Big, big, big game this weekend for both sides. Fulham are traveling to Villa Park in a last ditch hope of securing Premier League survival for next season. Aston Villa are trying to get some form as they try to secure 10th spot in the Premier League, still a realistic target. Last weekend both sides lost, Aston Villa losing 4-1 to Man. Utd and Fulham lost 3-1 to Everton.
The big news over the week has been Benteke’s injury, leaving Aston Villa short in attack. It’s still unknown how Paul Lambert will adjust his side but Tonev, El Ahmadi and Lowton may all return to the side this weekend. Fulham played better in the first half against Everton but completely fell apart in the second half.
Steve Sidwell may play against his former team, he moved to Villa Park in 2008 from Chelsea for a fee of around £5 million. He went on and made 45 appearances scoring 3 goals, he moved to Fulham in 2011. Darren Bent is currently on loan at Fulham and can’t play against his parent club.
Team News:
Aston Villa will be without Benteke who is injured for the remainder of the season. Agbonlahor is currently suffering with a sickness and is a doubt. Meanwhile Nathan Baker and El Ahmadi have both recovered from injuries.
Scott Parker may return for Fulham following a knee problem. Stiker Mitroglou is still out injured. Defender Fernando Amorebieta is available after being sent off in the 5-0 defeat to Man. City
Match Facts:
There have been just six goals scored in the last five Barclays Premier League meetings between Fulham and Aston Villa.
Fulham have won none of their last 14 away games in the league at Villa Park (L7 D7).
Fulham have exactly the same number of points after 32 matches as they did in 2007-08, which is their lowest haul in Premier League history. They won four of the last six matches to escape the drop on the final day on goal difference.
Aston Villa have conceded the highest percentage of first half goals in the Premier League this season (54%).
Fulham have conceded the highest percentage of second half goals in the top flight (70%).
Fulham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League away games (W1 D2 L9).
Predicted Lineups:
Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Baker-Bertrand
Bacuna-Westwood-Delph-Albrighton
Weimann-Agbonlahor
Dembele
Holtby
Dejagah-Sidwell-Kvist-Kasami
Risse-Hangeland-Heitinga-Reither
Stockdale
Match Prediction:
Aston Villa 2-0 Fulham
Aston Villa have to win this game, I reckon we’ll snatch it. We didn’t play well against Stoke but I think that goals will come in the second half. Fulham will play well, in-fact if they’re leading in the after the first half they’ll have a really good chance of getting a result. Substitutions will be vital for Aston Villa in this game as it will add more energy and dimension. I think that will be a good game to watch, shouldn’t be a bore fest.
