Aston Villa vs Fulham: Preview, prediction, team news and lineups

FanSided World Football

·02 de maio de 2025

Aston Villa vs Fulham: Preview, prediction, team news and lineups

Aston Villa have won each of their last four meetings with Fulham, seeking five successive victories in this fixture for the very first time. The Cottagers have lost each of their last five trips to Villa Park, winning there only once in 18 attempts since the start of the new millennium.

Aston Villa vs Fulham preview

These two clubs kick off just one place apart, both needing points to enhance their European aspirations. Of the duo, Aston Villa are six points better off, but come into this crucial clash following a sobering week. Last time out in the Premier League, the Claret and Blue Army conceded in the 94th minute as they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City.

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Then, last Saturday, the Villans' hope of silverware went up in flames, beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace on a very disappointing day at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals.

So now, Unai Emery's team only have the Premier League to focus on, with four games remaining as they seek to gatecrash the Champions League positions. Villa kick off seventh, three points adrift Chelsea, the current occupants of that all-important fifth spot.

After this, their remaining fixtures are Bournemouth (A), Spurs (H) and Man United (A), all tough but all winnable, making every point precious, hence why a win from this early kick off would be so vital.

As for Fulham, they kick off in eighth, desperate to stay there because, if Man City win the FA Cup in a fortnight, that would be enough to secure Conference League qualification. A week ago, the Whites claimed a crucial, come from behind victory at rock-bottom Southampton, with Emile Smith Rowe lashing home a well-taken equaliser, before Ryan Sessegnon headed in a stoppage time winner.

Overall, Marco Silva's side have won seven and lost seven of their last 14, but are just about doing enough to reside in the final potential European position. The Cottagers' last three fixtures are Everton (H), Brentford (A) and Man City (H), so can they pick up a positive result at Villa Park?

Aston Villa vs Fulham head-to-head record

Matches Played: 77.

Aston Villa Wins: 29. Draws: 22. Fulham Wins: 26.

Aston Villa team news

Marcus Rashford may have played his last match for Villa, suffering a hamstring injury that'll make him unavailable for the remainder of the campaign. Thus, Ollie Watkins will lead the line and, Rashford aside, Unai Emery has a full fit squad from which to choose. Marco Asensio was handed a rare start at Wembley, but Jacob Ramsey could return this time.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Fulham: (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Kamara, McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins.

Aston Villa player to watch vs Fulham

Now knowing he'll start every game, Ollie Watkins will be hoping to add to his 16 goals so far this season, having previously scored six times against Fulham, only on target against Brighton with greater frequency.

Fulham team news

Rodrigo Muniz is a doubt while Antonee Robinson, who did not travel to the South Coast last weekend, could return after a slight knee issue. Saša Lukić is expected to return at the base of midfield while, having scored off the bench at St Mary's, could Emile Smith Rowe start for the first time since April Fool's Day?

Fulham player to watch vs Aston Villa

In the absence of Muniz, Raúl Jiménez will lead the line; the Mexican has 12 goals to his name this season, bagging three in his previous five encounters with Villa.

Aston Villa vs Fulham prediction

We are backing Aston Villa to make home advantage count come Saturday lunchtime, thereby joining Chelsea and Forest on 60 points, piling the pressure onto both: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham.