Roy Keane dissagrees with Ian Wright predictions on West Ham vs Aston Villa blockbuster clash PL opener
Aston Villa is gearing up to kick off their Premier League campaign with a demanding away fixture against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday evening. The clash is set to be a significant test for Unai Emery’s squad, as they aim to build on their impressive progress from last season.
The memory of last season’s opening day, when Aston Villa suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United, is still fresh. Despite this tough start, Villa managed to overcome the adversity and secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the season. This year, however, the stakes are even higher. With increased expectations and the pressure of playing in Europe’s premier competition, Villa must navigate their way through the season’s challenges effectively to avoid being overwhelmed.
The team’s pre-season preparations have been underwhelming, with Villa enduring four losses and struggling defensively, conceding goals with troubling regularity. These issues have led to varied predictions for their upcoming match. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright and ex-England midfielder Jill Scott anticipate a high-scoring affair, suggesting a 3-2 victory for West Ham under their new manager, Julen Lopetegui. On the other hand, Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain, has a different perspective. Keane is confident that Aston Villa will defy the odds and secure a positive result, offering a more optimistic outlook on their chances.
Keane’s endorsement of Villa contrasts sharply with the predictions made by Wright and Scott. He believes that despite the recent pre-season difficulties, Aston Villa has the potential to start their Premier League campaign with a strong performance. In a recent interview on Stick to Football, Keane expressed his belief that Villa will be able to “get a result” against West Ham, showcasing his confidence in the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from their pre-season woes.
As Aston Villa prepares for the match, questions remain about their starting lineup. One player who could play a crucial role is Kosta Nedeljkovic. With the right-back position being contested among Nedeljkovic, Matty Cash, and Ezri Konsa, Nedeljkovic has emerged as Villa’s standout performer in pre-season. His strong performances suggest that he could be a key starter against West Ham, potentially allowing Konsa to move into a centre-back role.
Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding Diego Carlos. The Brazilian defender did not feature in Villa’s final pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund, and his future with the team remains unclear. His absence adds another layer of complexity to Villa’s defensive options as they approach their Premier League opener.
Overall, the upcoming fixture against West Ham presents a significant opportunity for Aston Villa to set a positive tone for their season. With heightened expectations and a challenging opponent, Emery’s side will need to deliver a performance that not only addresses their pre-season shortcomings but also demonstrates their readiness to compete at the highest level.
