Fulham v Aston Villa preview
Friday 16 February 2018 11:50, UK
Fulham captain Tom Cairney could be in contention for a return to the starting line-up against in-form Aston Villa.
Cairney made his comeback from two matches out with a knee problem as a second-half substitute in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Bolton. Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic must now decide whether to make changes, with his side having won four out of their last five Sky Bet Championship matches to cement their place in the top six.
Aleksandar Mitrovic is another in contention to come into the team, the Serbian forward having made a couple of substitute appearances since his deadline day loan move from Newcastle.
Aston Villa will monitor Albert Adomah ahead of the trip to west London. The Ghana winger, who scored in the 2-0 derby win over Birmingham last weekend, has been carrying a hamstring problem.
Australian Mile Jedinak will be hoping to retain his place in midfield ahead of Birkir Bjarnason, while on-loan Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban should also feature again. Fit-again Gabriel Agbonlahor could also be back in the squad as Villa chase an eighth successive Championship win, but forward Jonathan Kodjia (ankle) and goalkeeper Jed Steer (shoulder) remain sidelined.
Opta stats
Fulham have lost just one of their last 11 home league games against the Villans (W5 D5), 2-0 defeat in the Premier League in January 2010.
Aston Villa haven't achieved a league double over the Cottagers since the 2009/10 season.
Fulham haven't won seven consecutive home league matches since a run of eight back in October 2000.
Only Sheffield United's Billy Sharp (15) has won more points thanks to his goals scored in the Championship this season than Aston Villa's Albert Adomah (14).
Fulham have won more points from losing positions this season than any other side in the division (13).
Aston Villa have won seven consecutive league matches for the first time since February 1990. The Villans last won eight league games in a row back in April 1975 under Ron Saunders when they won promotion to the top-flight.
Prutton's prediction
This should be a great battle between two of the form teams in the Sky Bet Championship right now, and arguably Aston Villa's biggest test for quite a while.
Steve Bruce's side have been excellent lately and momentum is really on their side at the moment. Fulham have been brilliant lately and it's a tough game to call, but I think Villa will just nab victory.
David Prutton predicts: 0-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
