Graham Potter's West Ham debut comes against Aston Villa [Credit: Imago]
Graham Potter's West Ham debut comes against Aston Villa [Credit: Imago]
Match

West Ham starting XI v Aston Villa predicted after what expert has heard

Martin Allen
Martin Allen

Martin Allen, better known as "Mad Dog" was a real fan favourite at West Ham when he made over 200 appearances for the Hammers between 1989 and 1995. After hanging up his boots after spells at QPR, West Ham, Portsmouth and Southend, Allen entered management with the likes of Barnet, Brentford, MK Dons, Leicester and Notts County. We're now delighted to have Martin as our new West Ham Zone expert.

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Martin Allen can see Graham Potter using the same West Ham starting 11 from the Manchester City defeat against Aston Villa on Friday.

The Englishman kicks off his spell in charge of the Hammers on 10 January with a trip to Villa Park in an FA Cup third-round clash.

The London Stadium faithful will be interested to see how the new head coach lines up his side in the West Midlands, just six days after a 4-1 defeat away to City on 6 January.

Former Irons midfielder Allen has suggested that Potter could utilise the same side that started under Julen Lopetegui at the Eithad even though he's heard that a number of youth stars have been called up to the squad by the new boss.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: "Although the scoreline wasn't good against Manchester City, West Ham should have been 2-0 up, they did play well.

"I honestly feel that if Aston Villa come into this game with a bit of an attitude of expecting to win, they can be caught out.

"With fresh ideas coming in, let's hope that there's a lift in performance.

"Potter may just carry on with the same starting 11 because they weren't awful against City. He may say 'Come on let's take our chances and win the game this time'."

Graham Potter could use last Julen Lopetegui West Ham 11 v Aston Villa

Despite losing 4-1 against the Premier League champions, there were positives to take for the Hammers, shown by Kevin De Bruyne's frustration at full-time.

Regardless of this, the London Stadium hierarchy pulled the sack trigger and the Spaniard was moved on with Potter coming in to replace him.

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

The ex-Brighton boss now has a decision to make for the clash against Aston Villa, whether he utilises the same starting 11 or puts his own stamp on his new-look Irons.

In other West Ham news, Ben Jacobs has now shared what he understands about a potential move for Marcus Rashford.

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Martin Allen
Manchester City
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