West Ham United will look to get their first home win since the opening game of the season when Aston Villa visit Upton Park.
The Hammers have lost three on the bounce at home something that would’ve be unheard of last season, in what has been a role reversal to last year where the Irons were exceptional at home and poor away, this season it has been the total opposite.
Sam Allardyce will want to bring his away defensive record with him to home games, as he has seen his side concede only once away from home.
But with no recognisable fully fit striker at the club, Allardyce will again be forced to play without a striker. This system allows the Hammers to pack the midfield with the hope of stifling the opposition, with Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor, if fit, the Hammers will have a task on their hands.
The home side will look towards Kevin Nolan for goals on Saturday with the inform Ricardo Vaz Te missing with a shoulder injury. Nolan, who hasn’t found the back of the net since that opening day win will look to end his long goal drought.
The home form of the Hammers has been a real concern, and with ‘winnable’ games coming up at home will need to get back on track to avoid sliding into danger early on in the season.
The Irons only lost four home games all of last season, defeat on Saturday and we would have already matched that figure just five home games into the season. The fans and Big Sam alike know something has to change at home.
Allardyce told gathering journalists on Thursday that the Hammers home form is holding them back a great deal.
He said: “From our point of view last season at home was an absolutely fantastic ride and all of a sudden this season we were expecting it to carry on but it’s been bitterly disappointing. Having only lost four at home last year, we’ve lost three already. Everyone said we had to improve our away form and we’ve done that but it’s no good unless you continue your home results, so we’ll have to start picking up home results as quickly as possible.”
Aston Villa, like the Hammers have had much more success away from home this season and will be a huge threat for the Irons.
But similarly like the Hammers they have found it hard to hit the back of the net, having failed to score in the last three games.
You could argue they are a due a goal, and with players like Benteke in your team you are never too far away from one.
Winston Reid and whoever partners him tomorrow will have to be on their toes if they are going to keep Benteke quiet as he is clearly their biggest goal threat.
Aston Villa play with a lot of freedom away from home and play a decent brand of football with it, you only have to ask Arsenal about that. But they are definitely beatable; defensively they tend to concede goals, and with no real recognisable left back Stewart Downing and Matthew Jarvis will have to target Villa’s weak spot.
Before the clash Paul Lambert backed his misfiring striker Andi Weimann to hit a goal trail sooner rather than later.
He said: “It will come – I’ve got no worries whatsoever. But his work rate is important to us and his enthusiasm. I’m pretty sure his goals will come.”
My only concern with the zero up front formation is the severe lack of options the Hammers have in the box when we break quickly. Which in a way nullifies their left back weakness, because even if Downing or Jarvis gets to the by line there is seldom anyone in the box to drill or cross it into.
Is this the game Carlton Cole wins over the Hammers faithful again? I fully expect the big man to make an appearance off the bench and with the game often tight in these fixtures could he be the man to get Upton Park dancing again?
Team News:
West Ham: Matt Taylor (calf), Alou Diarra (knee), James Collins (hamstring), Andy Carroll (foot), Ricardo Vaz Te and Stephen Henderson (both shoulder) are all unavailable.
James Tomkins looks set to play after overcoming a slight hamstring twinge suffered in mid-week. Mladen Petric could also be available after recovering from a knock.
Aston Villa: Gabriel Agbonlahor (ankle), Joe Bennett (back) and Antonio Luna (hamstring) are all doubts for the Villains.
Last 6 meetings:
· 10 February 2013 – Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United
· 18 August 2012 – West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa
· 16 April 2011 – West Ham United 1-2 Aston Villa
· 14 August 2010 – Aston Villa 3-0 West Ham United
· 17 January 2010 – Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham United
· 4 November 2009 – West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa
Where to drink Villa Fans: Denmark Arms and Black Lion are your best bets.
Bowdenwhu predicts: West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0
Come on you Irons!
