Aston Villa v West Ham: Three Hammers danger men

Here are three danger men Dean Smith's side will need to silence if they want a better chance of claiming victory.

Sebastien Haller

Having formed one of the most fearsome strike partnerships in Europe alongside Luka Jović at Frankfurt, Sebastien Haller's record of 15 goals from 23 league starts last season will give Aston Villa cause for concern.

Haller was perhaps the main reason why Jović was able to shine so brightly last season, earning his summer move to Real Madrid. Having recorded nine assists in the league alongside 38 chances created, Haller's ability to bring teammates into the game makes him extremely difficult to contain.

Now, having been made West Ham's focal point, the Frenchman seems to have that ruthless edge about him to carry West Ham up the table and to where they would want to be, ridding them of the profligacy that they have become so accustomed to in recent years.

Sagacious and skilful, Haller will undoubtedly be the biggest threat to Villa's modest defensive record, having already netted three times in the Hammers' last two outings.

Manuel Lanzini

After missing the first seven months of last season through injury, Manuel Lanzini has made no mistake about how he intends to make up for lost time.

Perhaps West Ham's best player so far this season, alongside Haller, Lazini has been one of the most creative players in the Premier League, only behind the indomitable Kevin De Brunye in most chances created and key passes.

The Argentinian already has two assists this campaign, and with the selection of attacking talent that West Ham now possess, he will be eager to continue his impressive form.

Having just signed a new four-year contract late last month, Lanzini has perhaps never looked better in the claret and blue of East London.

Felipe Anderson

The mercurial Brazilian has been up to his old tricks again in West Hams's opening fixtures.

Baleful and unplayable one week and indolent the next, it is often difficult to predict the Felipe Anderson that you are going to get.

However, his talent stands out as one of the most obvious in the league, and has been the cornerstone of Manuel Pellegrini's rejuvenation of West Ham over the past 12 months.

Recording two assists in West Ham's last three games, Anderson seems to be finding form at the right time as they try and puncture the top six.

Their second top scorer last season, coming runner-up to the now departed Marko Arnautovic, Anderson should relish being part of a new look forward line, where his ability is ready to be fully exploited.