2024-25 Premier League MW35 Preview - Aston Villa vs. Fulham: Can the Cottagers halt their five-game losing streak against the Villans? may 2, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

As the 2024-25 Premier League season nears its conclusion, Aston Villa's upcoming home fixture against Fulham on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12:30 PM BST, shapes up to be a pivotal showdown. With European qualification still up for grabs, both teams will be desperate to claim all three points at Villa Park.

Form Guide and League Landscape

Aston Villa currently sit seventh in the table with 57 points from 34 matches. Their season has been filled with highs and lows, and recent form reflects that volatility. A 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals and a narrow 2-1 league loss to Manchester City halted a prior run of five straight league wins. Nevertheless, Villa remains formidable at home, unbeaten in their last 16 league matches at Villa Park. With 54 goals scored and 49 conceded, they boast both offensive firepower and defensive resolve.

Fulham trail just behind in eighth place with 51 points from 34 matches. The Cottagers have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Last weekend, they edged out Southampton 2-1 in a comeback win that snapped a two-game losing streak against Bournemouth and Chelsea. Intriguingly, Fulham have not drawn any of their last 14 league matches since January, alternating strictly between wins and losses. With seven away victories this season, they have proven capable of delivering results on the road.

With just four games left, this fixture could prove decisive. Villa aims to close in on the top five and keep their Champions League hopes alive, while Fulham look to stay within touching distance of a European berth.

Head-to-Head History

Aston Villa have dominated recent meetings with Fulham, winning five of their last six Premier League encounters. They have also won five straight across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of the last four. Fulham have not won at Villa Park since May 2018 and have lost their last five away league games there—form they will be desperate to overturn.

Aston Villa vs. Fulham Sports Bet Odds

The Villans are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• Handicap result has the Villans at -1 with 3.0 odds, Tie is +1 at 3.75 and Cottagers at +1 with 2.05 odds.
• Odds of the Villans full time result is at 1.72 while Draw and Cottagers are at 3.80 and 4.50 respectively.
• Total Goals is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under at 2.10 and the Over at 1.72.

Tactical Preview and Key Players

Villa is likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Emiliano Martínez will anchor the defense, with Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and either Lucas Digne or Ian Maatsen forming the back line. Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans are expected to hold midfield, while Morgan Rogers, Marco Asensio, and John McGinn will support striker Ollie Watkins, who has netted 15 league goals this season. Marcus Rashford remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, but Villa still possess ample attacking quality.

Fulham are expected to mirror that setup. Bernd Leno will start in goal, backed by a defense of Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Ryan Sessegnon. In midfield, Sander Berge and Andreas Pereira will provide stability, while Alex Iwobi and Willian will offer width and creativity. Up front, Raul Jimenez will lead the line, seeking to rediscover his goal-scoring touch. Fulham will be without Reiss Nelson and may miss Antonee Robinson, but their squad remains competitively poised.

Both sides favor possession-based, attacking football, which could lead to an open match filled with transitions and scoring opportunities on both ends.

Predictions and Expectations

Villa's home dominance and head-to-head edge make them slight favorites heading into this clash. Pundits generally tip the hosts for a 2-1 or 3-1 win, though Fulham's counterattacking threat and recent unpredictability suggest the match could be closer than expected. Over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring are popular predictions.

For Villa, a win would boost their Champions League push and restore momentum. For Fulham, victory would keep their European aspirations alive as the season approaches its final stretch.

Final Thoughts

Saturday's encounter at Villa Park is more than just a late-season fixture—it is a high-stakes battle between two clubs striving for continental competition. With Aston Villa's home strength and Fulham's fight for consistency, the stage is set for a thrilling match that captures the drama and urgency of the Premier League run-in.