Aston Villa host West Ham to the Midlands in the Premier League this afternoon. It’s the second meeting between the teams this month, as Villa beat West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup’s third round on January 10th.
Unai Emery’s side are unbeaten in four Premier League games and can move within one point of the European rankings with win.
However, a Champions League loss to Monaco in the middle of the week dealt a setback to the team’s ambitions of making headway in Europe.
That cup match at Villa Park was the first game under new manager Graham Potter, and West Ham is still getting used to his ways.
He has since guided the Irons to a 3-2 victory over Fulham and a heartbreaking home loss to Crystal Palace.
This weekend, Aston Villa has few choices at center-back and in central midfield.
Amadou Onana is not expected to play after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal last week. The Belgian is joining Ross Barkley and John McGinn on the sidelines.
Diego Carlos’ transfer to Fenerbahce further depletes the defensive stocks, as Pau Torres is still out. It is anticipated that Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa would continue their collaboration.
Andres Garcia, a 21-year-old full-back who signed this week from Levante, may join the team, while Donyell Malen, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund, may get his debut.
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