After a rocky start to the 2026–27 English Premier League season, two big clubs, Aston Villa and Fulham F.C., have made a spectacular comeback in the autumn months. Under manager Unai Emery, the Villa only managed to earn 1 point from their first 4 Premier League games in August and September (3 losses, 1 draw).
But the Villans bounced back, going unbeaten in their next four league games (3 wins, 1 draw). They even beat reigning league leaders Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park. Villa now sits 9th in the Premier League table with 11 points from 8 matches (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses; 9 goals scored, 12 conceded).
On the other hand, new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham FC hadn’t won a single match in their first 6 Premier League games. The Cottagers turned their form around and recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins, first against newly-promoted Hull City at home and then away against Coventry City. Fulham is now in 15th place with 8 points from 8 games (2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses; 8 goals scored, 10 conceded).
Aston Villa and Fulham looking for fresh air
However, both teams will be looking for a fresh start, as both suffered defeats in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday, October 28. Villa lost 3-0 to AFC Bournemouth, while Fulham was beaten at home by Crystal Palace.
The problem for both clubs is to register their third consecutive win in the Premier League. Since their first encounter in 1905, this will be the 81st historical clash between the two teams. In 44 Premier League meetings, Aston Villa has 20 victories, while Fulham has 13 wins and 11 matches have ended in a draw.
At Villa Park in Birmingham, Aston Villa have managed to avoid defeat in 18 of their last 20 home games across all competitions against Fulham, and they have won the last 5 home matches in a row against the Cottagers.
Villa manager Unai Emery has had an excellent personal record against Fulham, winning 8 out of 9 Premier League games and averaging 2.67 points per game.
However, Villa’s home league form this season is 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses, and their defense has conceded in 13 of their last 15 league outings, which is still a matter of concern.
Aston Villa vs Fulham game will be played at Villa Park, Birmingham, on Sunday, November 1, with referee Sam Barrott officiating.
Betting odds and predictions have arrived
Bookmakers have made Aston Villa the favorite, with odds of 91/100 (-103 or 1.91). A draw is priced at 14/5 (+275 or 3.75), while Fulham’s win is at 13/5 (+280 or 3.60–3.80).
Both Teams To Score (BTTS): ‘Yes’ is tipped at 31/50 (-163 or 1.62).
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Odds for over 2.5 goals are 4/6 (-150 or 1.67).
Expert predictions:
Sports Mole / Futbol24: Predicting a 2-1 or 3-0 home win for Aston Villa.
PredictZ: Predicting a 1-0 win for Aston Villa.
TheTopBookies: Forecasting a 1-1 draw.
Aston Villa injuries update
Aston Villa: Midfielder Amadou Onana is out long-term due to an ACL knee injury from the 2026 World Cup. Full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) and Matteo Ruggeri (thigh) are still sidelined. Midfielder Modou Keba Cissé is expected to be fit.
Fulham FC injuries update
Fulham: Midfielder Ryan Sessegnon is serving the last game of his 3-match suspension. Emile Smith Rowe is doubtful due to injury (75% chance of playing), while defender David Affengruber is expected to return.
Looking at probable starting lineups (4-2-3-1)
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Zion Suzuki (GK); Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Boubacar Kamara, João Gomes; Alysson Edward, Johan Manzambi, John McGinn; Nicolas Jackson.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno (GK); Timothy Castagne, David Affengruber, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Shea Charles, Hugo Larsson; Oscar Bobb, Joshua King, Alex Iwobi; Gonzalo García Torres.
Although Villa’s defensive vulnerability is an issue, they have conceded 1.8 expected goals (xG) per game in the last 5 league matches and have recorded the fifth-lowest expected goals tally (9.10 xG) in the Premier League.
On the positive side, striker Nicolas Jackson has been Villa’s star performer, scoring 4 goals in his last 4 Premier League matches and a total of 7 goals in 11 appearances since joining the club. Captain John McGinn is leading with 3 assists, while midfielder Johan Manzambi has registered 2 goals and 2 assists.
After the Fulham match, Aston Villa fans will witness crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions:
UEFA Champions League: On Tuesday, November 3, Villa will travel to Spain to face European giants Barcelona at Camp Nou / Estadi Olímpic (Villa previously beat Fenerbahçe 6-0 and Viking 3-1 in the group phase).
Premier League: On Sunday, November 8, Villa will go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
