Mohammed Kudus could be set to miss out on the starting lineup again when West Ham face Aston Villa on Sunday (22 October).

The Ghanaian international is yet to make his first Premier League start for the club since signing in a big-money deal from Ajax over the summer.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to claim his first league goal in the draw against Newcastle United last time out, but that might not be enough for him to receive his chance from the start at Villa Park.

David Moyes is quite a conservative manager and, after the same side claimed four points against Sheffield United and the Magpies, he is likely to stick with that team again.

That means Alphonse Areola will continue to keep Lukasz Fabianski out after nailing down his place in between the sticks for the Hammers this season.

The in-form Vladimir Coufal, who has recorded an assist in each of the past four Premier League games, will start on the right-hand side of the defence [Transfermarkt].

Kurt Zouma will captain the side and be once again joined by Nayef Aguerd at centre-back, with Emerson continuing in his position at left-back, where he offers plenty of support down that flank going forward.

Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek will once again operate in deeper midfielder roles, with the Mexican sitting in front of the defence to provide the Czech Republic international to get forward and join in with the attacks.

In front of them will be James Ward-Prowse, as he looks to continue his excellent start to life with the Irons after scoring two goals and laying on six assists in nine games this season.

Jarrod Bowen will keep his place on the right-hand side of the attack after returning from international duty with England, while Lucas Paqueta will start on the left but will be given license to roam across the pitch in what is largely a free role for the Brazilian midfielder.

That means Michail Antonio will be the man once again charged with leading the line, as there is no place for Kudus in the starting lineup despite the forward showing plenty of promise since making the move to the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, a club's January stance on a player the Hammers wanted to sign has emerged.

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