Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 23 April 2026 10:30, UK

Fulham welcome Aston Villa to Craven Cottage on Saturday, as the Villans look to continue their push for a Champions League return.

Unai Emery’s side got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday, with Tammy Abraham scoring a late winner against Sunderland.

Villa would not do this the easy way, though, with Abraham scoring just after the Black Cats scored twice in a matter of moments to level the scores before in the 4-3 win.

With 15 points left to play for, the B6 outfit need just six in the remaining matches to secure Champions League football again.

Emery insists that the job is not yet done, as his men prepare to face a Fulham side that is also in the hunt for European football.

Form guide

Fulham (last six games all comps): DLWDLW

Aston Villa (last six games all comps): WWDWWW

Head-to-head

Playing out a total of 79 matches, Villa have the upper hand over Saturday’s opponents, with 30 wins to Fulham’s 26.

In the Premier League, this record leans further towards the visitors, with the Midlanders largely having the better of the Cottagers since the competition’s inception.

Earlier this term, Emery’s side would secure a 3-1 victory back at Villa Park after coming from a goal behind.

This would stretch a magnificent record attained under the Spaniard, with the Villa boss yet to lose against Fulham since taking the job in 2022, having won all six by an aggregate scoreline of 13-4.

And somewhat coincidentally, the B6 outfit have not lost at Craven Cottage since October 2022, with a 3-0 loss resulting in the sacking of Steven Gerrard, prompting Emery’s arrival.

Team news and predicted lineups

On the team news front, much remains the same for Villa, who continue without Boubacar Kamara.

Fans welcomed Jadon Sancho back to the fold, and he could get the nod to start against Fulham after receiving the backing of his manager after providing a helping hand in the Sunderland comeback.

Lucas Digne could come back in at left back, alongside Pau Torres, who could partner Ezri Konsa.

For Fulham, Marco Silva remains without Brazilian winger Kevin, who is sidelined until the end of the season.

Kenny Tete and Alex Iwobi are both doubts ahead of Saturday, while Aston Villa transfer target Harry Wilson will start on the right flank.

Fulham predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Lukic, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Bobb; Jimenez

Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins

We say: Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa

Keeping up both the Champions League run and the immaculate record against Fulham, Emery’s side should have more than enough to take all three points on Saturday.

Marco Silva’s side have been inconsistent this term, hence why they have not made too much of a dent in the European fight, and while they will still present a tough test, the Midlanders have to see Saturday as an opportunity to move within three points of sealing a top-five spot.