A Welcome Return

Last updated : 20 December 2008 By Tom Vickers

Villa welcome back the big guns as they look to consolidate their top four place with a win at West Ham.

England trio Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Gareth Barry are among the returning first team regulars, who were rested for midweek clash in Hamburg.

After the second string lost 3-1 in Germany, fans will welcome the sight of a top team sheet which will also include Brad Friedel and captain Martin Laursen.

With Villa currently harbouring hopes of a top four finish, Martin O'Neill will be hoping that his charges can continue their 100 per cent record in December.

The month so far has seen the Claret and Blue net seven times in two Premier League games and excitement against Gianfranco Zola's forward thinking Hammers is surely guaranteed.

With Manchester United not playing at all this weekend due to Japanese commitments, Villa have the chance to go third with a win. A victory would also put the Claret and Blue four points clear of Arsenal, who face Liverpool on Sunday.

However, West Ham cannot be underestimated after claiming a fine point at Chelsea last time out and Zola will have his men up for this televised clash.

The Hammers are in desperate need of points and with Craig Bellamy getting on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge, they could just have a striker back on form.

One man who definitely isn't firing at the moment, though, is former Villa loanee Carlton Cole. The big frontman missed a glaring chance, which would have given his side all three points against Phil Scolari's men and his confidence looks lethargically low.

But, former players must never be dismissed, a fact Villa fans know all too well after Cole's former strike partner at the club Darius Vassell scored on consecutive occasions for Man City at the Holte End.

Villa's away form has been a joy to behold this season and if they can keep it up then fans really will start to believe that the Champions League awaits.

For now, the focus is on defeating a side managed by one canny Italian and although his nationality may suggest a defensive nature, Zola prefers to focus on the attacking side of the game.

This may play into Villa's hands as they look to counter attack with typical fluency and take the chances that come their way.

It all makes for an exciting encounter, which should suit the away side and their returning titans.