The 2024/25 Premier League season is just around the corner and the first Saturday of the new crusade will end with West Ham facing Aston Villa.
The Villans exceeded expectations last season, finishing fourth and qualifying for Europe’s elite club festival for the first time since 1982/83.
Villa enthusiasts can’t wait for this festival to kick off next month, but Unai Emery will be focusing entirely on domestic themes for now, as Villa aims to cement its position as one of the most no-nonsense clubs in the country.
Change is in the air at West Ham, with Julen Lopetegui selected to upgrade David Moyes following the Scot’s dismissal in May. The Spaniard has a reorganized squad as West Ham look to return to continental competition.
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Home credit plays a big part in this, but West Ham haven’t lost this match since 2011, when they were still at Upton Park.
Many Hammers enthusiasts have been frustrated with Moyes towards the end of his tenure, but everyone at the home side will be fully the team this weekend.
Even if West Ham fell behind, there would be no audible signs of dissent from the stands.
There is a lot up in the air with some of the club’s signings.
The new arrivals come with centre-back duo Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United, German striker Niclas Fullkrug and Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, one of Leeds’ standout players in the league. last season. . .
Villa have also been busy this summer, but their starting XI for this match will probably be more familiar than West Ham’s.
Despite Moyes’ reputation as a pragmatist, West Ham were suspicious defensively last season, with the relegated trio conceding more goals.
At the same time, Moyes was unable to make the most of the offensive riches at his disposal. Lopetegui deserves to make West Ham more effective in this regard, although his groups have not traditionally played fancy football.
There’s plenty to get West Ham enthusiasts excited about, though, and in front of their own supporters on Saturday, the home side will be getting off to a fast start.
Even last season, which for many was a sadness despite completing a respectable ninth season, West Ham temporarily came out of lockdowns at the London Stadium, scoring the first in 11 games, a record broken by just six teams.
The aforementioned Fullkrug joins the West Ham squad.
East Londoners have been looking for a suitable option for Michail Antonio for some time, with Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca among those who did not last long at West Ham despite their achievements elsewhere.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker Fullkrüg could be a smart choice.
He will have no trouble dealing with the physicality of English football, while his ability to play as a focal point on the penalty pitch makes him a candidate for a team with an abundance of creativity provided by the likes of Mo Kudus and Jarrod. and Lucas Paquetá.
Fullkrug reached the Champions League final with Dortmund last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions, and previously had a league goal-scoring record with Werder Bremen.
The 31-year-old forward will be scoring goals for West Ham this season and we like him to open his account for rival club Aston Villa.