West Ham v Aston Villa preview
by Ciaran Baynes, 09 May 2008
Aston Villa need a victory at West Ham and Everton to lose at home to Newcastle if they are to steal fifth spot and automatic Uefa Cup qualification.
This seems a big ask, especially as The Hammers have never lost on the last day of a Premier League campaign winning and drawing on four occasions each.
West Ham 9/5 Draw 12/5 Aston Villa 11/10
Ashton anytime goalscorer 9/4
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The home side have not been in great form but Dean Ashton has scored in his last two starts and, assuming he shrugs off a hip injury, he will be looking to hit the net once more to keep him in Fabio Capello's mind ahead of England's friendlies coming up against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.
Judging by Villa's performance against Wigan last week, The Hammers should fancy their chances of picking up all three points which would ensure them a sixth top ten finish in the last decade.
Martin O'Neill's side have seldom put together back-to-back poor performances and despite their being 23 games since they last won in London will be hopeful of leaving East London with all three points.
Upton Park has been one of their better London grounds to visit though with the home side winning just three of their last twelve games against The Villans there.
Olof Mellberg will play his final game in a Villa shirt before moving to Juventus, but Patrik Berger, who came on as a substitute last week, will not feature after suggesting that club captain Gareth Barry should leave the club for Liverpool.
As for the home side, Anton Ferdinand is back in contention for a place for the first time in a month.
Prediction: 2-2
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