Premier League: Fulham v Aston Villa match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

The form of Belgium striker Christian Benteke is key to the hopes and aspirations of Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa side. Having held on to him throughout the summer, penning a new contract and scoring 4 goals in as many games at the start of the season, Benteke has since been injured and gone off the boil.

Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage will see Benteke’s best chance to find some form when he comes up against a fragile Fulham defence that has shipped 13 home goals in the league so far.

New Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen had a rude introduction to life at the top level with Wednesday’s defeat to Tottenham, squandering a 1-0 lead in doing so.

Things don't get much easier for the Dutchman with an Aston Villa side who have been in fine form on the road this year, only losing once.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST MEETINGS:

Aston Villa 1 (N’Zogbia) Fulham 1 (Delph (og)), Premier League, April 2013

Fulham 1 (Baird) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, October 2012

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

STATS:

Fulham having conceded 13 goals at home this season, only Sunderland have conceded more

Villa’s away record is Won 3, Draw 3, Lost 1, joint third best in the league

No player has scored more than twice for Fulham in the league this season

Benteke is Villa’ top scorer with 4 but has not netter since early September

ODDS:

Fulham to win: 2.7

Aston Villa to win: 2.7

Draw: 3.2

TV:

Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm

Highlights on BBC One Match of the Day 2 at 10.25pm