West Ham vs Aston Villa LIVE: Julen Lopetegui begins his reign as the Hammers host the Villans in London – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

West Ham will begin their journey under Julen Lopetegui this weekend when they host Aston Villa in their opening game of the Premier League season.

The hammers replaced David Moyes with Lopetegui and has taken advantage of the preseason and the transfer window to leave his mark on the team.

The Spaniard hopes to improve on last season's ninth-place finish and bring European football back to the London Stadium.

However, his first challenge is a difficult one, as his team will face Villa who will return to play in the Champions League after an incredible season.

Unai Emery He has already become a hero at the club and there is no doubt that he will want to continue his upward trajectory.

West Ham vs Aston Villa: Big spenders

Lopetegui has been spending big money during his first transfer window at West Ham.

Announcing the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka On Tuesday, the Hammers advanced to eight arrivals during the summer.

The right back has followed Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio SummervilleMax Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Guido Rodriguez walk through the door.

In addition to these signings, Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and former Sheffield United Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has also joined.

This means West Ham have spent more than £120m since Lopetegui's appointment, giving him every tool to succeed this season.

Adding that talent to the already impressive Mohamed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta should make the Hammers European contenders again.

But it also increases the pressure on his new boss to deliver what is now expected of him.

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• West Ham have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Aston Villa (W6 D5), a 4-1 defeat at Villa Park last season.
• Aston Villa are winless in their last nine Premier League away games against West Ham (D5 L4), since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park in April 2011.

West Ham vs Aston Villa: team news

West Ham will be without Edson Alvarez for their opening game of the season after he missed pre-season training through injury.

This means new signing Rodriguez could start in midfield while Kilman should start from the start. Kurt Zouma ready to leave the club.

Despite being investigated for violating betting rules, Paqueta is still available to play for now.

As for Villa, Ollie Watkins He has just returned to training and there will be doubts about his physical condition for this match.

It could mean Morgan Rogers or Cameron Archer get the nod, with new arrivals Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen set to appear also

Boubacar Chamber and Tyrone Mings They remain in the treatment room as they continue to recover from their long-term injuries.

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• Ollie Watkins is Aston Villa's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League in games played in London, with 13 goals in the capital so far. He has 59 goals in total in the competition, behind only Gabriel Abgonlahor (74) and Dwight Yorke (60) for the Villains.
• West Ham's new signing Crysencio Summerville was involved in 28 Championship goals last season for Leeds United (19 goals, 9 assists excluding play-offs). Only Southampton's Adam Armstrong (34) and Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics (31) were involved in more.

West Ham vs Aston Villa: What's been said?

After leaving Manchester United And after joining West Ham this week, Wan-Bissaka has spoken of his delight at returning to London.

“I didn't think twice and decided to sign for West Ham. I'm excited and happy to be here,” he said.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London and I’m excited for what’s next.

“I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so coming back to play in this city means a lot to me.

“I am happy to be here, grateful for the warm welcome and excited to play for the Club and I will give it my all.

“I'm looking forward to getting on the pitch, meeting the players and moving forward. I see a team that is united, that will motivate each other to win, and a group that supports each other through thick and thin.”

“So being a part of that and having that insurance helps a lot when you’re surrounded by a good team.

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• Aston Villa have lost their opening Premier League game in each of the last three seasons, conceding 10 goals in those encounters. They also lost the last time they faced West Ham in their opening game, going down 1-0 at Upton Park in 2012-13.
• West Ham have won their opening Premier League game in just one of the last eight seasons (D1 L6), beating Newcastle 4-2 in 2021-22. In fact, the Hammers have lost their opening Premier League game more often than any other team (15).

West Ham vs Aston Villa: how to watch

This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, August 18.

Kick-off at the London Stadium is scheduled for 5.30pm.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also keep you up to date with all the latest news.

To tune into talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 via the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen through talkSPORT Appon DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM