Fulham have clear weakness, Ian Maatsen could be the key for Aston Villa
Fulham have managed to shut Aston Villa out throughout the first half on Saturday.
The Villans have travelled to Craven Cottage on Saturday with the hope of Champions League qualification on the line.
Unai Emery made four changes to his starting XI as Amadou Onana dropped out due to injury in West London.
That didn’t appear to knock the away side off their stride, although conceding late in the half was certainly a blow.
Villa have had chances against Fulham, but they might be able to change their fortunes with the introduction of Ian Maatsen.
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Fulham full-backs leave an opening for Aston Villa
They may be 1-0 down thanks to Ryan Sessegnon, but the claret and blue outfit have still had the better of the play in the capital.
Possession has translated into chances for both sides, but near misses from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are as good as things have gotten for the visitors.
| Stat | Fulham | Aston Villa |
| Possession (%) | 53 | 47 |
| Expected goals | 0.69 | 0.27 |
| Shots | 8 | 5 |
| Big chances | 2 | 0 |
| Accurate passes | 193 | 159 |
| Corners | 1 | 4 |
Those opportunities came and went, but there is a clear route to goal that is yet to truly be exploited by the Villans in the London sunshine.
Fulham’s full-backs, Ryan Sessegnon and Timothy Castagne, are both tracking Emi Buendia and John McGinn when they drift into midfield.
That is leaving space on the flanks in an attacking situation, but Matty Cash or Lucas Digne have not managed to take advantage.
Maatsen could prove to be the man to do exactly that with his pace and desire to get up and join the attack whenever he can.
Things haven’t been plain sailing for Villa away to Fulham, but one change and tactical change could make all the difference.
Maatsen could cause problems for Fulham
The Dutchman certainly didn’t have his best day last time out against Sunderland, but could be handed an opportunity against the Cottagers.
He started at Villa Park and struggled at times defensively, but picked up an assist, which would certainly be helpful at Craven Cottage.
Maatsen completed one cross and 100 per cent of his long balls against the Mackems across his 70-minute showing.
The former Chelsea man has the pace and attacking mindset that could certainly serve him well with the way that Fulham have set up on Saturday.
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