Preview: West Ham United vs. Aston Villa

West Ham United are under pressure to get a result this weekend against Aston Villa as they try to end their poor run of home fixtures this season.

The Hammers have succumbed to three defeats in their four clashes at Upton Park in the 2013-14 campaign, leaving them 15th in the Premier League table.

Manager Sam Allardyce has only witnessed his side grab one victory on home turf, which was their season-opening 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

For Villa, they have had a better run on the road, with two victories and one draw under their belt from their previous four trips in the league. However, Paul Lambert's men have lost their last two fixtures.

A 2-0 defeat to Everton at Villa Park has left the Midlands side 13th in the table, just one point ahead of their opponents this weekend.

The last time these two sides met at Upton Park, Kevin Nolan nabbed the only goal to give the home side three points.

Carlton Cole could be given the chance up front due to Ricardo Vaz Te's injury, while Villa could be without Gabriel Agbonlahor due to an ankle problem.

Recent form

West Ham United: DLLWLD

Aston Villa: LWWDLL

Possible starting lineups

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat; Morrison, Noble, Nolan, Diame, Downing; Cole

Aston Villa: Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, Luna; Weimann, Westwood, Delph, Tonev; Kozak, Benteke

Sports Mole says: 1-1