Aston Villa backed at Fulham as Emery plans strong XI
Villa look to Emi Martinez to repeat his October 2024 Fulham heroics after his key save vs Sunderland. The keeper’s penalty stop at 1-1 helped set up a 3-1 win last time at Craven Cottage.
Emery is expected to field a strong XI at Fulham with Watkins leading the line. Kamara remains out, and January addition Alysson is unlikely to feature. McGinn and Rogers are set to support, with Sancho pushing for a start on the left, Onana and Tielemans in midfield, and Maatsen or Digne at left-back.
Villa chase a vital win at Fulham to cement top four and move Emery closer to a Guardiola-like streak, having won eight straight league games versus Fulham across Arsenal and Villa. Away form is patchy, but history favours Emery.
Jadon Sancho, on loan at Villa, has reportedly given his approval in principle for a return to Borussia Dortmund, with talks advanced as BVB weigh a formal bid.
Villa are targeting Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee in summer, with a deal possible for the right price.
Pitso Mosimane says Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng is best as a 10 in a 4-2-3-1 and “fits in well in Aston Villa’s shape”, praising his goals and assists, though he may find the role tougher for Bafana.
Pau Torres missed Sunderland with a knock. Ex-scout Bryan King praises Unai Emery’s precaution, saying playing risked a season-ending injury. Fulham may come too soon with the Europa League ahead.
Villa eye a significant £30m signing likened to Morgan Rogers as they plan for Champions League football after the frantic win over Sunderland.
Bryan King criticises Jadon Sancho for walking straight down the tunnel after the Sunderland win. The loanee’s late errors led to goals before Tammy Abraham sealed Villa’s 4-3 victory.
Lucas Digne, 32, has had mixed form but remains first choice despite Ian Maatsen’s presence. His contract runs to 2028 and he is reportedly on £135,000 a week. His quality was shown with the assist for Tammy Abraham, though a summer exit is not ruled out.
Opta rates Villa 43.1% favourites at Fulham. A win would boost top-five hopes and extend Emery’s superb record versus Fulham, with eight straight league wins across Arsenal and Villa. Fulham’s recent scoring struggles are noted ahead of the Craven Cottage clash.
Emery backs the North Stand closure and Villa Park expansion to over 50,000, citing growth and revenue. He also notes upgrades at Bodymoor Heath and a new hotel, and stresses building Villa’s way regardless of the competition.
