Predicted Aston Villa XI tonight vs Fulham

Aston Villa take on Fulham tonight in their second Premier League game of 2020/21.

Dean Smith takes his side to Craven Cottage having won the opening game against Sheffield United 1-0, and confidence should be high going into the game.

Scott Parker’s side have lost their first two games and conceded seven goals in the process, suggesting it is a big opportunity for Villa to perhaps get back-to-back wins.

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There are never easy games in the Premier League, but Villa fans would certainly be hopeful of three points in the capital.

Having kept a clean sheet last time out, Smith is probably unlikely to make too many, if any, changes in defence.

Emi Martinez became an instant hero with his penalty save from John Lundstram and already looks like great business.

Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa should line up in central defence, with new signing Matty Cash on the right and Matt Targett to the left.

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In midfield, Conor Hourihane, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn may be Smith’s go-to trio.

Up top, Ollie Watkins will fancy his chances of scoring his first goal in the Premier League, having bagged twice in the EFL Cup so far.

He could get support from the left from Jack Grealish, and Bertrand Traore surely did enough against Bristol City to warrant a start at Craven Cottage.

The £19 million signing from Lyon (Daily Mail) took his goal sumptuously at Ashton Gate, and Smith may want to unleash him against Fulham at the expense of the likes of Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi.