Unai Emery issues Jacob Ramsey update as Aston Villa address Villa Park criticism
BirminghamLive brings you the latest Aston Villa headlines on Saturday, October 21
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Unai Emery reveals when Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno should return for Aston Villa
Unai Emery is hopeful Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno will both be fit to feature for Aston Villa within three weeks.
Both players suffered setbacks in their respective recoveries from injury after initially returning to action. Moreno hasn’t played for Villa this season after sustaining the injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool back in May, while Ramsey has made two appearances having recovered from a foot injury.
READ MORE: Aston Villa XI vs West Ham predicted as Unai Emery faces Nicolo Zaniolo decision
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Moreno returned to Villa’s matchday squads for games against Crystal Palace and Legia Warsaw last month, before suffering a setback before Ramsey came off the bench to mark his return to action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The 21-year-old scored in the 6-1 thrashing of Brighton three weeks ago.
Nicolo Zaniolo statement released by Aston Villa amid 'illegal betting' probe
Aston Villa have confirmed that Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the authorities in relation to an investigation into "alleged illegal betting activity".
Zaniolo was withdrawn from the Italy squad during the international break, and missed the matches against Malta and England as a result. However, the Villa midfielder, on loan from Turkish club Galatasaray, will be available for selection for Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham United.
Villa said in a statement on Friday: "Aston Villa can confirm Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the relevant authorities’ investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. The player has also met with senior officials at the club.
What you can expect from Villa Park makeover as Aston Villa address criticism
Aston Villa have promised they will complete upgrades to facilities in Villa Park's Holte End for supporters to use before next week's fixture against Luton Town.
Fans can expect to see some improvements for Sunday's match with West Ham, including newly painted concourses which the club says will provide a fresh and vibrant atmosphere ahead of kick-off. All the works will not be fully complete by this Sunday's Premier League fixture, supporters will be able to see noticeable improvements.
From the match against Luton Town on Sunday, October 29, various upgraded facilities will be fully operational. These include improved male and female toilets, a completely redecorated extension to the concourse space, and more television screens.
West Ham boss David Moyes delivers gushing Unai Emery verdict ahead of Aston Villa clash
David Moyes has warned his West Ham players about Aston Villa's strong start to the season ahead of their Premier League meeting at Villa Park on Sunday (4:30pm).
The visitors will head to B6 with four wins to their name, having recorded 14 points in eight games. Only two points separates the teams, with Villa placed fifth while West Ham are seventh.
In the sides last five meetings, Villa have lost all four and drew in their last, back in March. Although Villa are without a win against the Hammers since 2015, Moyes expects it to be a tough encounter.
Full West Ham squad to face Aston Villa as David Moyes issues injury update
West Ham boss David Moyes has revealed two players are doubts for the clash at Aston Villa this weekend.
The Hammers will head to B6 on Sunday (4:30pm) on the back of a 2-2 draw with Newcastle. Following the international break, the visitors have not had any fresh injury concerns.
Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell are nearing a return from injury. Speaking to the media, Moyes said: "Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson are coming on.
Aston Villa could be handed transfer boost as player's demands outlined
Nico Williams' contract demands at Athletic Bilbao could hand Aston Villa a helping hand if the club are to reignite their interest in January.
Villa tried to sign the 21-year-old in the summer, with reports claiming Unai Emery held talks with the winger to convince him over a move. Although Villa were prepared to trigger his £45million release clause, Williams decided to stay in Spain.
Since then, Bilbao have been keen to tie him down to a long-term contract to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract runs out next summer. However, there is one stumbling block between the parties, according to El Correo.
Aston Villa linked with double January transfer but face stumbling block
Aston Villa are interested in two players from the Portuguese league but could find it difficult to complete move in January, according to reports in Portugal.
Unai Emery brought five new players to the club during the summer transfer window with Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet all completing moves to Villa Park. He is likely to want to strengthen further when the January transfer window opens.
According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness ), two potential targets are Sporting’s Pedro Goncalves and Benfica’s Fredrik Aursnes. Goncalves is a winger, who is also able to play in central midfield, while Aursnes is a central midfielder but has mainly been playing at left-back this season.
How Aston Villa can benefit from proposed football reform
Aston Villa and Wolves could benefit from a reform to the English football calendar that is reported set to take place.
Elite players across the country have voiced their concerns about increased schedules which, for the top clubs, will be exacerbated next season when the Champions League and Europa League group stages expand. Villa will be hoping to be involved in one of the competitions next season.
The biggest managers in football including Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have raised concerns over the fixture congestion in the Premier League. To ease those concerns, FA Cup replays will be scrapped for the third and fourth rounds, according to a report from BBC Sport . They also say the FA Cup fifth round will return to being a weekend slot, as it was until the 2019-20 season.
Mark Lawrenson makes Aston Villa vs West Ham prediction with ‘perfect’ Unai Emery claim
Mark Lawrenson has made his prediction for Aston Villa’s Premier League match against West Ham, with Unai Emery ’s men backed to come out on top.
Villa host the Hammers on Sunday afternoon as they look to build on a positive start to the season. They currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table, having won five of their opening eight games in the league.
West Ham are just two points and two positions behind Villa in the table. The Hammers drew 2-2 with Newcastle United in their last outing before the international break, while Villa drew 1-1 with Wolves.