Fulham vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·25 April 2026

Fulham vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

Fulham aim to snap a barren goalscoring run when they face Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Marco Silva’s side have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches. They have managed seventy-one shots during this spell but scored only three times. That said, Silva believes a fast start is essential to unsettle the visitors today. Breaking their first-half goal hoodoo would be a significant step forward for the group. The Cottagers must be clinical to secure a vital home victory against a superior Villa side.

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Fulham currently sit twelfth in the table following a goalless stalemate against Brentford. They remain safe from danger but seek a strong finish to the campaign. However, they have won just one of their last nine games against top-half sides. Success today would keep their slim hopes of European qualification alive. Silva expects his creative players to exploit the space behind the Villa backline.

Fulham team news

Marco Silva heads into the tie with several selection concerns regarding his regular defensive and wide options. Kevin and Kenny Tete are both unavailable today through foot and ankle injuries. Alex Iwobi faces a late fitness test after picking up a thigh problem last weekend. In his absence, Oscar Bobb and Samuel Chukwueze compete for a starting spot on the left flank.

Bernd Leno remains the most reliable figure in the Fulham squad as he extends his historic appearance record. The German has started 145 consecutive Premier League matches, the longest ongoing run of any current player. Only five players in competition history have managed longer sequences of starts than the former Arsenal man. He produced a man-of-the-match display during the recent goalless draw at Brentford to secure a point.

Sander Berge is pushing to start in the engine room alongside Sasa Lukic to provide more physicality. Silva is considering a shake-up in his midfield following several lukewarm performances in the previous weeks. Harrison Reed remains a viable alternative if the manager seeks more energy and defensive coverage. Emile Smith Rowe may get the nod ahead of Josh King to operate in the number ten role.

Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the line today ahead of the out-of-form Rodrigo Muniz. Muniz has started recently but has not scored a goal for the Cottagers since last August.

Meanwhile, Harry Wilson continues on the right wing and will look to supply the necessary crosses. Fulham have managed only four first-half goals this year, a record they must improve to unsettle Villa. Breaking their scoring hoodoo today would be a massive step forward for Silva’s frustrated group.