Overview
Fulham is facing serious problems in attack as they have not been able to score in 4/5 recent Premier League matches - more than the previous 25 matches combined. Most recently, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford in an uninteresting derby.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno is a rare bright spot when he made a decisive save in the 90th minute, helping Fulham keep 1 point and rank 12th in the standings. They are currently 3 points behind Brentford and 5 points behind Brighton in the top 7 race.
The opportunity to participate in European cups for the first time since the 2011-2012 season is still there, but Marco Silva's team needs to improve their starting ability. They have only scored 4 goals in the first half since the beginning of the year - the second worst record in the league, only ahead of Wolves.
Craven Cottage is still the mainstay as Fulham has won 64.4% of their points at home this season, winning 4/6 of their most recent matches. However, they have only won 1/9 of their most recent matches against teams in the top half of the table and lost 3/4 of their most recent home games against Aston Villa.
On the other side, Aston Villa is almost certain to be in the top 7 and is aiming for a ticket to the UEFA Champions League. Unai Emery's team has won 7 points in the last 3 rounds, including a dramatic 4-3 victory over Sunderland with Tammy Abraham's decisive goal.
If they beat Fulham, Villa can rise to 3rd place, creating a safe gap in the top 5 to focus on the Europa League semi-finals. However, away form is a problem. Villa has only won 1/7 of their most recent away matches (3 draws, 3 losses) and has lost points in 4 consecutive away trips.
Their strength is their superior head-to-head record when winning all 6 recent encounters with Fulham. Emery himself also won all when facing Fulham in the Premier League (8/8).
Personnel situation
Fulham will not have the services of Kevin Mbabu (leg injury) and Kenny Tete (ankle). Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi still has to wait for a fitness test after a thigh problem encountered in the draw with Brentford.
Marco Silva could adjust the midfield, with Sander Berge and Harrison Reed competing for places with Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney.
On both wings, Oscar Bobb and Samuel Chukwueze are options for the left flank. In attack, Rodrigo Muniz has not scored since August despite starting in the last 3 matches, so Raul Jimenez may be given a chance to return.
Emile Smith Rowe is likely to take on the number 10 role in place of Josh King, while Harry Wilson continues to play on the right wing.
On the other side, Aston Villa is still short of Boubacar Kamara due to a long-term knee injury, and newcomer Alysson is not in good physical condition.
If Morgan Rogers is pushed to play high, Jadon Sancho or Emiliano Buendia can play on the left wing. In defense, Lucas Digne competes for a position with Ian Maatsen.
In attack, Ollie Watkins continues to be the biggest hope. The English striker is in high form with 6 goals in the last 5 matches, and also has an impressive head-to-head record against Fulham with 6 goals in 9 encounters.
Expected lineup:
Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Berge, Lukic, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Bobb, Jimenez.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Sancho, Watkins.
The match between Fulham and Aston Villa takes place at 6:30 p.m. on April 25 (Vietnam time).
