Prediction: Aston Villa vs Fulham

4th February 2011

Aston Villa hope to return to winning ways after losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford and they will be happy to return to Villa Park, having won their last two home games. Fulham proved the difficult period is well behind them as the Cottagers beat Newcastle at home, although their awful away record doesn’t give them much reason for hope before this clash.

Aston Villa enjoyed a real rollercoaster ride in the first part of the season as they first stayed without long-serving manager and then witnessed numerous key players pick up serious injuries, but they finally look to be getting back to the right rack. Darren Bent’s arrival coincided with the return of key players from injuries and sparked Villa to three straight victories, something that looked like a mission impossible just few weeks back. The Villans ended the good run at Old Trafford, but still showed a lot of promise against the Premiership leaders and are now expected to build on the good string of performances. Villa rediscovered their home form as they beat Manchester City and Blackburn at Villa Park, and there is reason to believe they can get the third in a row. New signing Michael Bradley should be in contention after receiving international clearance, but Nathan Baker is suspended and Luke Young is injured.

Fulham, too, had major problems at the start of the Premiership campaign with Mark Hughes struggling to get the best out of his team, but they have also found a way to kick-start their season. The Cottagers made it clear that all teams will have to work really hard if they want to avoid defeat at Craven Cottage, having won five straight games, but as you probably know, they are completely different side on the travels. Fulham have only once brought all three points from the travels this season and they don’t look capable of repeating the feat any time soon. Mark Hughes will try everything to help his side survive the trip to Birmingham, but I have a feeling he won’t succeed. Dickson Etuhu remain on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but Eidur Gudjohnsen could be handed a debut. Bobby Zamora is nearing return from injury but this game comes too soon for him.

Conclusion

Aston Villa have raised their form over the last few weeks and they again resemble the team that were fighting for the top 4 place last season. Fulham are also playing well at the moment, but they have major problems on the travels, which is why I don’t think they can avoid defeat at Villa Park.

Verdict: Home win Aston Villa (1)

Best Odds: Evens (1/1)

Bookmaker: William Hill