Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Looking to finally break their duck in the Premier League this season, Aston Villa host Fulham at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon in search of their first top-flight win at the sixth attempt.
While the Villans stumbled to a frustrating draw away at Sunderland last weekend, Marco Silva’s Cottagers arrive in the Midlands riding a wave of domestic momentum.
Aston Villa
After last season’s Champions League quarter-final heroics, much more was expected of Aston Villa in 2025/26. Yet Unai Emery’s men have endured a dismal start, stretching their winless league run to five games with a 1-1 draw against 10-man Sunderland. Matty Cash had seemingly set Villa on course for three points, only for Wilson Isidor to level late on.
That result leaves the Villans languishing in 18th place, one of just two sides alongside Wolves still awaiting a Premier League win. Relief did arrive in midweek, however, as Villa marked their Europa League return with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bologna thanks to John McGinn’s spectacular first-half strike.
Ollie Watkins’ barren spell remains a concern, though. The England forward saw a poor penalty saved on Thursday and has yet to score in seven appearances this campaign, underlining Villa’s struggles in front of goal.
Team News
Emiliano Martinez missed the midweek clash with a muscle complaint and is a doubt for Sunday, with Marc Bizot standing by to take over between the posts if need be.
Amadou Onana is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while midfield partners Ross Barkley and Youri Tielemans also remain unavailable. It means Emery’s options in the middle of the park are significantly reduced.
Fulham
Fulham, by contrast, have enjoyed a strong opening to their campaign, buoyed by a series of results at Craven Cottage. Unbeaten on home turf in both league and cup, they sit eighth in the table with seven points from three home matches and advanced in the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cambridge United in midweek.
Sunday offers Silva’s side a chance to extend their winning run to four games in all competitions for the first time since early 2023.
Their only defeat of the season so far came away to Chelsea, with Fulham otherwise proving resilient on their travels despite still waiting for a first league win on the road.
Team News
Summer arrival Kevin, who has caught the eye with his creativity, faces a spell out with a shoulder injury.
Antonee Robinson returned from knee surgery against Cambridge, boosting Silva’s options at left-back, though Ryan Sessegnon could keep his place after impressing versus Brentford.
Conclusion
Fulham’s momentum makes them dangerous visitors, but Villa’s morale-boosting European win may be the spark Emery’s side need.
With home advantage at Villa Park, the Villans could finally break their winless streak and claim a first league victory of the campaign.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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