Aston Villa v Fulham preview: Emery demands more from Jackson as Arbeloa’s Fulham arrive on a winning run
Aston Villa v Fulham preview: Unai Emery wants more consistency from Nicolas Jackson as Villa, unbeaten in four league games, host a Fulham side on a two-match winning run.
Aston Villa v Fulham closes Saturday’s Premier League programme at 20:00 UK, with Unai Emery’s side looking to build on a statement win over Manchester City.
Main image: DSN graphic.
Villa started the season slowly, but they have not lost in the league since a home defeat to Nottingham Forest. A 3-2 win at Tottenham, a 2-2 draw with Brentford and a 1-0 win at Newcastle set up last weekend’s 2-1 victory over City, the first defeat of the season for the leaders. Spurs are in action earlier today, and our Tottenham v Crystal Palace preview has the details.
That run has lifted Villa to ninth, two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Midweek brought a setback, though: a heavily rotated side lost 3-0 at Bournemouth and went out of the Carabao Cup.
Emery’s message on Jackson
Nicolas Jackson scored twice against City and has four goals in his last four league games. Emery still wants more. Asked what the striker needs, he pointed to “time and consistency” and to the high standards Jackson sets himself in training.
Emery also made his priorities clear after the cup exit. “We are prioritising the Premier League, and this is the message,” he said, warning his players against looking past Fulham.
Aston Villa v Fulham team news
Jackson and Johan Manzambi were left out of the side at Bournemouth, and Emery expects both to be fine. Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf and Pau Torres are expected to return. Amadou Onana is out long term with a knee ligament injury, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri still need a few more weeks. Villa have been strengthening their defensive depth all season, and our sister site DGBN reported on Villa’s move for Nigeria defender Imuran.
Fulham are without Ryan Sessegnon, who serves the last game of a three-match ban, so Antonee Robinson stays at left-back. David Affengruber and Emile Smith Rowe missed the cup defeat to Crystal Palace but should be available.
Fulham’s revival under Arbeloa
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side have won their last two league games, both 1-0. Alex Iwobi beat Hull, then Oscar Bobb struck ten minutes from time at Coventry. Fulham are one point clear of Manchester United, who visit Stamford Bridge today, as our Chelsea v Man Utd preview explained.
History is against them. Emery has won eight of his nine Premier League meetings with Fulham. Fulham did win the most recent meeting, 1-0 at Craven Cottage in April, with Sessegnon scoring. Villa’s win over City is covered in our Man City v Brighton preview as Enzo Maresca’s side look to respond.
| Key numbers | Aston Villa | Fulham |
|---|---|---|
| Last league result | W 2-1 v Man City | W 1-0 at Coventry |
| League form (last 4) | W D W W | D L W W |
| Suspended | None reported | Sessegnon |
| Emery v Fulham (PL) | 8 wins in 9 | – |
| Kick-off / referee | 20:00 UK | Samuel Barrott |
