Aston Villa V Fulham at Villa Park : Match Preview

10 March 2012 11:26
No new worries for Villa Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham as his side seek their first home win since early December. Striker Darren Bent (ankle), defender Richard Dunne (collarbone) and midfielder Fabian Delph (ankle) are all long-term casualties while utility player Ciaran Clark continues to make good progress in his recovery from a knee setback. McLeish is considering naming an unchanged side after being impressed with the performance, particularly during the opening 45 minutes, in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Blackburn. Fulham defender Aaron Hughes is an injury doubt. The Northern Ireland international may miss out due to a calf complaint, while fellow defenders Stephen Kelly (quad) and Zdenek Grygera (knee) are definitely unavailable. Steve Sidwell (hernia) is two weeks away from a return, although Bryan Ruiz is available after a virus. Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Aston Villa are too good to go down. The Birmingham-based outfit have struggled this season and lie 15th in the table with 11 games remaining. Villa, though, have an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone and, while understanding fans' frustration, Jol believes they have too much quality to go down. "They have got the same situation as a lot of other clubs where they rely on the players who can make a difference," he said. "Sunderland had the same, they had Darren Bent there who scored 24 goals and made the difference. He went and then you have a little problem. "With Aston Villa, if you miss your best players you can have a little problem too. "I feel you have to rely on your best players and if they do the business you'll be fine, with the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stephen Ireland coming into the team and Robbie Keane when he was there. "I think Aston Villa have a very good squad and are too good to be in any trouble."

Aston Villa V Fulham - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA