Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has encouraged the team to relish their current winning streak. Villa have achieved eight consecutive victories across all competitions, marking their longest top-flight winning run since March 1914. This impressive form has propelled them to within three points of league leaders Arsenal and third place in the Europa League standings.
West Ham United find themselves in the relegation zone despite recent improvements under Nuno Espirito Santo. The Hammers have lost only once in their last six league matches, although three of these games ended in draws. Nuno emphasises Jarrod Bowen's fitness as crucial for the team's success this season. "I hope [Bowen] can be involved in every minute because what he gives to the team is huge,"
said Nuno.
Villa's recent success includes nine wins out of their last ten Premier League games, earning them the most points since September 28 with a total of 27. They are the first team in Football League history to win none of their first five games and then secure nine victories from the next ten. Emery insists there is no added pressure on his squad, urging them to enjoy each moment and perform at their best.
Jarrod Bowen stands out for West Ham with 99 combined goals and assists in the Premier League. He could soon join Michail Antonio as one of only two Hammers players to reach triple figures. Bowen recently ended a goal drought by scoring against Brighton, his first since September 29 against Everton.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance. With 78 goals and 34 assists so far, Watkins ranks among the top English players for goal involvement in their first 200 matches. Only Jamie Vardy has more with 97 goals and 28 assists.
Match Prediction: Aston Villa Win
Villa broke a nine-game winless streak against West Ham last season with a 2-1 victory at this venue. They aim for consecutive away wins here for the first time since December 1996. Despite not scoring in their first four league games this season, Villa have netted 22 goals since matchday five, trailing only Manchester City (27) and boasting a conversion rate of 15.9%.
West Ham have struggled against Aston Villa recently, failing to win any of their last five Premier League encounters (D3 L2). Their current tally of 13 points from 15 games marks their worst start since the 2017-18 season when they had just ten points but managed to avoid relegation.
The Opta win probability suggests Aston Villa have a strong chance with a likelihood of victory at 53.2%, compared to West Ham's 24% and a draw at 22.7%.
