Aston Villa vs Fulham Prediction, Preview, Lineups, News: 28/9/2025

Aston Villa host Fulham at Villa Park on September 28 in what shapes up to be a crucial fixture for both sides. For Unai Emery’s men, the game represents an opportunity to halt a disappointing start to the season, while Marco Silva’s visitors arrive looking to build on their steady momentum.

Villa Searching for a Spark

Aston Villa enter this clash sitting uncomfortably near the bottom of the table, with just two points collected from their opening five matches. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw with Brentford, showed glimpses of fight—Harvey Elliott struck the equalizer—but their lack of consistency in the final third continues to hurt them.

Manager Unai Emery has been experimenting with different midfield combinations in search of greater creativity, while repeated defensive lapses have forced changes at the back. With pressure mounting from the home support, Villa will be desperate to rediscover their edge at Villa Park, where their intensity and pressing style are typically more effective.

Fulham’s Steady Start

Fulham, by contrast, have begun the campaign with more composure. Their narrow 1-0 win over Leeds United, sealed by a tidy finish from G. Gudmundsson, lifted them into the top half of the table with eight points from five games. Marco Silva’s tactical adaptability has been key, allowing his side to stay competitive even when not at their fluent best.

That said, Fulham’s record on the road is a concern. While they often start brightly, their tendency to concede late goals has cost them points away from home. Silva is likely to emphasize defensive compactness in Birmingham, hoping to frustrate Villa and hit on the counter through his dynamic midfield and forward options.

History and Key Matchups

Recent history tilts the balance toward the hosts. Villa have claimed victory in four of the last five meetings between the two clubs, including a narrow 1-0 win at Villa Park in May. That psychological edge, combined with the energy of their home crowd, could prove decisive.

Expect Emery to rely on Moussa Diaby’s pace and Ollie Watkins’ movement to trouble Fulham’s back line. For the visitors, the midfield battle will be crucial—Silva’s trio will need to stay disciplined to prevent Villa from dictating tempo.

Prediction: Villa to Edge It at Home

While Fulham have looked the steadier of the two so far, Villa’s urgency to climb the table and their strong record in this fixture suggest the hosts may finally turn a corner. A 2-1 scoreline looks plausible, with Villa striking early, Fulham responding, and the home side finding a late winner to reignite their campaign.

Final Prediction: Aston Villa 2 – 0 Fulham