Aston Villa can take another significant step towards qualifying for the Champions League with a victory over Fulham on Saturday. Unai Emery's side travel to Craven Cottage aiming for their sixth win in seven matches across all competitions, and a third consecutive victory following home successes against Bologna and Sunderland.
Match Preview
Villa appeared to be cruising against Sunderland last time out, only for two late goals to spark an unlikely comeback. However, Tammy Abraham struck in the 93rd minute to secure all three points. Fulham, meanwhile, sit just three points behind Chelsea in eighth place - a position that could be enough to secure European football this season.
Marco Silva's side have struggled for consistency, winning just one of their last six matches - a home victory over already-relegated Burnley. Since the start of February, they have also suffered defeats to Everton, West Ham and Southampton in the FA Cup.
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Emery is expected to provide a team news update during his pre-match press conference on Friday. Emi Martinez should start in goal, likely behind a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne. Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are set to anchor midfield, with Ross Barkley operating further forward. Morgan Rogers and John McGinn are expected to also support striker Ollie Watkins in attack.
Jadon Sancho is another option for Emery, but after his poor cameo off the bench against Sunderland, he could be left in reserve once again on Saturday. Despite losing just two of their first 13 Premier League home games against Villa, Fulham have now been beaten in three of their last four meetings with them at Craven Cottage.
Key Statistics
Another concern for Silva's side is their record against stronger opposition - seven of their last eight Premier League wins have come against teams starting the day in the bottom half, while they have managed just one victory in their last nine against sides in the top half.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Fulham: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Barkley, Rogers; Watkins.
