Premier League: Fulham v Aston Villa match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke (GETTY IMAGES)

With Paul Lambert seemingly preferring Christian Benteke to Darren Bent in attack, the Aston Villa manager will be hoping the Belgian’s international form will continue as the £7m signing from Genk has only found the net once in the league this term.

The 21-year-old did find his shooting boots in the past week as he scored in both of Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers, against Serbia and Scotland, to put his country top of Group A.

Fulham boss Martin Jol can recall star striker Dimitar Berbatov who has missed the last two games with a thigh strain but he will be more concerned with his backline as his side have conceded late goals in their past three games.

The Cottagers let in goals after 87 minutes against Wigan, Manchester City and Southampton respectively. Had they not conceded these goals, the West Londoners would be above Arsenal in seventh in the table.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 1 (Weimann) Fulham 0, Premier League, March 2012

Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0, Premier League, August 2011

Aston Villa 2 (Walker, Paintsil OG) Fulham 2 (Johnson, Dempsey), Premier League, February 2011

STATS...

In recent history the fixture has produced mostly draws: nine of the last 14 Premier League games between the two have ended with the scores level.

Only Manchester United have scored more league goals than Fulham this season.

ODDS...

Fulham to win: 1.80

Villa to win: 4.50

Draw: 3.50

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm