Aston Villa have started the 2020-21 season well, winning both their EFL Cup clashes, as well as their opening Premier League game so far. The Villans, after their win against Sheffield United, face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Dean Smith’s side have lost their last three encounters with Fulham in all competitions, with their last match coming earlier this year in the FA Cup. But, they will be the favourites this time around, considering how poorly Fulham have started in the league.
Early Team News: Tom Heaton and Wesley are long-term absentees, while Bjorn Engels will also not be available for the game against Fulham.
New signing Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score against Bristol City in the third round of the EFL Cup, and he is in line to start against the Cottagers.
Let’s take a look at the Aston Villa predicted lineup for the game against Fulham.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup vs Fulham
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez should start in goal again, after making his for the Villans in the game against Sheffield United. Jed Steer played in goal for the game in the EFL Cup, and is expected to drop back to the bench
Defence
Kortney Hause and Ahmed Elmohamady played at centre-back for the game against Bristol City. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings should replace the duo at the back. Matty Cash is expected to take his place at right-back, while Matt Targett should play at left-back in the Aston Villa lineup.
Neil Taylor and Frederic Guilbert are options at left-back and right-back, respectively.
Midfield
Jacob Ramsey, Marvelous Nakamba and Henri Lansbury played in midfield in the EFL Cup game, but we could see Smith revert to his preferred choice of Conor Hourihane, John McGinn, and Douglas Luiz in the middle of the park for the league fixture.
Jack Grealish could be an option to play in the middle of the park if Smith decides to play a more attacking lineup.
Attack
Bertrand Traore made his Aston Villa debut and had a good game, scoring a goal against Bristol City in the EFL Cup. The right-winger should start for Villa against Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.
Watkins, should start as the main striker in the Aston Villa lineup, while captain Jack Grealish is expected to feature on the left side of attack.
Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet are options out wide, while Keinan Davis could be an option up top for Aston Villa.
