are backing the draw at odds of 12/5

When: Sunday 28 August 2022, Kick-off 14:00

Where: Villa Park

On Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa and West Ham meet at Villa Park, as both teams attempt to get their Premier League campaigns back on track.

Aston Villa

The Villans head coach Steven Gerrard is under pressure, as his team has lost two of their three league outings so far this season. In fact, the team from the Midlands have now lost three of their last four league games dating back to last season, having won once in their previous seven league matches.

Last time out Villa recorded a 4-1 win at Bolton Wanderers in Carabao Cup second round. The win may lift spirits, though ahead of this clash.

The Villans are unbeaten in their last three home matches in the English top-flight. However, on the flip side, they have also won just one of their previous four Premier League games at Villa Park.

Villa remains without centre-back Diego Carlos, who has a long-term injury. Gerrard may switch to a two-striker system, with Ollie Watkins partnering Danny Ings in attack.

West Ham

David Moyes’ team has made a nightmare start to the new league campaign. The Hammers currently sit bottom of the Premier League table after losing all three league matches against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

The poor start to the campaign means that the Irons have now won just one of their previous ten games in the English top flight. One of West ham’s main worries in the Premier League this season has been scoring goals as they have scored just once in their three league matches so far this season.

The Hammers have at least booked their place in the Europa Conference League group stages with a 6-1 aggregate win over Danish team Viborg.

Moyes’ team needs to improve their away record if they are to kick-start their season. The team from the English capital have won just one of their last nine away matches in the Premier League, suffering seven defeats in the process. The Hammers have also failed to score in three of their previous four away games.

West Ham are still without Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd through injury, while Craig Dawson and Vladimir Coufal are also fitness doubts.

Conclusion

Both teams could be lifted by midweek wins in cup competitions. The pair needed lifts after the poor starts to their league campaigns. This could be a close game, which is why we are backing the draw. The other bet we are going for is under 2.5 goals scored, as neither team has been that prolific in the Premier League.

Our Tips: We are backing the draw at odds of 12/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

[geosnippet id=3620]

If you are looking to place your bet on Aston Villa vs West Ham, then don’t forget to check out our betting page for the bookmakers we recommend for your bet. If you want more previews and tips, then be sure to visit our soccer predictions page, where we post regular content.

Can either of these out-of-form teams claim a win at Villa Park?