Exclusive: McAvennie admits Aston Villa envy, predicts outcome of West Ham clash
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes if West Ham can keep Jack Grealish quiet on Wednesday night, they can get something out of their meeting with Aston Villa in the West Midlands.
David Moyes and his men travel to Villa Park this week with the hope of bouncing back from their defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.
West Ham and Aston Villa have both surpassed expectations this season. Both teams were in a battle against relegation last term and now, the Irons sit fifth after playing 21 games while Villa are ninth after 19 matches.
Speaking ahead of the game, ex-West Ham striker McAvennie has told West Ham Zone that he’s a little envious of the squad Dean Smith has assembled at Villa Park, claiming that he wanted the Hammers to sign some of their players.
However, McAvennie believes that if star player Grealish is kept quiet this week, his former club can earn a point in the Midlands.
“Villa are one of the form teams at the moment,” he said.
“I’m gutted because Villa are doing what I want West Ham to be doing. They’ve got Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Tyrone Mings. They’ve done well and got decent players in and they’re good to watch. They’ve bought a few players I wanted West Ham to go for.
“[Vladimir] Coufal’s done well at right-back so he’ll be interesting to see try and keep Grealish quiet. If they do that they might have a chance but maybe it’ll be a score draw.”
West Ham are going to have quite the job on their hands if they want to stop Grealish from scoring or assisting against them on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old England international has scored six goals and created 11 in his 19 Premier League appearances this term.
He was on the scoresheet when the Hammers beat Villa at the London Stadium in November but in his own back garden, it might be a tougher match for Moyes’ men.
The Irons have done so well this season but Villa are capable of scoring plenty of goals when they’re on form.
It promises to be an exciting game by two very good teams. Let’s just hope we come out on top.
In other West Ham news, Mark Lawrenson has also predicted the result of the clash versus Aston Villa.