Fulham are two points off of Premier League safety with nine games to play. Scott Parker’s team are in desperate need of a win on Sunday when they visit Aston Villa.
Dean Smith’s team are comfortably in midtable and sit 10th in the league standings. The Villains are eight points off of fifth-place West Ham and a Europa League qualification place.
"It was mouth-watering to see what we’ve been missing a little bit, you sometimes forget how good he actually is until he comes back into training."— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 1, 2021
"It was mouth-watering to see what we’ve been missing a little bit, you sometimes forget how good he actually is until he comes back into training."
Aston Villa are winless in four straight games, however. Two of which ended in losses.
Aston Villa won the reverse fixture against Fulham, smashing the Londoners 3-0. Jack Grealish, Conor Hourihane, and Tyrone Mings all got on the scoresheet in September.
Fulham are a much-improved team since that loss at home to Villa, however.
The Villains’ recent poor run of results coincided with Grealish being on the sidelines with an injury. Grealish has missed six straight games and only one of those matches finished in a victory for the Villains. He is likely to play this weekend as it stands versus Fulham.
Smith won’t have long-term injured player Wesley back but could have Kortney Hause available after a long absence.
Parker is hopeful forward Bobby Reid will be available to him following a muscle injury. Tom Cairney and Marek Rodak are both unavailable as it stands.
Fulham have lost two straight games in the league, but took seven points from the last 18 on offer.
They struggled in front of goal with a mere three goals scored over the course of those six matches.The defence conceded six times to opponents during that same timeframe.
Without Grealish, Aston Villa also struggled to score goals over the course of their last six matches. They tallied a mere three goals while allowing six to opposing teams. The Villains took five points from their last 18 on offer.
Grealish is “tipped to start” the game on Sunday. His return will be massive for Aston Villa as results have been poor in recent time. His return should be the catalyst to an Aston Villa win.
Fulham should play a strong game against Aston Villa and show the improvements they have made this season.
Grealish’s magic in the attack should be enough to change Aston Villa’s run of results. The midfielder is the key to Aston Villa’s form.
The Cottagers will need to collect points elsewhere if they are going to survive the drop this season. Fulham will face Newcastle United on the final day of the league season.
The Magpies are the team Fulham are chasing. If they can keep Newcastle United within touching distance, the game could be a massive “cup final”.