Preview: Villa vs West Ham

Aston Villa take on West Ham at Villa Park on Saturday, in a game between two of the Premiership's improving sides. West Ham will home to avoid a 3rd loss in a row, while Villa chase a fourth consecutive home win.

Victory for the Hammers, who have ten points from seven games, would see them go above Martin O'Neill's side, who have 11 points after seven matches.

Villa striker Shaun Maloney returns back from an ankle problem and he may pose a challenge to Luke Moore for a place alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Patrik Berger (calf) and John Carew (knee) are ruled out. Martin O'Neill's is still without John Carew and nust choose between Luke Moore and Shaun Maloney to play as a lone striker with support from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.

Alan Curbishley's side are without Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) and Scott Parker (knee) through injury while forward Craig Bellamy is out with a groin operation. Dyer is also still out.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Aston Villa 2-0 West Ham

A tough game for both teams, but Aston Villa have the firepower up front to defeat the Hammers. West Ham never look the same side on their travels, and Agbonlahor and Young will cause problems for the Hammers. Expect two early goals from the Villains to wrap up the 3 points.



Predictor result: result correct