West Ham United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview and Team News

West Ham United welcome high-flying Aston Villa to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

They face one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides as they look to climb away from the relegation zone. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers have steadied the ship slightly. They have suffered just one defeat in their last six matches. This run includes creditable draws against Manchester United and Brighton.

However, they face a daunting test against an Aston Villa team that has forced its way into the title conversation. Unai Emery’s men arrive in the capital on an eight-game winning streak in all competitions. Furthermore, they recently defeated Arsenal to move within three points of the summit. Consequently, the visitors will be full of confidence.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: London Stadium, London
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: James Bell
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham, 26 January 2025, Premier League

Team News

West Ham United

Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf are available. This is their final game before they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. Their involvement is a boost for a defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet in Nuno’s 10 games in charge. Youngster Ollie Scarles has returned to training and offers an alternative option. However, he is unlikely to start. Jarrod Bowen will look to become just the second player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements for the Hammers.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and defender Pau Torres. Both players missed the midweek Europa League win over Basel. The manager confirmed he would assess the duo before travel. Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley remain sidelined with thigh and knee injuries, respectively. If Torres misses out, Ezri Konsa could shift centrally. Ollie Watkins is set to lead the line in his 200th Premier League appearance.

Form

West Ham United

The Hammers have collected just 13 points from 15 games. This is their worst start to a season since 2017-18. While Nuno has made them harder to beat, they struggle to close out games. In fact, they have conceded five 90th-minute goals this season. Only Leeds and Newcastle have a worse record in that regard. Defensive fragility remains a core issue as Nuno awaits his first clean sheet.

Aston Villa

Villa are arguably the country’s most in-form team. They have won nine of their last 10 Premier League matches. Furthermore, they have accumulated the most points in the division since late September. Their attack is ruthless. Since matchday five, only Manchester City have scored more goals than Villa. History also favours the visitors as they are unbeaten in their last six meetings with West Ham.