Before The Whistle: Fulham v Aston Villa

We played Aston Villa at the absolute worst time when we travelled to Villa Park last year. As we prepare to welcome them to the Cottage, there arguably couldn’t be a better time to face them.

We’re in similar veins of form over the last few weeks – in fact, we’ve gained a point more than the Villains in our last six games. Villa have lost just six times in the league all season – and three of those have come in their last six.

Nevertheless, they still sit fifth in the table and represent one hell of a test as we look to win our second game in a row.

We’re just one win away from equalling our total number of home wins achieved last season – it’s that form at the Cottage that has helped keep us out of trouble so far, seeing as we’ve not bagged three points on the road since Everton on the opening day.

We’re buoyed by the return of Nigerian duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. We’ve been sailing close to the wind in terms of fit centre-backs, so the former is likely to slot back in from the start, whereas Silva may hold Iwobi back to deploy in the latter stages. We’ve certainly missed his guile and ability to make things happen.

With the recent returns of Harry Wilson and Adama Traore, we’re suddenly looking far more blessed in an attacking sense ahead of a tricky run of games. As for other potential injuries, Silva says both Tete and Tosin are fit and ready to be included.

A point would take us to 30 points with 13 games left to play, putting the magic 40-point mark – and safety – firmly in our crosshairs. You Whites.

ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS

Kick-Off: Saturday, 3.00PM
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None

🚦 LEAGUE FORM

Fulham: ❌ ✅ ❌ ⬜ ⬜ ✅
Villa: ❌ ✅ ⬜ ❌ ✅ ❌

⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY

Fulham: 31.8%
Draw: 29.3%
Villa: 38.9%

🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES

Nov 23: Villa 3-1 Fulham
Apr 23: Villa 1-0 Fulham
Oct 22: Fulham 3-0 Villa
Apr 21: Villa 3-1 Fulham

🎙 NEW PODCAST: Fulham’s Villa Instinct

A preview of Saturday’s match against Villa. How much will returning squad players boost Fulham going into the final third of the campaign?

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