‘Unacceptable’ £31m player axed as wonderkid earns rare start - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Fulham

Aston Villa return to Villa Park this Saturday lunchtime for a vital Premier League fixture against fellow European contenders Fulham.

Unai Emery’s side will be looking for a response after two hugely disappointing results last week. The Villans lost a Champions League six-pointer against Manchester City in the dying embers at the Etihad, before Crystal Palace ran out 3-0 victors in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Currently seventh but only five points behind third-placed Newcastle United, Villa remain firmly in the European fight despite the recent disappointment away at Man City. A win against Fulham would be a huge boost - especially after Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford - but it won’t be easy, as the Cottagers are battling with the Bees, Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth for eighth – likely to be the last European spot.

With that in mind, it’s likely Emery will go for a very strong lineup. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to predict who will be fielded, though, as there are several dilemmas all over the field with the competition fierce.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Fulham

Without further ado, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name against Marco Silva’s side.

GK - Emi Martinez: The two-time Yashin Trophy winner will be frustrated to have conceded so many poor goals this season but will be determined to right his wrongs.

RB - Andres Garcia: A rare start for the wonderkid, perhaps, as Matty Cash has been inconsistent of late. Garcia had a shaky start to life at Villa but has since sured up his game.

CB - Ezri Konsa: One of the first names on the team sheet, Konsa could be an outsider for the Player of the Season award. He’s been absolutely brilliant throughout 2024/25.

CB - Tyrone Mings: In immense form, Mings pushed Pau Torres out of the team against Newcastle and did excellently. Pau has made so many unacceptable errors recently, so Mings deserves to start.

LB - Ian Maatsen: The Dutchman could rotate in for Digne to offer a bit more energy and directness down the left flank. Maatsen is finally showing signs of the potential he was signed for.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Pivotal to Villa for his strength and command at the base of midfield, Kamara can expect to stay in the lineup. He didn’t play well against Man City or Crystal Palace, but it was probably just an off week.

CM - Youri Tielemans: Another player in contention for an individual award at the end of the season, Tielemans is one of Emery’s favourites. His transformation has been a joy to behold.

RM - Morgan Rogers: Undroppable, not many players in world football can charge forward on the ball as well as Rogers does. He’ll be eager to end a five-game wait for a goal.

LM - John McGinn: Another to underwhelm at Wembley, McGinn will be desperate to lead his team to a strong end to the season. The skipper has been with Villa in the good times and the bad.

CAM - Marco Asensio: After a scintillating start with seven goals in eight games, Asensio hasn’t scored in his last seven outings. He’ll be desperate to end that streak.

ST - Ollie Watkins: Expected to start for the rest of the season now Marcus Rashford is out injured, Watkins will be eager to return to his best form.