Fulham vs Aston Villa
English Premier League
Date: Monday, 28 September 2020
Kick-off at 17:45 UK/ 18:45 CET
Venue: Craven Cottage.
Match preview
However, with three successive victories to start the season, Smith is optimistic that everything is in place to ensure that Villa does not know another battle to stay out of the relegation zone.
Although two of those wins came against the opposition league below the EFL Cup, 3-0 triumph over early pace-setters Bristol City Championship highlighted the depth of the squad's new look Smith.
Besides the establishment of a link with the last 16 Stoke City, Villa also beat Sheffield United in the Premier League, a result that came about in part because of an early dismissal for blades.
From the campaign with three points eased ahead of the pressure of this game, however, and Smith feels his team can go in search of another maximum return.
From the perspective Fulham manager Scott Parker will be torn between the display of the contest as a must not lose and to see it as an ideal opportunity to advance in the standings.
Being equipped with a double head open against Arsenal and Leeds United left the Cottagers in a position where they would still find it difficult to get a spot on the map in the first weeks.
With successive setbacks have now materialized, Parker must now evaluate options for his team after witnessing his post as second string two wins in the EFL Cup.
Parker does not want to count on the contributions of Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Serbian double in the 4-3 defeat to Leeds strengthened the argument that he will stay fit for Fulham to stay in this division.
Team news
Parker expects to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the visit of Aston Villa, with Anthony Knockaert pushing to start after scoring during the midweek victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
"I think we are all well," said the Fulham boss.
"There is no injury as such, just the general direction of the team and the players really. We are at full strength ".
Villa, Tom Heaton, Björn Engels and Wesley are all sidelined, but the former Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore could make his first Premier League start for the club after impressing against Bristol City.
Prediction
Fulham looked pretty chaotic at the back in their first two games, and with important defensive reinforcements not come, it is a trend that you expect to continue against the side of Villa Dean Smith Monday.
Similarly, it seems as if they may be a little more clued up on the side attacking things with the introduction of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the image of the first team Cottagers giving a real helping hand against Leeds last weekend.
With Villa looking a little more assured and professional (yet) they did last season, another loss Fulham seems to be on the cards. But in this season without scoring Premier League, at least it will not be boring.
Prediction: Fulham 2-3 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Aston Villa: Paris Tips
Double Chance: Aston Villa or Draw @ 1.44 (4/9)
Both teams score @ 1.80 (4/5).
