| Odds via 22Bet | |
| Aston Villa vs Fulham | Saturday, May 3, 2025, 13:30 GMT+1 |
| Aston Villa odds | 1.73 |
| Fulham odds | 4.56 |
| Draw | 3.9 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 1.76/2.06 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 122 $/€ |
Aston Villa’s commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle last week demonstrated the effectiveness of Unai Emery’s double-pivot pressing strategy. This was especially evident with Ollie Watkins causing problems for opposing defences.
However, the team’s 2-1 defeat against Man City and disappointing 3-0 FA Cup exit by Crystal Palace showed how quickly their vertical risk-reward approach can fall apart.
Emery’s 4-2-3-1 hinges on Kamara sliding right to protect Cash’s overlapping runs, leaving Tielemans free to fire diagonal switches toward forwards. The pattern was lethal, especially against Newcastle.
In the meeting against Palace, without Rashford, Morgan Rogers drifted centrally from the right flank, inviting Matty Cash to provide the high. Yet the same bravery leaves huge rest-defence acreage. Both Bernardo Silva’s early goal at the Etihad and Sarr’s FA Cup strike exploited 40-plus-metre gaps behind Aston Villa’s back line.
Emery was able to name his strongest XI in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend. Only long-term knee patient Kenny Tete, on loan defender Axel Disasi (cup-tied in the cup but available here), and squad midfielder Ross Barkley are doubts.
Crucially, Pau Torres came through ninety minutes at Wembley after ankle problems, giving Villa their first-choice back four again.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins.
Fulham’s past month has been a whirlwind of football. They stunned Liverpool 3-2 by flooding the left channel through Sessegnon-Robinson overlaps. But a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth eight days later exposed their vulnerability when the first pressing wave was bypassed.
A stoppage-time collapse versus Chelsea (2-1) showed the perils of Marco Silva’s man-oriented press when legs tire. Yet, Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 comeback at St Mary’s highlights their late-game belief and set-piece menace. Both goals stemmed from outswinging deliveries via Pereira and Traoré.
Fulham’s counter-strategy involves quick 3-2 releases down their left flank. Calvin Bassey makes diagonal passes to Antonee Robinson, who combines effectively with Ryan Sessegnon. Silva’s squad apply an aggressive pressing system. However, gaps often emerge once the initial wave of pressure is overcome.
Rodrigo Muniz will not travel after Silva confirmed the striker “is almost sure to miss Villa Park as well.” Veteran Raúl Jiménez should continue up top. Harry Wilson’s knee scare has eased, and the Welsh winger trained normally on Monday. Otherwise, the visitors are near full strength.
Fulham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Sessegnon, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez.
Bet hereIn midfield, the battle between Boubacar Kamara and Andreas Pereira will be crucial. Kamara’s role in breaking up play and initiating attacks will be tested by Pereira’s creativity and movement. Fulham’s reliance on set-pieces, with Pereira delivering balls into the box, poses a threat to Villa’s defence.
Despite these challenges, Aston Villa’s attacking strength provides them with the tools to outscore opponents. Their ability to press high and recover the ball quickly can disrupt Fulham’s build-up play and create many scoring opportunities.
Aston Villa will want to dominate possession and create scoring chances through quick transitions. This tactic has yielded significant success at home, with them averaging 2.07 goals per game at home. However, it also leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks, especially against teams with pace on the flanks.
Fulham also emphasises quick transitions. Their attacking play often involves the speed and crossing ability of Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete. This approach can exploit the spaces left by Villa’s wingers on the flanks.
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