By Betsefy
Villa will be able to call upon goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez despite ‘personal issues’, which saw the 29-year-old return to Argentina, but Morgan Sanson, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Trezeguet will be absent.
Smith admitted during Friday’s press conference that Leon Bailey needs to be ‘managed’, and the head coach will make a late decision on the attacker’s involvement, but he should be available to start.
Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings are also both expected to be in the XI, while Ramsey’s impressive performance off the bench against Arsenal could see the midfielder come in for a start.
As for West Ham, Alex Kral is back in training after his spell in isolation following a positive coronavirus test, while Vladimir Coufal returned from injury as a substitute against Man City in the EFL Cup.
Ben Johnson‘s form could see Coufal stay on the bench for this match, though, and the right-back spot is the only major talking point in terms of team selection, with Moyes not expected to make any surprising calls.
Indeed, Michail Antonio will lead the line with support from Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals in the deeper areas, while Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will feature as the two central midfielders.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn; Bailey, Ings, Watkins
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio
Our Prediction
Each team 3+ Corners
