Aston Villa FC vs Fulham FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Fulham FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Aston Villa are very much in pole position when it comes to a European spot in the Premier League table, although they will be aware of other clubs closing in quickly behind them.

Liverpool have a game in hand and can go ahead if they win that, while Brighton can do the same if they win their two fixtures in hand.

Nevertheless, Villa have been exceptional under Unai Emery and will continue to believe that they can pull off a fabulous end to the campaign. Another home win would set them up nicely.

Fulham have turned their fortunes around of late, having lost five games in a row in all competitions, slipping down the league table as a result.

The Cottagers have found their feet to win consecutive games, remaining in 9th place and keeping themselves in contention for a European place.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Just one defeat from their last 18 home league games

     Taken 23 points from the last 27 available

Reasons to be fearful:

     Haven’t won five consecutively at home since 1998

     Failed to win any of their last nine midweek games

Aston Villa’s home form has been exemplary under Unai Emery, keeping six clean sheets from their last nine in the league and losing just once in 18 matches.

It’s been the backbone of their incredible rise up the league standings as they continue to dream of a top six finish. Liverpool and Brighton will have something to say about that, of course.

Here, they will be concerned about the availability of outstanding goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Brentford due to a stomach virus. He would be a big miss if not passed fit.

Also missing for the hosts are Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey, leaving their upfront options a little short if Emery decides to change things during the game.

If Villa score here, they’ll extend their record of scoring in every one of Emery’s games in charge – currently up to 19.

Star Man – Ollie Watkins

Failed to score against Brentford last weekend, but his goals tally has been nothing short of phenomenal lately, especially at home. He has 11 goals in his last 13 appearances.

Fulham FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Could earn a club record 7th away win of the season

     Unlike their opponents, they have a 100% midweek record this season

Reasons to be fearful

     Mitrovic remains suspended

     Poor record away to Villa over the years

Fulham’s run of five consecutive defeats may have ruled them out of the running for a place higher up the table, for now at least, but they have bounced back well with consecutive victories.

Marco Silva’s men have shown resilience and strength of character to return from a difficult period, turning in positive wins against Everton and Leeds.

A win here would bring two club records – it would be their 7th away win of the season, while they would equal their record of 14 wins in a single campaign.

It would also help to further cement their top half position, heading into the final month or so of the season.

Star Man – Harry Wilson

Wilson has now scored in consecutive appearances for the first time since 2019, showing his reborn confidence in his abilities. He’s taking the opportunity given to him by Mitrovic’s suspension.