Fulham vs Aston Villa predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups
Fulham and Aston Villa had contrasting fortunes in the Premier League last weekend, as the Cottagers won for only the second time in their last eight league games, while Villa suffered another setback, losing at home to Manchester United.
The Londoners will be happy enough with their 12th place in the table, but last week’s result was huge for their confidence as it ended a run of six winless games in all competitions.
Villa began the season in fantastic home form, winning nine and drawing one of their first 10 league games at Villa Park.
However, they have now lost three straight league and cup games in front of their own fans, so may not be too unhappy about heading out on the road.
The Villans won 5-0 at Sheffield United in their last away game and will be desperate to get back on track after falling behind Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish.
Unai Emery aiming for ‘quick recovery’ against Fulham
With their defeat to Man Utd last time out, Villa have now fallen a point behind Tottenham in the race for Champions League football, with their incredible home form seemingly deserting them at the worst possible time.
However, Emery is looking for a quick recovery when his side travel to Fulham and believes his team can learn from recent mistakes to set things right.
“We lost the opportunity today, but we are going to try and recover quickly against Fulham away and try to be consistent,” Emery said after the United loss.
“We are continuing to build the team with our mentality. Sometimes we are not being successful like today, but we have to accept it and understand how we can be stronger.”
That said, Emery was also pleased with the manner of his team’s performance against Man Utd, where they attempted 23 shots and generated 2.43 Expected Goals compared to 17 and 1.79, respectively, for the Red Devils. They simply lacked the cutting edge they’ve shown so many times earlier this season.
“We speak about the result and we are frustrated,” Emery said. “We were being successful here at home in a lot of matches, playing a lot of matches worse than we played tonight against Manchester United.
“We created chances but we weren’t clinical. Their goalkeeper played a fantastic match and we lost a very good opportunity.”
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Fulham vs Aston Villa team news
Fulham’s Harry Wilson (shoulder) and Raul Jimenez (hamstring) are set to miss the game, while Issa Diop (hamstring) is doubtful.
Adama Traore (hamstring) is still sidelined, but Calvin Bassey, Fode Ballo-Toure and Alex Iwobi are back with the club after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Villa are set to be without Jhon Duran (hamstring), Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Ezri Konsa (knee) due to injuries, while Diego Carlos has suffered a hamstring issue. However, Pau Torres could make his first start for two months and Lucas Digne returned to action against Manchester United. Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings are long-term absentees.
Fulham vs Aston Villa Predicted line-ups
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Palinha, Cairney; De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Muniz.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Moreno; Luiz, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey; Diaby, Watkins.
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