Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 20 March 2026 15:30, UK

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Youri Tielemans could make a timely return to Aston Villa‘s starting lineup to secure an important three points against West Ham.

Unai Emery’s side’s poor form has, unsurprisingly, coincided with the 28-year-old’s absence, having been missing since the 2-0 away win over Newcastle United at the end of January.

Despite not reaching the same heights as his 2024-25 campaign, notching just one goal and five assists this term, he remains an important part of the squad, and one that could torment a relegation-threatened Hammers team.

Villa have been plagued by injuries this season, but even so, the Villans are still sitting fourth in the Premier League table, three points off third, before clashing with West Ham on Sunday, 22 March.

Youri Tielemans is in contention to feature vs West Ham

According to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell (20 March), there is a very real prospect of the Belgian international being available for the clash, with optimism growing over his development.

He is expected to return to first-team training on Friday, 20 March, and that will only trigger the alarm bells in East London, thanks to his past performances against the Hammers.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are inside the relegation zone on goal difference, equal on points with Tottenham, ahead of eight final Premier League fixtures.

Villa are certainly not in tremendous form across all competitions, but Tielemans ‘ return from injury will be a huge boost for Emery and his team, especially given his record against their next opponents.

Aston Villa star has haunted the Hammers multiple times before

In 14 meetings with the Hammers, Tielemans, with Villa and Leicester City, has been on the losing side just three times, notching two goals and five assists in those games.

He has not lost any of his last nine games against the East London outfit, providing a rather positive omen before the two teams meet at Villa Park this weekend.

Football Insider understands that Villa are prepared to reject offers for Tielemans ahead of the summer transfer window, with the 28-year-old a prized player at Villa Park.

He could certainly remind fans of exactly what he brings to the team on Sunday afternoon, and that would be at the expense of the Hammers, who are dancing with relegation this season.