Paul Lambert takes charge of first competitive match as Aston Villa boss away at Upton Park.

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West Ham will hand a second debut to centre-back James Collins but Jack Collison is out with a knee problem.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has revealed new signings Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra are not yet fit enough to start.

Aston Villa’s Brett Holman has shaken off a knee injury and should start alongside fellow new recruits Karim El Ahmadi, Ron Vlaar and Matthew Lowton.

Injured trio Richard Dunne, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marc Albrighton all miss Paul Lambert’s first match in charge.(BBC Sport)

Preview

Life under Paul Lambert can only be an improvement on the horrific season Aston Villa spent guided by Alex McLeish, a season that almost resulted in relegation. The former Norwich City boss may not be a ‘big-name’ replacement but the Midlands side that he can pull the Villa Park side out of their free-fall.

Villa haven’t spent a great deal on new additions over the summer and owner Randy Lerner seems reluctant to splash the cash and will hope that Lambert’s man management style can help to get the most of the club’s under-performing stars.

A trip to West Ham could be a tricky one though as Sam Allardyce has done some great business during the transfer window to help improve a Hammers squad that may well have struggled with life back in the top tier.

We expect this encounter to be a feisty and hard fought one.

Prediction

West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa

Highlights

Highlights of the match will appear on site after completion of the match.

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