Aston Villa Match Preview

West Ham United begin life under Julen Lopetegui in today’s late kick-off as they open their 2024/25 season with a home game against Aston Villa.

The Hammers have only won four matches to date in 2024 so the new man in the home dugout will be hoping that his side are able to change their fortunes and get off to a good start in front of their ever-loyal fan base. Having said that though, they haven’t recorded a victory in a season opener since the 2021/22 season when they went to Newcastle United and came from behind twice to earn all three points as they won 4-2.

Villa’s last two visits to East London have ended in 1-1 draws, meaning that they are winless in this particular fixture since 2011. Lopetegui is certainly hoping that form continues here this evening!!!

Two more new signings have joined up with the squad since the betway Cup tie against RC Celta Vigo a week ago, as Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both completed moves to Stratford earlier in the week and at least one of those players is likely to feature.

On the last day of the summer transfer window in 2023, David Moyes signed Scottish midfielder Andy Irving from.SK Austria Klagenfurt and although the East Londoners loaned him straight back to his parent club without confirming the acquisition.it seemed that he was very much part of Lopetegui’s pre-season plans and the Spaniard may choose to include him in his starting line-up.

With speculation over Kurt Zouma’s future at the club, Jarrod Bowen has been named Captain and he is hoping to start his reign with three points.

Edson Álvarez will have to be assessed after sustaining a hamstring injury whilst on international duty for Mexico during the summer.

One player that will not be available for selection is youngster George Earthy after it was revealed on Wednesday night that a deal to take him on a season-long loan to Sky Bet Championship outfit Bristol City has been sanctioned by the Irons.

The match is a 5:30pm kick-off and live coverage will be screened by Sky Sports from 5pm. The referee is Tony Harrington.