Aston Villa-Fulham is a match valid for the thirty-third day of the Premier League and is played on Tuesday at 8:45 pm: TV, predictions.
Aston Villa just squandered a huge opportunity. Last weekend with a win they could have joined Tottenham in fifth place, meanwhile humiliated on the Newcastle pitch. But Unai Emery’s men missed the appointment with what would have been their sixth consecutive victory, nevertheless remaining in the small group of teams currently fighting for qualification for Europe and the Conference League.
In London the Villans were stopped at 1-1 by hostile Brentford, a formation that has made itself indigestible to quite a few this year. The Basque coach at the end of the match, however, appeared satisfied with the way things went: in fact, Aston Villa seriously risked returning to Birmingham empty-handed, having reeled in the Bees only three minutes from the final whistle thanks to a goal by Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who replied to the usual Toney. Emery said he was pleased to have avoided defeat on a notoriously tricky pitch, where several big names have also fallen or stumbled. The draw at the Community Stadium slows Aston Villa’s race toward Europe but does not shift one iota the judgment on the work of the former Villarreal coach, capable in a few months of bringing the Villans back to fight for Europe after picking them up in the relegation zone.
Fulham hasn’t given up yet
Since Emery sits on the bench, Aston Villa have never been out of goals and in front of their home crowd they have always won in their last four games.
Fulham players talking to referee
For Europe there will be a battle to the last – just behind is Liverpool, which also has one match less – but it is already an achievement to be in the running at this point in the tournament. Among the teams that could try to re-enter is Fulham, which after reaching the fateful 40 mark has relaxed a bit. In the last two games, however, the Cottagers have given positive signs again, not giving Everton and Leeds, two sides that are in the midst of the fight not to be relegated, a chance to show that they have not given up yet. Marco Silva in Birmingham will always have to do without the disqualified Mitrovic, but in compensation he will find James again. On the other hand, four are absent at Villa: Cash, Coutinho, Camara and Bailey.
The Prediction
Aston Villa believes firmly in Europe and should secure its fifth consecutive home win against a Fulham side that has yes won its last two matches but has failed to keep its goal unbeaten for seven games. And it will likely struggle to contain the Villans’ attack, which has always found its way to goal during Emery’s management.
The likely lineups for Aston Villa-Fulham
- ASTON VILLA (4-4-2): Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; McGinn, Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins.
- FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Wilson, Pereira, Willian; James.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
