Fulham vs. Aston Villa:
Fulham welcome Aston Villa to Craven Cottage this Saturday in what can be called a very interesting Premier League outing. Both teams have had a pretty good start to the season, and there is much excitement that this match would bring with it.
Aston Villa enter this match in fine fettle, unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions, with six wins. They have enjoyed the better of head-to-head matches, having won in the last four meetings against Fulham. The Cottagers have had a mixed run at home. Just two of their last seven league matches have produced wins. Nonetheless, in the last five league games, both teams have seen goals at both ends four times.
Prediction
However, considering Aston Villa have such a strong head-to-head record against Fulham and given their recent form, they do look primed to take three points. Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa.
Key Stats
Average Goals: 2.60
Average Cards: 4.70
Average Corners: 9.50
BTTS (Both Teams to Score): 70%
Over 1.5 Goals: 70%
Over 2.5 Goals: 50%
Fulham’s Strong Start
Fulham have had a great start to the campaign and sit in the top half of the table after seven games. Under Marco Silva, they have continued improving, especially with summer signings that have buoyed them into this form. Emile Smith Rowe, signed from Arsenal, has been instrumental in midfield, bringing much creativity and versatility to Fulham’s attack. In the backline, experience has come through in Joachim Andersen, who has made Fulham very resilient.
The other massive fillip has come with the form regained by Raúl Jiménez. This 33-year-old striker, since recovering from a terrible injury, has been at his aggressive best in front of the goal, netting three this season. His hold-up and smart link-up play has served Fulham’s forward. If Jiménez stays in this form, then Fulham can dream of a push for a European spot.
So, the tactical flexibility of Silva has been key – his style changes game upon game with opposition, and that has made Fulham unpredictable and competitive.
Aston Villa in Great Form
This season has also seen Unai Emery’s Aston Villa within striking distance of the top four, with 14 points from seven matches. The depth of Villa’s squad will be tested this season with domestic and European commitments, but their attacking firepower can’t be doubted.
Jhon Durán and Ollie Watkins have scored four league goals so far and are one of the most potent attacking pairs in the league. Watkins, in particular, has kept building his reputation as one of the most consistent forwards in the Premier League, while Durán’s inclusion into the starting lineup adds another dimension to Villa’s offense.
In midfield, meanwhile, Youri Tielemans has proved an influential performer, capable of delivering creativity as much as defensive security; and in Morgan Rogers, one of the country’s most exciting youngsters.
It’s a team that will, almost certainly, fall victim to fixture congestion at some stage this season with so many competitions to contest, but the way Emery has Villa set up, it feels like something special is possible.
Team News
Fulham: Fulham will be without Vinícius, Jorge Cuenca, and Joachim Andersen, who has picked a knock, is doubtful. If this turns out to be the case, Issa Diop might begin in his place.
Predicted lineup: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Lukić; Adama, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.
Aston Villa: Without Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, and Jacob Ramsey, none are long-term injuries. Tyrone Mings may return to the matchday squad after a long ACL injury.
Predicted lineup: Martínez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Philogene; Watkins.
Whrer to Watch
This game won’t be broadcast live in the UK but partial radio commentary is available on BBC Radio WM.
Form Guide
Fulham have won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five games. Their last defeat was 3-2 at Manchester City, even after putting on a high level of performance. Prior to that, they had victories against Nottingham Forest 1-0 and Newcastle United 3-1.
Aston Villa have suffered a defeat only once in all competitions this season. Their last outing was a goalless draw with Manchester United, coming after a 1-0 Champions League victory against Bayern Munich.
