Aston Villa XI vs Fulham – Predicted lineup and team news

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·25 aprile 2026

Aston Villa XI vs Fulham – Predicted lineup and team news

Aston Villa aim to cement their Champions League spot with a victory at Fulham on Saturday.

Unai Emery maintains a flawless record as a Premier League manager against the Cottagers. He has won all eight of his previous encounters with the London side. Emery knows that defensive solidity will be key at Craven Cottage today. Villa conceded three goals in the second half against Sunderland last week. This collapse hinted at potential fatigue within the defensive ranks lately.

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The Lions occupy fourth place and hold an eight-point cushion over sixth-placed Brighton. A victory today would move them eleven points clear with five games remaining. The squad aims to strike early and control the lunchtime fixture. However, Emery must balance his selection with a European semi-final approaching. Rotation appears likely as they prepare for next week’s continental clash.

Aston Villa team news

Unai Emery must navigate the absence of several key players as he manages a busy schedule. Boubacar Kamara remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury and will not feature this afternoon. January signing Alysson is also out as he continues to manage a lingering fitness issue. That said, Lucas Digne could replace Ian Maatsen at left-back to provide more experience.

Ollie Watkins enters this fixture as one of the most clinical strikers in the division recently. The England international has scored six goals in his last five appearances for the Birmingham side. He also boasts a fine record against Fulham, netting six times in nine career games against them. Only against Brighton and Arsenal has the striker scored more frequently in his professional top-flight career.

Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans should anchor the midfield engine room for the visiting side. They provide the necessary defensive screen for a backline that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. Villa have conceded over two goals per game in their last five matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers could operate in an advanced central role behind the primary striker.

Jadon Sancho is a candidate to start on the left flank to freshen the attacking unit. Emery may rotate his squad today ahead of the Europa League semi-finals scheduled for next week. Emiliano Buendia offers another creative option if the manager decides to rest his key creative starters.

Villa averaged under a goal per game conceded earlier this term but have struggled lately. The Lions aim to strike early and control the lunchtime fixture to consolidate their top-four position.