Aston Villa welcome West Ham United to Villa Park for the FA Cup third round on Friday night - and the Irons will be under the management of Graham Potter for the very first time. Potter, of Solihull, has been unveiled as the successor to the sacked Julen Lopetegui, who was removed from his post on Wednesday after just half a season in charge.

Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in 2023 and although he has been linked with a multitude of clubs and vacancies in the meantime, he has held out for what he believes is the right opportunity. West Ham have secured his services on a two-and-a-half year deal.

First up is a trip to Villa, the first of two trips this month to B6 with West Ham also pencilled in to visit in the Premier League later in January. Potter, who previously played for Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion during his career prior to moving into management, considers Villa's home a place he enjoys visiting.

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"It's a fantastic game," Potter said. "Villa Park is always a great place to go. It's an opportunity for us to learn about the team, to try and prepare the team in not so much time, but nevertheless we're going to prepare to win, to go through to the next round - that's the aim.

"My impression of the fans is one that is incredibly loyal and passionate, they're knowledgable, they know the game and they know their football and what they like. I've had a huge respect for them as a competitor. I'm looking forward to getting to know them as the West Ham family and I'll do my best to put out a team they recognise and that they're proud of."

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