Villa Park is the stage for a mouthwatering west London derby as high-flying Aston Villa take on free-scoring Fulham!

Unai Emery's Villains come into this one full of confidence after hammering Brentford last week. But the Cottagers are riding the wave after putting 4 past Leicester.

Villa unleashed their terrifying attacking trio of Watkins, Bailey, and Buendia last time out. They'll be licking their lips facing Fulham's dodgy defense.

But Fulham boasts a Serbian battering ram up top in Aleksandar Mitrovic. And the Serbian will be hungry to bully young Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

A West London blockbuster between two in-form teams! Expect goals galore and thrills aplenty!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

The match will take place on Sunday, 12th November 2023, at Villa Park

Resolute Rear Guard Repels Villa Onslaught

Despite Villa dominating possession, Forest's rearguard repelled their threat superbly, limiting the visitors to half chances.

Center-backs Scott McKenna and Willy Boly barely gave dangerous striker Ollie Watkins a sniff. While new keeper Vlachodimos oozed assurance on his debut.

Forest's organization and aggression without the ball formed the bedrock of this vital clean sheet. A backs-to-the-wall triumph.

Villa Made to Rue Missed Chances

Despite enjoying long spells of pressure, Aston Villa failed to seriously test Forest's excellent defense. They were left to rue missed chances and poor finishing.

Nicolò Zaniolo wasted Villa's best opening of the first half with a wayward finish after a slick team move.

Manager Unai Emery will be frustrated his in-form forwards didn't capitalize on promising moments. Lack of ruthlessness cost Villa dear.

Martinez Blunder Swings Momentum

The turning point came early in the second half when Emiliano Martinez gifted Forest their second with a needless error.

The normally reliable keeper made a mess of saving Mangala's shot, allowing it to spin loose and trickle over the line.

That bizarre mistake knocked the stuffing out of Villa after the break, robbing them of belief just when they needed to push on. A nightmare moment for Martinez.

Toothless Attack without Ings

Missing injured striker Danny Ings, Villa lacked any real focal point or penalty box presence to trouble Forest's rugged backline.

Ollie Watkins battled hard up top but service was sparse. Villa were toothless in the final third without Ings' smart movement and link-up play.

The England man's predatory instincts around goal were sorely lacking. Getting Ings back fit is imperative for Villa's top-four bid.

Bailey Fizzles After Lackluster Cameo

Winger Leon Bailey has underwhelmed this term and did little to stake his claim after arriving as a second-half sub.

The speedster saw plenty of the ball but his delivery and decision-making in the final third let him down time again.

Bailey lacked the guile and composure to make an impact when Villa needed a moment of inspiration. More is expected from the talented wide man.

Resolute Defense Keeps Fulham at Bay

At the back, United defended stoutly to nullify Fulham's lively attackers and protect their clean sheet.

Center-back pairing Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire dominated aerially, making crucial blocks and interceptions. Full-backs Dalot and Shaw also defended their zones well.

In goal, André Onana was alert when called upon, making two fine saves as Fulham threatened after the break. United's rugged rear guard provided the platform for victory.

Cottagers Left Heartbroken by Missed Chances

For Fulham, this defeat will feel like a cruel case of déjà vu. The Cottagers were left frustrated again by the failure to convert promising openings.

Striker Rodrigo Muniz missed a great-headed chance before limping off injured. Midfielders Wilson, Palhinha and dangerman Willian also failed to hit the target with presentable opportunities.

Ultimately, Fulham's lack of cutting edge in the final third cost them dearly. Manager Marco Silva will hope new signing Matheus Cunha can soon provide a clinical edge.

Palhinha Dominates Midfield Battle

Joao Palhinha continued his outstanding start to life in the Premier League with another dominating midfield display. He ran the engine room for long periods.

The Portuguese enforcer won numerous tackles and interceptions to stifle United's playmakers. His composure in possession also initiated attacks.

Palhinha is already looking like one of the signings of the season. Fulham will do well to hold onto their midfield general for much longer.

Wilson Weaves His Magic

On the right flank, flying winger Harry Wilson was a constant menace with his pace, direct dribbling, and clever footwork.

Wilson gave United's left-side defense migraines all afternoon as they struggled to shackle the slippery wideman.

He carved open several promising openings for teammates after beating his man. But the lack of a finisher to convert his good work left Wilson frustrated.

Iwobi Impresses With All-Action Display

Alex Iwobi put in an outstanding all-action midfield shift to help Fulham dominate the territorial battle.

The Nigerian schemer made an incredible 13 ball recoveries as he shielded Fulham's backline superbly. He used the ball intelligently on the counter-attack too.

Iwobi is enjoying a new lease of life this season, thriving under Marco Silva. His tireless industry and quality on the ball make him undroppable.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa: E. Martinez, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Matty Cash, N. Zaniolo, B. Kamara, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Moussa Diaby, O. Watkins

Fulham: Bernd Leno, A. Robinson, C. Bassey, Tim Ream, T. Castagne, J. Palhinha, Alex Iwobi, Willian, A. Pereira, Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz

Key Battles

Luiz Disruption vs. Palhinha Physicality

Douglas Luiz has the nous to disrupt Fulham midfield enforcer Joao Palhinha with smart positioning and crisp tackling.

But Palhinha won't back down from any midfield battle. The Portuguese possessed power and aggression in spades to control the engine room.

A pivotal clash that could determine whether creativity or physicality wins the midfield war.

Reed Power vs. Mings Experience

Fulham's Harrison Reed will back himself to outmuscle Villa's experienced stopper, Tyrone Mings.

But Mings boasts the positional sense and game knowledge to shackle powerful strikers. Brains or brawn? A key battle with plenty of spice.

Conclusion

Goals galore look guaranteed with both sides leaky in defense but blessed with attacking firepower.

A thriller could ensue under the lights at Villa Park! But Fulham's in-form talisman could swing it the Cottagers' way.