Source: SKY_Sports
Fulham v Aston Villa preview
Fulham will look to boost their European hopes against an Aston Villa side that is already certain to finish in the top six.[LNB] The Cottagers are involved in a four-way tussle for the final Europa League spot after enjoying a splendid season under manager Roy Hodgson.[LNB]They slipped back to ninth following a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend and will be determined to pick up three points against Villa, with tough games still to come against relegation-threatened Newcastle and FA Cup finalists Everton.[LNB]Hodgson has been consistent with selection all season but he was forced to leave out the injured Andy Johnson and Simon Davies at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Erik Nevland, who replaced Johnson in the starting line-up, also had to be substituted after picking up a knock but he has recovered and is available.[LNB]However, Hodgson will have to assess the fitness of Johnson (knee), Bobby Zamora (hip) and Paul Konchesky (knee) ahead of kick-off.[LNB]Villa newsAston Villa clinched European qualification for next season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hull City on Monday evening.[LNB]Martin O'Neil's men, who had not won a Premier League match since early February, will now be keen to finish the season with a flourish even though they can no longer compete for a UEFA Champions League place.[LNB]Their main concern now will be trying to stay above Everton to secure fifth spot, although O'Neill is sweating on the fitness of several players ahead of the trip to London.[LNB]Defender Carlos Cuellar is still feeling under the weather after missing the clash with the Tigers due to flu.[LNB]Wilfred Bouma and Martin Laursen are long-term absentees so the back four could stay unchanged, with Luke Young, Zat Knight, Curtis Davies and Nicky Shorey keeping a rare clean sheet last time out.[LNB]PFA Young Player of the Year Ashley Young and midfielder Stiliyan Petrov could both be doubtful after limping off the field against Hull.[LNB]Possible starting XIsFulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Gera, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Zamora, Kamara.[LNB]Aston Villa: Friedel, L Young, Knight, Davies, Shorey, Milner, Barry, Petrov, A Young, Carew, Agbonlahor.[LNB]
