Fulham are set to take on Aston Villa at the Wembley Stadium tomorrow in the final of the playoffs, which will decide which club eventually makes it to the Promised Land of the Premier League. The Cottagers lost 1-0 in the first-leg of the play-off semi-final to Derby County but came back strongly in the second-leg to register a 2-0 win.
Fulham Team News
Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have no new injury concerns to worry about.
Here is how we expect the Whites to start against Steve Bruce’s men.
Goalkeeper
Marcus Bettinelli had a great outing between the sticks against the Rams in the play-off semi-final. The custodian will be looking to produce something similar once again to take his employers into the Premier League.
Defence
From the right-back slot, Ryan Fredericks is expected to start. Fredericks has been sensational. He has balanced his game perfectly and will look for a final push this season when he steps onto the field tomorrow. Matt Targett is expected to start at left-back.
Tim Ream and Denis Odoi are anticipated to be teed up to fill the central defence. Both of them were excellent against Gary Rowett’s men and thoroughly deserve to get the nod to start on Saturday. They must be on their toes and keep things neat and tidy at the back.
Midfield
The trio comprising of Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney are expected to be stationed in the middle of the park. Fulham’s midfield has been one of the best midfield units in the Championship this season but there is no denying that the Villans have a lot of experience in this area of the field too.
Cairney has been in excellent form throughout the campaign and a lot will depend on what sort of a game he has. Besides, Johansen and McDonald need to supply quality balls forward and will look to bring their A-game.
Attack
Aleksandar Mitrovic is likely to see the green light from Jokanovic to start up top. The 23-year-old hitman has plundered 12 goals and 1 assist in 19 appearances in the league. Mitrovic has the strength and power to rattle opposition defences and he will play an important role in dictating the outcome of the game.
Meanwhile, we expect Ryan Sessegnon to keep his place on the left-wing. The youngster, with his pace, industry and willingness, drives his side forward. He will be looking to fire on all cylinders against the Lions. Aboubakar Kamara is likely to start from the right-wing.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
