Aston Villa vs Fulham: Match Preview

Aston Villa are set to host a talented — but under-performing — Fulham team at Villa park following what was clearly a disappointing loss against Wolves last week.

We know that starting left back Neil Taylor will serve his second game of a three match ban from a very stupid red card — and Alan Hutton is likely to keep his place there after a good performance proving many doubters (myself included) wrong. Hopefully he can continue and solidify the left side of defense. Jack Grealish & Henri Lansbury are both still out but are expected to play in the U23 match on Monday. Jedinak (please come back Mile — this team needs you) and Gabby (...) have already been ruled out as well.

Aston Villa have won their last two matches in Villa park and need that kind of home form to continue because the away form has not been good (though was much better in September with two wins at Barnsley and Burton). I’d expect an unchanged lineup — though Callum O’Hare (who just signed a contract extension) showed why he is pushing for more minutes and could be an earlier sub if the attacking players disappoint.

Fulham (9th) sit one point below Villa (7th) in the table — so both sides will be looking for a win to shoot up into the top six. The London club are on decent form coming off two wins and two draws in the last four -- but are susceptible to goals having not kept a clean sheet since August.

One big warning for Villa (and the supporters) — close out the match strongly!! Sadly this is a fear that viewers have come to have over the last few years. Fulham score 37.5% of their goals in the final 15 mins (+ added). That isn’t cool and could make to a tense ending.

Hopefully Aston Villa are in a position where they are able to see out the match — and hopefully they do so.

The match is a 3p UK (10a ET) kickoff. No TV coverage — so AVTV is the best option.

Up the Villa.