Two highly-anticipated teams take to the pitch on Saturday. It should be an exciting match and we'll be rooting for goals. Find out why below.
August 15, 2024 • 5:30 PM ET • 4 min read
The Premier League is finally back on track and Saturday's match will see predictions for West Ham vs Aston Villa.
The home team have a new manager and some exciting new signings, while the visitors will be looking to build on last season's impressive performances.
With optimism on both sides, here's why we expect both teams to score on August 17th.
West Ham vs Aston Villa Premier League Predictions
My best bet is:
Both teams to score +2.5 goals or more (-139 for Betano)
My Analysis
It's great to have the Premier League back on the road and an exciting fixture schedule culminates on Saturday with an often thrilling match between West Ham and Aston Villa, with the visitors coming off a fantastic season which saw them finish fourth in the Premier League.
There are not many big-name additions yet, with full-back Ian Maatsen arriving from Chelsea via Borussia Dortmund and Amadou Onana joining in central midfield to replace the departing Douglas Luiz. Playing in the Champions League could pose depth issues in the second half of the season, but for now they are fresh.
West Ham look completely new here. They have a new manager in Julen Lopetegui and a host of new signings. Early projections for their starting eleven see Jean-Clair Todino, Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining Emerson in a back four, with six new players listed in total.
Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have seen both teams score, with three of those being at least 2.5 goals. Saturday's game is expected to be a high-scoring affair with both teams scoring.
Aston Villa were dangerous in front of goal last year and their attacking line-up, at least in terms of the starting line-up, remains unchanged: Ollie Watkins plays centrally, Leon Bailey on the right and Morgan Rodgers, who looked good in pre-season, on the left, with John McGinn also in the mix. They have the goals and, given West Ham's new defence, they have a good chance of success.
The Hammers have bolstered their attacking ranks nicely, with ex-Dortmund player Niklas Fulkrug joining to spearhead the attack. He made a cameo appearance for Germany at Euro 2024, impressing with two goals despite not starting in the host nation's match. It's the three in front of Fulkrug who really stand out. Mohamed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen were electrifying last season, with Kudus scoring eight goals and six assists and Bowen recording 16 goals and six assists. With the arrival of Crisencio Somerville from Leeds, they are now incredibly dangerous. Somerville is quick, direct and a terror for defenders. He scored 20 goals and provided a further nine assists in the Championship last year and has real potential to split teams apart alongside his new teammates.
West Ham vs Aston Villa Same Game Parlay (SGP)
Both teams to score — Yes
Over 2.5 goals
Ollie Watkins' Goals Anytime
As well as being the best bet for this match, we're also betting Ollie Watkins will score. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a good summer with England, scoring a famous winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Last season he started 37 of Villa's 38 Premier League games, scoring 19 goals and cementing his status as the league's best English striker. With a new West Ham defence that may not be fully settled in yet, Watkins will be up to the task.
Learn how to bet on parlays on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.
West Ham vs Aston Villa odds
West Ham vs Aston Villa live odds
West Ham vs Aston Villa opening odds
Moneyline: West Ham +150 | Aston Villa +170 Draw: +240 Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-175) | Under 2.5 (+142)
West Ham vs Aston Villa opponents and over/under analysis
West Ham opened at +150 but their odds have been shortened to +145. Aston Villa have been extended to +182 and the draw to +250. The total opened at 2.5 but has since risen to 3.5 with the under favored at -167.
West Ham vs Aston Villa match information
Location: London Stadium, London, UK Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024 Time: 12:30 PM ET TV: FUBO TV Weather: Partly cloudy but dry Recent EPL Results: None Recent EPL Results: None
Major injuries for West Ham vs Aston Villa
West Ham: Wan-Bissaka (doubtful), Alvarez (absent).
Aston Villa: Olsen (doubtful), Kamara (absent), Mings (absent).
It is not intended for use in MA.
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