Aston Villa v West Ham preview: Tim Sherwood wants next step to safety

Aston Villa can take a big step in their bid to stay in the Premier League when they host West Ham at Villa Park on Saturday.

Sherwood’s side have won two of their last three league games to ease their relegation fears slightly.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

However, Leicester’s remarkable turnaround and positive results for others in the fight for survival mean that Villa are still just two points clear of the final relegation place.

Christian Benteke is in something of a purple patch and was named April’s Barclays Player of the Month for the top flight and his form alone means a repeat of the goalless draw between the two sides back in November is unlikely to be repeated.

West Ham saw off Burnley last weekend to end a four game winless streak and keep them on track for a top half finish.

Team news

Gabby Agbonlahor will return for Aston Villa after almost a month on the sidelines.

The forward has been out with a hamstring injury but will be in the squad to face West Ham as the hosts battle for survival.

Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark (both knee) are out while Tim Sherwood must decide whether to keep faith with Shay Given after the keeper made his first league appearance since 2012 in the win over Everton last week.

West Ham defender James Collins is expected to overcome a back spasm in time for Saturday.

Collins' fitness is particularly important given fellow defenders Winston Reid (hamstring), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Guy Demel (calf) are all ruled out.

Strikers Diafra Sakho (thigh) and Andy Carroll (knee) are also missing but Alex Song could start after recovering from a back problem and returning to the substitutes' bench last weekend.

Opta facts

Aston Villa have failed to score in four of the last five Premier League matches against the Hammers.

West Ham United have won none of their last 10 Barclays Premier League away games (W0 D5 L5).

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

West Ham have played 37 times against Aston Villa in the Premier League without ever earning a red card, the most games by a team who has not picked up a dismissal against a certain opponent.

Christian Benteke has scored 10 goals in his last eight Premier League outings – he did not find the net in his preceding 10 appearances.

Two thirds of West Ham’s Premier League points (31/47) were won before Xmas this season – they have won just 16 points in their 18 PL games since.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tim Sherwood is one of only 11 managers to have taken charge of 30+ Premier League games and have won more than half of them (53.1% win ratio).

Only one of Aston Villa’s goals this season have been scored or assisted by a substitute; fewer than any other team.

Merson's prediction

I am going to go for Villa to win this one 3-1, they are flying at the moment, especially Christian Benteke, who is on fire. And while everyone else around them at the bottom also won last week, they are winning football matches and that is why I am going to go for them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (14/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Sky Bet make Aston Villa 10/11 to maintain their revival under Tim Sherwood with victory over 14/5 shots West Ham. A win for the Villans will assure them of another season of top flight football and Sky Bet's price of 1/40 for them to stay up tells its own story. West Ham have been dire on the road of late but did win this fixture last season 2-0 - a 20/1 shot on Saturday. That victory was sandwiched in between two goalless draws and a third scoreless fixture is priced at 10/1. Villa, however, have certainly turned the corner under Sherwood scoring two or more goals in their last three matches and are 10/11 to extend that run. Striker Christian Benteke has been in inspired form and the Belgian is 6/4 to score in a home win and 9/2 to score his third brace in his side's last five matches.

Soccer Saturday Price Boost: Aston Villa, Hull & Leicester all to win, was 9/1, NOW 12/1.