Aston Villa vs Fulham: Premier League Preview

With just four games left to play, both clubs are firmly in the mix for continental qualification. For Aston Villa, the goal remains Champions League football, while Fulham still harbour hopes of securing a Europa or Conference League berth.

After a resounding 4-1 win over Newcastle United suggested Villa were hitting form at the right time, Unai Emery's side have stumbled with back-to-back defeats — a late 2-1 loss at Manchester City followed by a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals. Now out of all cup competitions, the seventh-placed Lions must focus on closing the three-point gap to the top five over the remaining fixtures against Fulham, Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Manchester United.

Villa will take confidence from their form at Villa Park, where they are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League games (W9, D7), their second-longest such run in club history. They also boast an impressive recent record against Fulham, having won six of the last seven meetings, including a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage earlier this season.

Fulham’s Form and Travel Record
Marco Silva’s men have been inconsistent in recent weeks, losing three of their first four April league fixtures before turning things around in dramatic fashion last weekend. Trailing 1-0 to Southampton with 20 minutes to play, the Cottagers rallied with goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Ryan Sessegnon — the latter striking in injury time — to secure their seventh away win of the campaign.

That result reignited Fulham’s European push, and with fixtures against Everton, Brentford, and Manchester City still to come, Saturday’s game could prove decisive in whether they remain in the conversation for a top-seven finish. However, history is not on their side. Fulham have won just once in their last 20 league visits to Villa Park (D7, L12), and are currently on a five-match losing run there, dating back to 2014.

Team News and Key Players
Aston Villa remain without Marcus Rashford (hamstring), who is expected to miss the rest of the season. Defender Axel Disasi is available again after being cup-tied last weekend and may feature in a backline that includes Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Tyrone Mings. Jacob Ramsey is in contention to start in midfield, while John McGinn is poised to make his 200th Premier League appearance. Ollie Watkins leads the line, aiming to add to his 15 league goals, nine of which have come at Villa Park.

Fulham are without Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson due to muscle and thigh injuries, respectively. However, Antonee Robinson returns from a knee issue and should reclaim his place at left-back. Ryan Sessegnon may be pushed forward following his goal against Southampton, while competition for wide attacking roles remains fierce with Harry Wilson, Willian, and Adama Traore also in the mix. Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the line, despite a six-game goalless run.

Stat to Watch
Aston Villa are unbeaten at home in the Premier League since the opening weeks of the season, while Fulham have only won once in their last 20 league visits to Villa Park. Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins is the Premier League’s top home scorer outside the top four.

With both sides still dreaming of Europe, Saturday's encounter promises to be a tense and tactical affair, with Villa aiming to protect their fortress and Fulham hoping to defy history.