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West Ham will begin life under Julen Lopetegui this afternoon as they host Aston Villa in their Premier League season opener.   The Hammers replaced David Moyes with Lopetegui and he has used pre-season and the transfer window to put his stamp on the team.   The Spaniard will be hoping to improve on a ninth-placed finish last campaign and bring European football back to the London Stadium.   His first challenge is a tough one though, as his side come up against Villa who will be playing in the Champions League again following an incredible season.   Unai Emery has become a hero at the club already and there’s no doubt that he will want to continue on an upward trajectory.   Lopetegui has been on a spending spree throughout his first transfer window at West Ham.   By announcing the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka on Tuesday, the Hammers moved up to eight arrivals during the summer.   The right-back has followed Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Guido Rodriguez through the door.   On top of those signings, Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and former Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham have also joined. It means West Ham have spent in excess of £120million since Lopetegui’s appointment, giving him all the tools to succeed this season.   Adding that talent to the already impressive Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta should make the Hammers contenders for Europe again.   But it also piles the pressure on their new boss to deliver what is now expected of them.   West Ham are set to be without Edson Alvarez for their season opener after he missed pre-season through injury.   It means new signing Rodriguez could start in midfield while Kilman should be in from the off with Kurt Zouma set to leave the club.   Despite being investigated for breaching betting rules, Paqueta is still available to play for now.   As for Villa, Ollie Watkins has only just returned to training and there will be doubts over his match fitness for this game. It could mean Morgan Rogers or Cameron Archer get the nod, with new arrivals Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen set to feature too.   Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings remain in the treatment room as they continue to recover from their long-term injuries. After leaving Manchester United and joining West Ham this week, Wan-Bissaka has spoken of his delight at returning to London.   “It was a no-brainer for me to join West Ham. I’m excited and happy to be here, ” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and I’m excited for what’s coming.   “I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be back playing in this city means a lot to me. “I’m happy to be here, am grateful for the warm welcome, and I am excited to be playing for the Club and will give it my all. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch, get to know the players, and push on from there. I see a team that is in it together, that will push each other to win, and a group that has got each others' backs through thick and thin.   “So being part of that and having that insurance helps a lot when you are surrounded by a good squad. This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, August 18. Kick-off at the London Stadium is scheduled for 5: 30pm.   The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.   talk SPORT and talk SPORT. com will also keep you up to date with all the latest.   To tune in to talk SPORT or talk SPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talk SPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM This service is provided on talk SPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.