Aston Villa vs Fulham predictions: Villa can bounce back to reignite top-five bid
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- Seventh-placed Villa lost FA Cup semi to Crystal Palace on Saturday
- Fulham are eighth after losing two of their last three
- Recommended bet: Aston Villa to win
Aston Villa's exit at the hands of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend was hard to take for Unai Emery, but his side are at least still in the mix for the top five in the Premier League.
Villa host Fulham, who are one place but six points behind them in eighth in the table, and Saturday's clash looks set to be important for both teams as they chase a European spot for next term.
Team news
Villa's on-loan forward Marcus Rashford is expected to miss the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
Aside from that recent setback, Emery looks set to have a virtually fully-fit squad to select from for the visit of the Cottagers.
For Fulham, Rodrigo Muniz is out with a knee injury, Reiss Nelson is still absent with his hamstring problem, while left-back Antonee Robinson is a major doubt as he also continues to be hampered by a knee issue.
The stats
Villa have won five of their last six league games.
At home, Villa remain unbeaten in their last 16 league games, winning nine.
The earlier game between the two sides this season at Craven Cottage ended 3-1 to Villa.
The Midlanders have won the last four meetings, three of which have seen both teams scoring.
Fulham have won just two of their last six in the top flight.
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Prediction
Aston Villa have had a difficult 10 days or so after losing to top-five rivals Manchester City and then Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final, but this has still been a campaign to remember for Emery's team and they can pick up a valuable victory at home to Fulham on Saturday.
Before their late 2-1 defeat at the Etihad, Villa had been on an impressive five-game winning streak in the top flight, moving right back into contention for a Champions League place.
However, the Wembley setback against the Eagles was a blow as Emery's talented side gave up what had looked like a genuine chance of lifting a trophy this season.
They must respond against the Cottagers if they are to stay in touch with a vastly-improved City, while Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are also right in the mix for the top five with four games still to play in the European race.
Fulham had also been in the conversation for the top five earlier in the campaign but Marco Silva's side have faded in recent weeks, following back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Chelsea.
The visitors are bound to be competitive at Villa Park but expect a home win as Emery's side get back on track in timely fashion.
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