Aston Villa are targeting a spot in the top four when they face Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon. A series of positives results for Unai Emery’s men has put them in a good position to challenge for a place in the Champions League but their momentum took a hit last time out.
Villa lost 2-0 away at Nottingham Forest but they will be confident about getting their campaign back on track against 16th placed Fulham this afternoon.
The Cottagers lost 1-0 against Manchester United in their last match and will see Villa as an opportunity to put more points on the board. They are currently six above the relegation zone and three more from today’s game will go a long way in keeping them in the division this season.
Follow all the action from Villa Park below:
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Joao Palhinha is back on his feet now and resumes his role in Fulham's midfield, as Villa pick up where they left off and push forward again.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Having been clattered by Konsa in a 50-50 challenge, Joao Palhinha is left in a heap on the soggy Villa Park turf, and the action is paused while he receives treatment.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the hosts have had 72 per cent of the possession thus far, and their passing accuracy is some 20 per cent higher than Fulham's. Aston Villa are a formidable team to conquer on home turf right now, and their latest visitors have started quite meekly.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
The referee has certainly taken a lenient approach so far, as Jimenez mistimes a tackle from behind on Konsa but also avoids a yellow card.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
NO PENALTY! After a brief review of the evidence, the referee concurs with his colleague in the VAR room and rules out Villa's penalty-kick! The ball did not touch Castagne's arm. Fulham survive another scare!
Aston Villa vs Fulham
PENALTY FOR VILLA! Following Diaby's cross from the left, Watkins arrives in the centre of Fulham's box and turns the ball towards goal. It's blocked by Castagne at close range, but seems to have touched the defender's arm! It's an early spot-kick for the Villans! However, the VAR has called the referee across to review it on the pitchside monitor!
Aston Villa vs Fulham
SAVE! Villa have the first gilt-edged opening, as Diaby meets Digne's cutback near the penalty spot but can only sweep his first-time shot straight at Leno! The Fulham goalkeeper palms it away, and the visitors escape!
Aston Villa vs Fulham
McGinn is perhaps fortunate to avoid an early booking after lunging into a challenge on Joao Palhinha in midfield. He arrived too late and clearly caught the Fulham man, but only a free-kick is given.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
After a fast-paced start to the game, Aston Villa try to seize control by keeping possession at the back, and an overhit back-pass temporarily has Yashin Trophy-winner Martinez in a little trouble before he calmly deals with it.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Following a minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday, Fulham kick off, and we are under way in Birmingham.
Source: Read Full Article