Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Fulham vs Aston Villa
Kickoff Time: 2024-10-19 22:00 (HKT)
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Source:REUTERS/Molly Darlington
Fulham, under the management of Marco Silva, has seen a steady improvement in performance this season, with their only defeats coming against Manchester’s two clubs, making them strong contenders for European competition qualification next season. The team’s tactical characteristics are primarily reflected in their possession play and counter-attacks. They combine quick counter-attacks with possession-based play, utilizing the ball control of skilled players and the speed of pacey players to create scoring opportunities. For example, in their recent match against Manchester City, Fulham scored through a quick counter-attack. In this match, it is expected that Alex Iwobi, Andreas Pereira, and Emile Smith Rowe will all start, fully utilizing their ability to link up and break through in the attacking third to put pressure on Aston Villa’s defense. In addition to their impressive attacking performance, Fulham’s defensive tactics are also a highlight. The team excels at surrounding and disrupting opponents by preemptively interfering with their players’ receptions near the penalty area, thereby breaking the rhythm of the opposing attack. According to data from Squawka, left-back Antonee Robinson ranks third in the Premier League this season with 25 tackles.
Aston Villa has recently been in an unbeaten streak, remaining unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions, showcasing impressive form. Unfortunately, due to competing on multiple tournaments, the team has seen an increase in injuries. Morgan Rogers was injured during the England U21 match earlier this week, adding to the absences of John McGinn, Amadou Onana, and Ezri Konsa, which has weakened the team’s strength on both ends of the field and made it difficult to field their strongest lineup. Among these absences, Morgan Rogers’ absence has the most significant impact on the team’s wing play. Currently, the only healthy wide players in the squad are Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia. However, Leon Bailey’s form has not been ideal, showing a noticeable decline this season; Buendia has just returned from injury and his playing time is being strictly managed. Maintaining competitiveness with limited personnel is the biggest challenge facing Villa at present. Due to the weakened wing play and with European competition on the horizon next week, it is expected that head coach Unai Emery will proactively seek changes, adopting a defensive counter-attacking strategy to strengthen central attacking play.
If injuries do not occur, Villa’s strength should easily surpass that of Fulham, as evidenced by their double victory over their opponents last season. However, Villa’s current lack of squad depth makes this match unpredictable. With the support of home fans, Fulham players’ confidence will be boosted. If they can fully showcase their tactical characteristics, after a tough battle, it is believed that Fulham will secure valuable three points against Aston Villa.
Fulham’s Last 5 Games: LWWDD
24-10-05 Manchester City 3-2 Fulham
24-09-28 Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham
24-09-21 Fulham 3-1 Newcastle United
24-09-18 Preston North End 1-1 Fulham (PEN 16-15)
24-09-14 Fulham 1-1 West Ham United
Aston Villa’s Last 5 Games: DWDWW
24-10-06 Aston Vila 0-0 Manchester United
24-10-03 Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich
24-09-29 Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
24-09-25 Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa
24-09-21 Aston Villa 3-1 Wolves
Head To Head Record:
24-02-17 Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa
23-11-12 Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham
23-07-27 Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa
23-04-26 Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham
22-10-21 Fulham 3-0 Aston Villa
Prediction: Fulham to win