West Ham United headed into the international break just two points and two places behind Aston Villa in the Premier League table.
The Hammers have emerged from the loss of Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer strongly, investing those funds in strengthening across the pitch.
One of their new signings, Mohammed Kudus, scored a late equaliser against Newcastle United in a 2-2 draw last time out to maintain their fine start to the campaign.
David Moyes’ team have won four of their opening eight league matches, pulling off impressive wins against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion. The reigning Europa Conference League champions have also won their first two Europa League matches.
Here's a look at the Hammers ahead of their trip to B6 on Sunday...
Three to watch
James Ward-Prowse
The former Southampton captain has hit the ground running since his summer move to London Stadium, immediately impressing in claret and blue.
Renowned for his quality delivery from dead-ball situations, James Ward-Prowse has already racked up six assists and two goals for the Hammers.
Ward-Prowse has flourished in an advanced midfield role, pulling the strings behind a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation for the most part, while also playing deeper when required.
Jarrod Bowen
Flying winger Jarrod Bowen is the Hammers’ top scorer thus far this season with five goals to his name.
Terrorising defences with his pace and direct runs, the 26-year-old was recalled to the England squad earlier this month on the back of his form at club level.
Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground for the forward during his time at West Ham and Hull City, scoring three times in five appearances in B6.
Bowen wrote his name into West Ham’s history books last season when he netted the winner in the Europa Conference League final.
Lucas Paquetá
West Ham fans have seen the best of Lucas Paquetá since his move from Olympique Lyonnais in August 2022.
The Brazilian has dazzled with his flair, technical ability and creativity, and his form has been a major part of the Hammers’ strong start to the campaign.
Paquetá is mostly deployed on the left by David Moyes but it’s not uncommon to see the 26-year-old in a more central role.
On the international stage, Paquetá won the Copa América with Brazil in 2019 and scored for his country at the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Manager Focus
David Moyes has been a revelation in his second spell in charge at West Ham United.
The 60-year-old was initially called upon in November 2017 to save the Hammers from relegation, which he duly managed before the club let him go at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract.
West Ham came calling again in December 2019, with the club struggling once more and sat 17th in the top flight, and he picked up where he left off in east London.
Moyes’ first full season in charge saw the Hammers achieve their highest Premier League points total (65) en route to a sixth-place finish before they followed it up by ending the 2021/22 campaign in seventh.
Their domestic form dipped last season as they finished 14th, but they found a new gear in the Europa Conference League, winning the competition.
It was the first major trophy of the former Manchester United manager’s career to go alongside the Community Shield he won during his short stint at Old Trafford.
Last visit to Villa Park
Pablo Fornals’ heavily deflected goal saw West Ham United collect all three points on their last visit to B6.
The Spaniard saw his long-range effort clip the leg of the unfortunate Ezri Konsa and loop over Emi Martínez in the 74th minute.
Konsa had earlier seen a goal ruled out in the first half after Lucas Digne’s corner swung out of play before falling to him at the back post.
Some terrific defending from Digne denied Jarrod Bowen after the forward had raced through on goal and shrugged off Matty Cash, timing his slide tackle to perfection to block a shot.
But after Fornals put the visitors ahead, Villa were unable to respond despite chances for Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey.
2023/24 Stats (Premier League)
Individual
Most minutes played – Alphonse Areola, Emerson, Jarrod Bowen, Kurt Zouma (720)
Most assists – Vladimír Coufal (4)
Most goals – Jarrod Bowen (5)
Most yellow cards – Emerson, Edson Álvarez, Lucas Paquetá (4)
Most red cards – Nayef Aguerd (1)
Team
Goals scored - 15
Goals conceded - 12
Pass completion percentage – 78.2%
Shots per game – 11.4
Tackles per game – 18.3
Yellow cards - 19
Red cards – 1
