Villa v Fulham preview

O'Neill: Short at the back

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Skysports.com prediction: 2-2

SKY BET odds: Villa 8/11, Draw 13/5, Fulham 4/1

One to Watch: Ashley Young

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Aston Villa and Fulham bring the latest round of Premier League action to a close on Sunday afternoon.

Villa crashed out of the Europa League in midweek, against Rapid Vienna, and they will be determined to realign their focus back onto Premier League matters.

Martin O'Neill's men have won only two of their last nine top-flight fixtures on home soil and must improve on that record if they are to push for a top-six finish this term.

Their attacking troubles will also concern their manager, with only 12 goalscoring opportunities created in their two matches so far - fewer than any other side.

Brad Friedel has also been the busiest keeper so far this term, although he was at his brilliant best in a morale-boosting 3-1 victory at Liverpool on Monday.

Villa will, however, take heart from the recent fine form of Ashley Young, while the England winger can also boast four goals in his last six meetings with Fulham.

The omens do not look good for the Cottagers as they prepare to head to the Midlands, despite Villa's recent wobbles.

The capital club have not tasted success at Villa Park since March 1973, with 10 trips since then bringing five draws and five defeats.

None of the last 10 meetings between the two sides has produced an away win either, so Fulham could find themselves empty-handed this weekend.

Roy Hodgson's men also have offensive problems of their own, having hit the target just three times this season.

They did, however, enjoy continental joy on Thursday and will have been buoyed by their progress into the Europa League group phase.

Warnock in contention

O'Neill could hand a debut to new signing Stephen Warnock this weekend following his arrival from Blackburn.

That will see Nicky Shorey slip out of the side, while the Villa boss also faces a selection dilemma up front.

John Carew looked sharp against Rapid Vienna on his return from injury and he could edge out Emile Heskey in the battle to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Full-backs Wilfred Bouma and Luke Young remain some way off a first-team return, while Stewart Downing is not expected to be available until December.

Curtis Davies damaged his shoulder while in European action and a decision is still to be made regarding his state of health.

Riise hopeful

Fulham could award a Premier League bow to summer signing Bjorn Helge Riise, should Hodgson look to shuffle his pack.

South African ace Kagisho Dikgacoi is unavailable, though, as he awaits international clearance before completing his move to Craven Cottage.

Simon Davies could come back into contention following an ankle problem, but Toni Kallio (Achilles) and Andrew Johnson (shoulder) definitely miss out.

Possible starting XIs

Aston Villa: Friedel, Beye, Cuellar, Davies, Warnock, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Gera, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, Zamora.