West Ham United vs Aston Villa: Prediction, Lineups & Kickoff Time | Premier League 2025/26

On: December 12, 2025 2:11 AM

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West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Match Preview

A polarizing clash at the London Stadium takes place on Sunday, 14 December 2025. The atmosphere in East London is tense as West Ham United sit 18th in the relegation zone with just 13 points, having managed only one win in their last five games. In stark contrast, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are flying high in 3rd place with 30 points, riding a spectacular five-match winning streak across all competitions. Villa arrive looking to cement their title credentials, while the Hammers are desperate to stop the rot and climb out of the bottom three.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Match Info

Competition: Premier League (Matchday 16)
Venue: London Stadium, London (Capacity: 62,500)
Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025
Kickoff: 14:00 GMT | 15:00 CET | 19:30 IST
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Match Stakes

West Ham United (18th — 13 pts):

Win → Moves to 16 pts; likely climbs out of the relegation zone
Draw → A morale-boosting point against a top side, but extends winless run
Loss → Remains in the bottom three; fan pressure intensifies significantly

Aston Villa (3rd — 30 pts):

Win → Moves to 33 pts; keeps pace with the league leaders (Man City/Arsenal)
Draw → Ends the winning streak; risks dropping closer to the chasing pack
Loss → A shock stumbling block; dents momentum ahead of the festive period

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Team News

West Ham United:

Fabianski L. — Out (Back Injury)
Scarles O. — Out (Shoulder Injury)
Kudus M. — Available (Key attacker)
Fullkrug N. — Available (Starting striker)

Aston Villa:

Mings T. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
Barkley R. — Out (Knee Injury)
Guessand E. — Out (Injury)
Kamara B. — Available (Midfield anchor)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

West Ham United

07/12 — 1–1 vs Brighton (Premier League)
05/12 — 1–1 vs Manchester Utd (Premier League)
30/11 — 0–2 vs Liverpool (Premier League)
22/11 — 2–2 vs Bournemouth (Premier League)
08/11 — 3–2 vs Burnley (Premier League)

Aston Villa

06/12 — 2–1 vs Arsenal (Premier League)
04/12 — 4–3 vs Brighton (Premier League)
30/11 — 1–0 vs Wolves (Premier League)
27/11 — 2–1 vs Young Boys (Europa League)
23/11 — 2–1 vs Leeds (Premier League)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

26/01/2025 — Aston Villa 1–1 West Ham (Premier League)
11/01/2025 — Aston Villa 2–1 West Ham (FA Cup)
17/08/2024 — West Ham 1–2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
17/03/2024 — West Ham 1–1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
22/10/2023 — Aston Villa 4–1 West Ham (Premier League)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

West Ham United (4-2-3-1)

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville; Fullkrug

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Impact Bench

West Ham United: Antonio (Physical impact), Ward-Prowse (Set-piece threat)

Aston Villa: Duran (Super-sub goalscorer), Philogene (Pace on the wing)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Tactical Analysis

West Ham United

West Ham have struggled defensively, conceding 29 goals this season (worst in the league). They will look to sit deep and absorb Villa’s pressure, relying on Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta to spark transitions. Set-pieces will be their best route to goal against a Villa side that sometimes struggles aerially without Mings.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s high defensive line is risky but highly effective. Villa will dominate possession in midfield through Youri Tielemans and look to release Ollie Watkins in behind West Ham’s center-backs. Their recent form (winning 5 in a row) is built on outscoring opponents, as seen in the 4–3 thriller vs Brighton. They will target West Ham’s left side, isolating Emerson against Leon Bailey.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Key Battles

Watkins vs Kilman — pace vs positioning
Paqueta vs Onana — creative flair vs physical power
Bowen vs Digne — West Ham’s main threat vs adventurous fullback
Areola vs Martinez — battle of the World Cup-winning goalkeepers

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Spotlight Players

West Ham United — Jarrod Bowen

The captain is the only consistent spark in a struggling side. If West Ham are to get anything, Bowen’s direct running and finishing will be crucial.

Aston Villa — Morgan Rogers

The youngster has been a revelation this season. His ability to drive through midfield and link play with Watkins makes him difficult to track. He was instrumental in the win over Arsenal and will look to exploit the gaps in West Ham’s midfield.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa — Prediction

West Ham United 1–3 Aston Villa

West Ham are low on confidence and leaking goals at an alarming rate. Aston Villa are a machine right now, finding ways to win even in tight games. The tactical mismatch between Villa’s fluid attack and West Ham’s static defense points to a comfortable away victory.