Fulham host Aston Villa on Thursday night at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers go into the match winless in three straight matches in the league. Marco Silva’s side is coming off a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and sits 12th in the table.
Aston Villa are in a state of chaos. The Villains are 16th in the standings and just one point away from the relegation zone.
🏃♂️#FFC pic.twitter.com/IwtZ9cgwg9— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 19, 2022
🏃♂️#FFC pic.twitter.com/IwtZ9cgwg9
Reports on Tuesday claimed Aston Villa had sacked manager Steven Gerrard. However, there has been no confirmation of Gerrard’s sacking, and the manager looks set to lead the team on Thursday night.
Gerrard’s sacking could be on the cards, as Aston Villa speak with Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino about taking control of the squad.
The last six matches between Fulham and Aston Villa were split down the middle with three wins apiece. The teams last met during the 2020-21 Premier League season, with Aston Villa winning both games. Dean Smith was the manager of Aston Villa at the time.
Fulham took seven points from the last 18 points on offer in the league. They scored 10 goals and conceded 14 goals to opponents in the last six matches.
Aston Villa picked up six points from the last 18 points available. Goals were difficult to score for Aston Villa in the six matches. They scored four goals and conceded six to opponents.
On Sunday, Aston Villa fell 2-0 to Chelsea at Villa Park. At no time did the Villains look like scoring a goal.
Silva will be without Nathaniel Chalobah due to a suspension. Meanwhile, Manor Solomon is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury. Layvin Kurzawa is set to miss the game due to a calf strain. Kenny Tete is a major doubt to play due to injury.
Gerrard has a long injury list, with six players potentially out of action. Boubacar Kamara is out with a knee injury, and Lucas Digne will miss the fixture with a calf injury.
Ludwig Augustinsson has a thigh injury and won’t make the squad for the match. Diego Carlos remains out of action with a long-term injury. Meanwhile, Tyrone Mings and Cameron Archer are in a race to be fit for the trip to west London.
Fulham and Aston Villa are both out of form and fighting for Premier League survival. Fulham and Aston Villa have both claimed three draws this season in the league. Thursday’s game should end in a score draw, with the match finishing 1-1.