Fulham travel to Villa Park looking to break Aston Villa’s excellent home form which has spanned nine months. After a Conference League win in midweek, let’s take a look at our predicted XI.
Last weekend, it didn’t go right for Aston Villa as they suffered their first loss since September away to Nottingham Forest.
On the day, Unai Emery’s side was left frustrated by two long-range goals and some great defending by the home side.
During the week, Villa secured their third consecutive Conference League win as they came back from behind to beat AZ Alkmaar.
Even with that win, fans and players alike will be keen to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League straight away.
Fulham are the opponents this weekend who will be looking to get back to winning ways after a defeat last time out themselves.
With three wins, three draws and five defeats it has been a tough start to the season for the Cottagers. They currently sit in fifteenth but a win could send them as high as 10th, should goal difference swing massively.
Here is our predicted XI vs Fulham…
Aston Villa predicted XI
The same way each of these predicted XI’s start is that Emi Martinez will be in goal for Aston Villa. That will come as a surprise to nobody and he will want to rid the hoodoo of the Forest game. His performance against AZ was solid so it is clear he hasn’t let the “error” get to him.
After missing out on starting in the week, Matty Cash will retake his place at right back as he did off the bench. He started the season well but in recent weeks hasn’t appeared as confident as he once did. Hopefully, that can change this weekend.
In the centre-back department, this is as easy as the goalkeeper selection. Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will line up together once again to continue their solid partnership.
Another easy position to round off the defence is at left-back with Lucas Digne. Despite not covering himself in glory against Forest, he was positive and will look to continue his great form.
The midfield has three players basically guaranteed to take their place. John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara will all start the game as they form Emery’s core. The fourth option is more difficult with Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo vying for the role. After a good performance against AZ, Bailey makes our predicted XI.
It is safe to say that Ollie Watkins will keep his role as Villa number nine, as he has done all season. After getting back on the scoresheet in midweek he will be hopeful of following suit in the Premier League.
There is a chance that Moussa Diaby could lose his place after a very lacklustre showing against AZ. Zaniolo replaced him in that game but having started every Premier League game so far, Diaby makes our predicted XI.
Predicted XI vs Fulham: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn, Watkins, Diaby
