West Ham vs. Aston Villa Preview and Free Pick

Two of the teams that have strengthened the most this season in the Premier League are West Ham and Aston Villa, who are both dreaming of winning titles.

The Hammers were not very happy with what they did last year and want to return to Europe this season.

The Villians were one of the big surprises and will play in the Champions League, but this season they want more.

West Ham vs. Aston Villa Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on West Ham?

West Ham became champions of the Conference League in 2023, but last season, they did not achieve anything, not even qualifying for an international competition. That is why they decided to make some changes.

On the one hand, there is the coach. Spaniard Julen Lopetegui arrives to replace David Moyes after a year off following his departure from Wolverhampton. And with him, great players have arrived, including striker Niclas Füllkrug, who has just played the European Championship with Germany; midfielder Crysencio Summerville voted best player in the Championship and top scorer of Leeds United; and defender Max Kilman, who starred for Wolves last season.

The Hammers also brought in defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo, midfielder and World Cup champion Guido Rodriguez, and the talented 18-year-old Brazilian youth player Luis Guilherme, for whom they paid 23 million euros to Palmeiras. Among the departures, none stand out, so it is a great improvement for the squad.

In the last Premier League, they finished in ninth place with 52 points and were one of the worst defenses in the championship , with 74 goals conceded. Only the three relegated teams conceded more, so Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, and Todibo will have a tough task upon arrival.

In friendlies, they beat Dag & Red (1-0), drew with Ferencváros (2-2) and Celta Vigo (2-2), and lost to Wolves (3-1) and Crystal Palace (3-1).

Why Bet on Aston Villa?

Aston Villa achieved fourth place last season, qualifying for the next Champions League and beating Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle. It was a great achievement for Unai Emery’s team, but this year they want more.

They suffered the losses of Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz but reinforced with important players such as Amadou Onana (Everton), Ian Maatsen (Chelsea), Samuel Iling Junior (Juventus), and Ross Barkley (Luton). They also brought Jaden Philogene-Bidace, sold a year ago to Hull City in 2023 for 5.8 million. The 22-year-old midfielder had a great season with the Tigers, and now Aston Villa brought him back paying 16 million, a deal that, from the economic point of view, was not positive.

Likewise, other young players also arrived who will not be starters but can lend a hand: Cameron Archer, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin. Archer scored three of the team’s ten goals in the preseason.

Speaking of friendlies, they beat Walsall (3-0), Spartak Trnava (3-0), and Athletic Bilbao (3-2), and lost to Columbus Crew (4-1), Leipzig (2-0), América de Mexico (1-0), and Borussia Dortmund (2-0).

Final Betting Analysis: West Ham vs. Aston Villa

The last time these two teams met was on March 17 this year, and it was a 1-1 draw. Aston Villa have won just 1 of the previous 12 games between them, but it was last season.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have West Ham as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 2.51, Aston Villa has 2.69, and the draw is at 3.9.

It will be a great and very even match, with Aston Villa, who had a great season, and West Ham, who reinforced well. However, the Hammers showed in the friendlies that they still need a little more work, so we believe the Villains will be the winners. Go for a 1-2.

Go for a win for Aston Villa. If you bet $100 at 2.69, you will gain $169 for a total payout of $269.

West Ham vs. Aston Villa Betting Pick: Aston Villa