Aston Villa

vs

12:30:00

Fulham

England Premier League Match Preview: Aston Villa vs. Fulham FC - Lineups

Aston Villa will be eager to bounce back from a heart-wrenching defeat in the FA Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a spot in the final after losing to Crystal Palace. As they prepare to face Fulham in Premier League Round 35, the Villans are determined to shift their focus entirely to the national championship for the remainder of the season. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Villa to regain their momentum and provide their fans with a much-needed boost after the disappointment of the cup exit.

In terms of team news, Villa is hopeful that key players John McGinn and Ollie Watkins will be fit enough to start. Both players have been instrumental in Villa's performances this season, and their presence on the pitch could significantly enhance the team's attacking capabilities. However, the Villans will have to contend with the absence of January signing Marcus Rashford, who is sidelined due to injury. His absence will be felt, but Villa has a wealth of talent in their squad that can step up in his place.

On the other hand, Fulham arrives at Villa Park with a sense of renewed confidence following a come-from-behind victory against rock-bottom Southampton. The Cottagers displayed impressive attacking prowess in that match, showcasing their ability to find the back of the net even when faced with adversity. As they prepare to take on Aston Villa, Fulham will be looking to build on that momentum and secure another positive result.

Given Villa's attacking potential, particularly at home, there is a strong case to be made for betting on over 2.5 goals in this encounter. Both teams have shown they can score, and with the stakes high for Villa as they seek to recover from their FA Cup disappointment, fans can expect an exciting and dynamic match. 

Fulham will also be looking to make tactical adjustments, and former Arsenal player Emile Smith Rowe is pushing for a rare start after making an impact as a substitute in the last league match by scoring a crucial goal. His inclusion could add another layer of creativity and flair to Fulham's attacking options. However, the Cottagers will be without Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Nelson, who remain in the recovery room, limiting their options as they head into this important fixture.

As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the significance of the points on offer. Aston Villa is keen to put their FA Cup heartbreak behind them and focus on climbing the Premier League table, while Fulham aims to continue their positive run of form. With both sides possessing the ability to score, fans can anticipate an engaging and competitive encounter at Villa Park, where the stakes are high and the excitement is palpable.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Sessegnon, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez