West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has insisted that Aston Villa have "some quality players who can hurt" his side when they meet at Villa Park on Boxing Day.

Hosting Villa, who have not won since the opening day of the season, sit bottom of the Premier League table with 10 points separating themselves from safety.

Nevertheless, Bilic has warned his West Ham players that they still cannot afford to take their opposition lightly.

"Every game is difficult in the Premier League and Aston Villa are struggling, but they played a good game against Newcastle last week," he told reporters

"They are fighting for their lives and will have confidence from that away point. I am not expecting anything easier than Swansea, Stoke or Manchester United. They have some quality players who can hurt you."

Of the last five clashes between the two teams, West Ham have ran out victors just once.