Aston Villa v West Ham preview

Villa looking to continue good home form

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 5th October 2007

Reo Coker Nigel2

Reo-Coker: Hammers old boy

FACT BOX

Prediction:
Villa 1 West Ham 1

One to watch: Reo-Coker

Sky Bet odds: Villa 5/6 Draw 9/4 West Ham 11/4

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Villa Park is the setting for the only Premier League game kicking off at 3 O'clock this Saturday, and Martin O'Neill's side will be looking for their fourth consecutive home victory as they entertain West Ham.

Since losing to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season Aston Villa have beaten Fulham, Chelsea and Everton at home, suffering defeat only to Leicester in the Carling Cup.

They took their good form into last Monday's game at Tottenham, but after carving out a 4-1 lead they were pegged back to 4-4.

Villa will hope to bounce back quickly and firmly establish themselves in the top half of the table by collecting all three points against The Hammers.

Nigel Reo-Coker, who endured a difficult last season at Upton Park, is set to play against his former team-mates for the first time.

Marlon Harewood also left London for the Midlands and will be hoping to feature, but the striker may have to settle for a place on the bench, with O'Neill unlikely to make changes to his front six after their display against Tottenham.

Shaun Maloney may come back into contention after missing the trip to White Hart Lane with an ankle injury, but John Carew is expected to be sidelined for another month with a knee problem.

Patrik Berger is also doubtful with a hamstring injury sustained in the shock defeat to Leicester.

Curtis Davies could come into the side after a poor performance from the Villa defence in the draw with Tottenham.

Hammers eager to get back on track

West Ham have lost their last two games and slipped back into the bottom half after an encouraging start to the season.

They have won twice on their travels this season, however, and will be in confident mood despite a number of injury concerns.

Craig Bellamy will miss the game after undergoing surgery on his troublesome groin, while fellow summer signings Kieron Dyer and Julien Faubert are long-term absentees.

Freddie Ljungberg and Henri Camara are expected to feature, and Nolberto Solano could be selected to face his former club.

Carlton Cole, who also spent a season on loan at Villa from Chelsea, is likely to be among the substitutes, with Dean Ashton continuing up front.