Expect close match with the Hammers ultimately securing all 3 points.

Value Prediction by BetBettie: West Ham United to win

The London Stadium is set to buzz on Saturday as West Ham United take on Aston Villa in what promises to be an exciting season opener. The Hammers have had a mixed preseason, and they’ll face a stern test in their first match. However, with new signings like Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, and Max Kilman, there’s plenty of talent in their ranks. Though these summer additions may need time to settle, West Ham will be eager to make a statement at home.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, have bolstered their squad with Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ross Barkley, and Jaden Philogene, though they’ve lost key players like Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz. Both teams are expected to push for a win in this fixture, making a both-teams-to-score bet an intriguing option.

West Ham, who won only two of their final 12 matches last season, will be looking to turn things around, especially at home where they’ve lost just one of their last nine matches at the London Stadium. Villa, preparing for their Champions League campaign, have struggled in recent Premier League openers, losing four of their last five, including a heavy 5-1 defeat at Newcastle last season.

With home advantage on their side and a string of new signings to boost their squad, West Ham should be set for a strong start. BetBettie sees the Hammers as favorites in this fixture, with odds of 2.50 on a home victory offering the best value prediction. A 3-1 win for West Ham is the call, with both teams likely to find the net.

Niclas Fullkrug, the German international striker who impressed at the European Championships, could be the one to watch. After scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists for Borussia Dortmund last season, Fullkrug is poised to make an impact in the Premier League. Known for his aerial prowess and physical presence in the box, he could well endear himself to the Iron faithful with a goal on Saturday, especially with the quality service from the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen.