Aston Villa vs. Fulham Tips and Odds – 03/05/2025

• Fixture: Aston Villa vs Fulham
• Date: Saturday, 3rd May 2025
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham

Match Preview

Aston Villa welcome Fulham to Villa Park in a crucial late-season Premier League clash with European ambitions on the line for both sides. Villa, currently seventh in the table with 57 points, are just outside the Champions League qualification spots and will be desperate to make up ground in their final home fixtures. Fulham, sitting in eighth with 51 points, are aiming to finish as high as possible and perhaps sneak into the European places themselves.

The Villans come into this match on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final, a result that ended their hopes of silverware this season. Prior to that, Villa had shown impressive form, with recent wins over Newcastle (4-1), Southampton (3-0), and a memorable Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain (3-2). However, a narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester City and the cup exit have raised some concerns about fatigue and squad depth as the season draws to a close.

Fulham, meanwhile, have endured a mixed run of results. They recently suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats against Chelsea (1-2) and Bournemouth (0-1), but did manage a thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool, showing their ability to trouble even the league’s elite. Defensive frailties have been an issue, with the Cottagers failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches, and their FA Cup campaign ended with a heavy 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

In terms of injuries, Aston Villa have been dealt a significant blow with Marcus Rashford sidelined by a hamstring injury that could keep him out for the remainder of the season. This puts additional pressure on Ollie Watkins to deliver up front. Fulham are still without Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Nelson, while Emile Smith Rowe is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench in their last league outing.

Villa have an excellent record against Fulham, winning each of their last five meetings, including a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage earlier this season. Villa Park has also been a fortress, with the hosts unbeaten in 25 of their last 26 home matches in all competitions. Fulham, however, will be motivated to end that run and avenge recent defeats.

Key Players

• Aston Villa
  • Ollie Watkins: With Rashford out, Watkins will be Villa’s main attacking threat. He has 15 goals and 9 assists in 34 league appearances and has scored four goals in his last three games against Fulham.
  • Youri Tielemans: The Belgian midfielder has been instrumental in Villa’s build-up play, contributing 7 assists and dictating the tempo in midfield.
  • Moussa Diaby: His pace and creativity on the wings will be vital in breaking down Fulham’s defence.
• Fulham
  • Raúl Jiménez: The Mexican striker leads Fulham’s scoring charts with 10 goals this season and will be key to their attacking hopes.
  • Alex Iwobi: With 9 goals and 6 assists, Iwobi offers both creativity and a goal threat from midfield.
  • Antonee Robinson: The left-back has been a standout, providing 10 assists and plenty of attacking thrust down the flank.

Prediction

Given Villa’s strong home form, their superior head-to-head record, and Fulham’s defensive issues, the hosts are favourites. However, both teams have struggled for clean sheets, and Fulham’s ability to score against top opposition suggests this could be an open, entertaining contest. Expect goals at both ends, but Villa’s attacking firepower at Villa Park should give them the edge.

Predicted score: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are fractional and indicative; please check the linked site for the latest prices.

Expect a lively encounter at Villa Park, with both teams eager to keep their European dreams alive. Villa’s home advantage and attacking quality should see them edge a close contest, but Fulham’s threat on the counter ensures it won’t be straightforward.