Aston Villa is set to visit London to face off Fulham in Saturday’s clash in the Premier League.
Aston Villa are making their best campaign in their two competitions left. In the Premier League, this weekend, John McGinn and Co would need at least another win to secure the Champions League spot next season.
The game versus Fulham is crucial, as a positive result would help Villa be more focused in the continental campaign. They are on course to end their title drought should they win the Europa League, as they are already in the semifinal.
The Lions are currently sitting fourth with 58 points, which is the same as Manchester United in third and three points clear from the reigning champion, Liverpool. The Cottagers, on the contrary, are sitting 12th on the table with 45 points. It is only five points adrift from Brighton on the sixth.
Aston Villa’s last outing versus Sunderland shows their defensive frailties. Unai Emery would need to improve their backline, especially when their first-choice duo at the centre of the defence, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa, do not play together, just like in the last game against the Black Cats or when they were held by Forest in a 1–1 draw.
There has always been a challenge in rotating the squad without losing the performance quality. Staying sharp and without losing focus even for a few seconds has always been the ideal target in every match.
Fulham is not the team they can underestimate despite their inconsistency. They are playing host and still can play in Europe next season, should they be able to win the remaining games, including this one. This is where Villa must be cautious ahead of their visit to Craven Cottage.
The Clarets and Blue so far have only scored 47 goals in the Premier League this season and conceded 41 goals. They have the lowest goal difference in the top six. Their concession record is somewhat average compared to all teams, but their goal-scoring record is the second lowest in the top six.
There has not been any major fitness concern in the first team apart from the long-term injuries of Boubacar Kamara and Alysson Franco. Therefore, Emery might deploy his best team here, at least in the starting XI.
Emiliano Martinez starts in goal with Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne and Matty Cash back in the fold. In the second line, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and will be getting the nod to operate in the middle alongside with Ross Barkley or Douglas Luiz. Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers and John McGinn will be playig wide to support Ollie Watkins up front.
The Fulham v Aston Villa encounter will be available on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go Extra, and Sky Go UK on TV as well as live streaming. The fans can also enjoy this game on NOW TV.
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