With Fulham providing the next opposition team to compete against, Aston Villa make the trip to Craven Cottage in search of a win. With the Villans unbeaten over the past six games against the team from London, much could be guessed at in terms of predicting the result. However, most of us know much better than to place any life-or-death bets on results.

It has to start somewhere

Paul Lambert is undoubtedly the right man for the job, but the club are in need of points from somewhere. Whilst it would be far too early to suggest Villa are having serious issues, points do mean proverbial prizes or, in Villa’s case, a chance to move further up the table. Villa’s transformation under Lambert needs time, and it appears most are likely to give it to him, with the board solidly behind their new man.

We all know that football is very much a results business. Many senior managers speak out on regular occasion about the pressures facing a modern manager, and how the time being offered to many new entrants to the game is shorter than ever. Finances, or rather the cost of relegation, especially from the Premier League is that festering problem that forces lunacy in terms of short term thinking, throwing cash at problems, and generally being fearful if people don’t spend, they are screwed.

Ergo, it is the footballing equivalent of “keeping up with the Jones’s”, and it’s utterly ridiculous. However, like some sort of proverbial drug addict, the footballing world is addicted to a cash inflow. If there’s one route to disaster it is greed, especially when only comparatively few people can “win” anything, whether the league, a cup, or anything in between – why else do you think Tony Fernandes is chucking bad money after good trying to fix QPR? Do you think he would spend £100m if he could spend £10m or £1m?

So, Villa fans, much like all other fans, have to be patient. It’s not great, it isn’t exciting, and it isn’t what many people want to do, especially in today’s 24/7 “I want it now” world. Anyway, that’s enough on finances, let’s get back to the task in hand – Fulham away.

Lambert’s view

The Villa squad will need looking over as Brad Guzan, Brett Holman, and Karim El-Ahmadi may need a rest after gruelling air trips. Joe Bennett is likely to be available after being stretchered off against Tottenham Hotspur. Midfielder Stephen Ireland will also be looking to return to the squad following hsi broken arm. Richard Dunne (groin) is Villa’s only currently confirmed injured player.

Stat attack – provided by Yahoo! Europsport

Fulham have won none of the last six Premier League meetings with Aston Villa (W0 D3 L3).

Fulham have conceded the joint-most headed goals in the Premier League this season (4).

Five points from seven games is Aston Villa’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Fulham have conceded six goals from set pieces this season including four from corners – both are league-highs.

The Whites have scored with 20% of their shots at goal, the best chance conversion rate in the top flight.

Villa have won just one of their last seven Premier League visits to London (W1 D2 L4), including losing twice in the capital already this season.

Villa have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League away games and have netted just five times in their last 12 Premier League road trips.

Fulham have won nine and lost just two of their last 13 Premier League games at Craven Cottage.

Only Norwich (6.8%) have a worse chance conversion rate than Paul Lambert’s Villa side this season (9.8%).

All seven of Fulham’s league games this season have gone over 2.5 goals.

PlayPlay

Leave a Reply