Aston Villa vs Fulham prediction

THE FORECAST

Both sides carry significant injury lists and enter this match on just three days' rest after League Cup fixtures, but Aston Villa face the added pressure of a Champions League match in three days, making rotation highly likely and dampening their attacking threat — their goals-for average of 1.1 already reflects a depleted squad missing Watkins, Bailey and others. Fulham have won their last two Premier League outings and boast three clean sheets, though they too are missing key players including Smith Rowe and Andersen, keeping this match tightly contested. Villa's home advantage and the incentive of a third consecutive home win over Fulham gives them a narrow edge, but low scoring is expected given both teams' defensive solidity and likely squad management.