Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Fulham Picks — Must-Win Match for Hosts (May 3)

The pressure is mounting on Aston Villa in their hunt to achieve Champions League qualification for the second season running.

Unai Emery’s side will need to respond after suffering a humbling 3-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday. Their league form remains strong overall after winning four of their last five.

Fulham’s inconsistent form is impacting their European hopes, as the Cottagers have lost two of their last four. But, they do come into this round after a battling win against Southampton last weekend.

Odds

Villa Chasing Fifth Straight Win Against Fulham

Aston Villa boast an excellent record against Fulham in the Premier League after winning each of the last four meetings between the sides. That includes a 3-1 success in the reverse fixture this term.

The Cottagers have won just one of their last seven against Villa, and they are winless at Villa Park in the EPL since April 2014.

Aston Villa vs. Fulham Key Stats

• Aston Villa’s five-game winning sequence was ended in their latest EPL match against Man City.
• Fulham’s winner against Southampton was netted in the 90th minute. That was their third goal in the closing stages this season; more than any other team.

Aston Villa Team News

Emery has a fully fit first-team squad for this fixture. Lewis Dobbin is the only player missing for the West Midlands club.

Possible Lineup

E. Martinez (GK); M. Cash, E. Konsa, P. Torres, L. Digne, Y. Tielemans, J. McGinn, M. Rogers, M. Asensio, J. Ramsey, O. Watkins

Fulham Team News

Marco Silva will be without Rodrigo Muniz this weekend. The striker is expected to be out until the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.

Possible Lineup

B. Leno (GK); T. Castagne, I. Diop, J. Andersen, A. Robinson, S. Berge, S. Lukic, A. Iwobi, E. Smith Rowe, Adama, R. Jimenez

Aston Villa vs. Fulham Picks

Aston Villa still have five points to make up on the Champions League spots, which ensures that this is a must-win encounter on Saturday.

Their home record throughout the season has been excellent, while the fact that they are unbeaten in nine years at Villa Park against Fulham is also hard to dismiss.