In the most recent Premier League meeting on December 14, 2025, Aston Villa utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Marco Bizot in goal, while West Ham United opted for a 4-3-1-2 setup with Jarrod Bowen leading the attack. Unai Emery’s side secured a 3-2 victory at the London Stadium, driven by a standout brace from Morgan Rogers. As we move into 2026, both squads are managing significant injury lists, with key players like Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara currently sidelined for the Villans, while the Hammers monitor the fitness of Lucas Paquetá and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the tactical setups, confirmed starting XIs, and squad depth for both clubs. You will find detailed analysis of player roles, current injury statuses as of January 2026, and a look ahead to their next scheduled clash at Villa Park. Whether you are tracking fantasy football assets or preparing for the next matchday, this deep dive provides the authoritative data required to understand how these two historical rivals match up on the pitch.
Aston Villa Tactical Setup
Unai Emery has consistently implemented a high-line 4-2-3-1 system that focuses on positional discipline and rapid transitions. The tactical core relies on a “double pivot” in midfield to protect the back four while allowing the full-backs, particularly Ian Maatsen, to push high into the final third.
In the 2025/26 campaign, the strategy revolves around the creative freedom of Morgan Rogers and the clinical movement of Ollie Watkins. The team often switches to a 4-4-2 mid-block when defending, emphasizing a compact shape that frustrates opponents before launching counter-attacks through the pace of wingers like Jadon Sancho or Leon Bailey.
West Ham United Tactical Setup
Under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham has moved toward a more flexible 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3 structure designed to maximize Jarrod Bowen’s versatility. The Hammers emphasize a strong central core, often utilizing Edson Álvarez and Tomas Souček to win second balls and dominate the midfield physically.
The offensive plan focuses on the “inside forward” roles, where Crysencio Summerville and Bowen cut inside to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive line. During their December clash with Villa, this system allowed them to score the fastest goal of the season via Mateus Fernandes, proving the effectiveness of their high-intensity starting pressure.
Confirmed Lineup: Last Meeting
In their Matchweek 16 battle on December 14, 2025, the starting lineups showcased the tactical diversity of both managers. Aston Villa’s selection was bolstered by new signings, while West Ham relied on their established leadership core.
Aston Villa XI (Dec 2025)
- Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
- Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelöf, Ian Maatsen
- Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana
- Attacking Midfield: John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Jadon Sancho
- Forward: Ollie Watkins
West Ham United XI (Dec 2025)
- Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf
- Midfielders: Mateus Fernandes, Edson Álvarez, Tomas Souček
- Attacking Midfield: Lucas Paquetá
- Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville
Key Player Battles
The match was defined by the duel between Morgan Rogers and West Ham’s center-backs. Rogers’ ability to drop into pockets of space made him difficult to track, eventually leading to his match-winning long-range strike in the 79th minute.
On the flank, the battle between Matty Cash and Crysencio Summerville was a highlight of the first half. Summerville’s pace forced Cash into a yellow card early on, though Villa’s defensive adjustments in the second half eventually neutralized the threat, highlighting Emery’s tactical adaptability.
Squad Depth and Injuries
As of January 2026, both teams are navigating a congested winter schedule with several key absences. These injuries are likely to force rotation in the upcoming fixtures, impacting the predictability of the starting lineups.
Aston Villa Injury Update
- Amadou Onana: Sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected return late January 2026.
- Boubacar Kamara: Recovering from a knee injury, likely back in early February 2026.
- Ross Barkley: Out until early February with a knee concern.
- Emiliano Martínez: Recently managed a calf strain; Marco Bizot has filled in effectively during his absence.
West Ham Injury Update
- Lucas Paquetá: Currently a doubt due to a recurring back injury.
- Konstantinos Mavropanos: Monitoring a head injury sustained in mid-January.
- Lukasz Fabianski: Expected to return from a back injury in late January 2026.
- Mateus Fernandes: Dealing with a minor knock but expected to remain in the matchday squad.
Recent Head-to-Head Stats
The rivalry has been remarkably balanced over the last several years, with both sides frequently trading wins in tightly contested affairs. In the Premier League, they have faced each other 46 times, with each team securing 13 victories and playing out 20 draws.
The most recent trend favors Aston Villa, who have won two of the last three encounters, including a 2-1 FA Cup victory in January 2025. However, West Ham’s ability to score early—as seen with Fernandes’ 29-second opener in December—remains a significant threat that keeps the Villans’ defense on high alert.
Practical Information for Fans
If you are planning to attend the next fixture between these two clubs, here are the essential details for matchday planning.
- Venue: The next league meeting is scheduled for Villa Park in Birmingham.
- Tickets: Prices for Category A fixtures typically range from £45 to £80 for adults, depending on the stand and view.
- Transport: Villa Park is served by Witton and Aston railway stations, both a short walk from the ground.
- What to Expect: A high-intensity atmosphere; West Ham fans usually travel in large numbers, occupying the Doug Ellis Stand’s lower tier.
- Fan Tips: Arrive at least 60 minutes before kickoff to clear security and enjoy the “Fan Zone” activities outside the Holte End.
Seasonal Match Context
As the Premier League enters the final third of the 2025/26 season, the stakes for this matchup are significantly different for both teams. Aston Villa is currently embroiled in a title race, sitting 3rd in the table and just points behind leaders Arsenal.
Conversely, West Ham is fighting for survival under Nuno Espírito Santo. Currently positioned in 18th place, every point is vital for their relegation battle. This contrast in objectives—Champions League qualification vs. Premier League safety—often leads to desperate, high-scoring encounters between these two sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in the last Aston Villa vs West Ham game?
Aston Villa won 3-2 on December 14, 2025. Morgan Rogers scored twice for Villa, while Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen netted for West Ham.
Who is the manager of West Ham in 2026?
Nuno Espírito Santo is the current manager of West Ham United, having taken over to lead their 2025/26 campaign.
Is Ollie Watkins playing for Aston Villa today?
Ollie Watkins is currently the first-choice striker for Aston Villa. Unless a late knock is reported, he is expected to lead the line in all major Premier League fixtures.
How many goals has Morgan Rogers scored against West Ham?
In the most recent 2025 meeting, Rogers scored two goals, including the decisive 25-yard winner in the 79th minute.
Where can I watch the Aston Villa vs West Ham live stream?
Matches are typically broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports in the UK. International viewers can use platforms like Peacock (USA) or Optus Sport (Australia).
Who are the key summer signings for Aston Villa in 2025?
Key additions include goalkeeper Marco Bizot, defender Victor Lindelöf, and attacker Jadon Sancho, all of whom have featured regularly in the 2025/26 season.
Are there any suspended players for the next match?
As of late January 2026, there are no reported red card suspensions for either side, though several players are close to the yellow card accumulation threshold.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025/26 Premier League season progresses into its decisive final months, the rivalry between Aston Villa and West Ham United has evolved into a fascinating tactical chess match between Unai Emery and Nuno Espírito Santo. For Villa, the focus has shifted toward sustaining a title challenge while managing a squad stretched thin by European commitments and key injuries to leaders like John McGinn. Their 3-2 victory in December 2025 served as a statement of intent, proving they can maintain composure under pressure even when trailing early in away fixtures.
For West Ham, 2026 is a year of transition and survival. While the Hammers have struggled for consistency, their recent 2026 victory over Tottenham Hotspur—secured by a last-gasp Callum Wilson goal—has injected fresh hope into their campaign. As both teams look ahead to their next meeting at Villa Park on March 21, 2026, the lineups will likely be influenced by the closing of the January transfer window, with Villa eyeing reinforcements like Jean-Philippe Mateta and West Ham looking to solidify a defense that has been vulnerable to elite transitional play.
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