West Ham v Aston Villa preview: Emmanuel Emenike sweats on international clearance

New West Ham signing Emmanuel Emenike looks likely to miss Tuesday's game with Aston Villa as he awaits international clearance.

The striker has joined on loan from Fenerbahce for the rest of the season, but may have to wait until the weekend for his Hammers debut.

Slaven Bilic's side are still on the hunt for European football next season, and sit just one point and place behind Manchester United in fifth.

Aston Villa's battle to beat the drop has taken a better turn in recent weeks with a win and two draws, although they suffered a 4-0 loss to Man City in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Team news

West Ham defender James Tomkins is doubtful to face Villa after suffering a head injury against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Full-back Sam Byram could start in place of Tomkins after being cup-tied, while midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is expected to be available despite limping off at Anfield. Goalkeeper Adrian and skipper Mark Noble should be back after sitting out on Saturday.

Strikers Diafra Sakho (thigh) and Andy Carroll (hamstring) are still recovering from injuries along with midfielder Manuel Lanzini (thigh).

Rudy Gestede pulled his hamstring against West Brom and missed Villa's FA Cup defeat, while Libor Kozak took a bad knock to the ankle at the Etihad.

Alan Hutton and Carlos Sanchez (both hamstring) are also likely to be sidelined, with Adama Traore also missing for at least another month with a broken foot and Jordan Amavi (knee) out for the season. 

Opta stats

There have been just five goals scored in the last five Premier League meetings between West Ham and Aston Villa.

Aston Villa managed eight shots on target against West Ham United in the reverse fixture back on Boxing Day, the most they have managed in a Premier League game this season.

The Hammers' players have blocked 120 opposition shots in the Premier League this season; more than any other team.

Dimitri Payet has created 57 chances for West Ham in the Premier League this season; more than twice as many as any other Hammers' player (Aaron Cresswell - 26, the next most).

West Ham have seen 14 of their players score a Premier League goal this season, a joint league-high with Chelsea.

The Hammers have conceded a league-low two headed goals this season in the Premier League.

Enner Valencia has as many goals in his last three Premier League appearances (4) as he had in his previous 39 in the competition.

Merson's prediction

West Ham are a very good football team. Aston Villa were on a good run but after getting hammered by Man City 4-0, and now they've got to travel to Upton Park, I think they are in trouble. With the likes of Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia in their ranks West Ham are a top team and I'd be shocked if Villa got anything from this game. I can't see anything but a home 3-0 win with Valencia the man to open the scoring.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet odds 14/1)

Betting

West Ham are marginally odds-on at Sky Bet with relegation favourites Aston Villa up against odds of 18/5, while the draw is priced at 5/2. Enner Valencia shares favouritism in the first goalscorer betting at 9/2 along with January loan signing Emmanuel Emenike, while Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew head of the betting from the visitors' side of the market at 15/2. The Soccer Saturday pundits and Jamie Redknapp have provided Sky Bet with their tips, including Charlie Nicholas' 45/1 fancy for Valencia to score first in a 3-0 home win.