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The Conference League Conundrum
45 Plays2 days ago
With Europe still on the agenda, Gavin takes a closer look at how things are shaping up before building up to the weekend's clash as Fulham travel to Villa Park.
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Transcript
Introduction to The Daily Fulham Podcast
00:00:01
Speaker
Every club. Every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network.
Premier League Excitement in May
00:00:08
Speaker
Hello and welcome back to another edition of the Daily Fulham Podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network which brings you the latest news and views from across the Premier League as well as women's football.
00:00:20
Speaker
My name is Gavin Ruffell and we have moved into the month of May.
Battle for 8th Place
00:00:24
Speaker
The sun is out and the temperature is rising and we still have plenty to play for as the Premier League season inches closer to its climax.
00:00:33
Speaker
The title may be wrapped up, relegation places might have been confirmed. But look, nobody cares about that. Everyone is gripped, the nation's gripped, the world's gripped by this race for 8th place.
00:00:43
Speaker
And it starts its next chapter this weekend. Just one point separates Fulham, Brighton and Bournemouth as we head into the final four game weeks.
Impact of Last Weekend's Results
00:00:52
Speaker
And how decisive could last weekend's results prove to be?
00:00:56
Speaker
It's the League of late goals, isn't it? And we saw that last weekend, didn't we? It was no more evident than last time around. Concerning all three of these sides for Fulham and Brighton...
00:01:07
Speaker
Despair was turned into ecstasy, whereas for Bournemouth, ecstasy was turned into despair. So I'm sure as we approach the final few weeks, that there'll be many nerve wracking moments for fans of all three clubs.
00:01:21
Speaker
Nothing is going to be straightforward. And I'm going to slightly contradict myself, what I said in the last podcast concerning... the fact that you should only focus on what you're doing and not worry so much about what other clubs are doing you can only control the controllables but look at this stage it's only natural that you're going to get drawn in you're going to get sucked in by what other sides are doing because it directly concerns you doesn't it and i found myself last weekend watching the bournemouth game against manchester united and it looked like they were coasting to a one nil win but they were stung late on weren't they and um
00:01:56
Speaker
A dubious, a questionable red card scuppered their chances in that game. But even so, it looked like Manchester United were just going to fall short and Bournemouth would grind out that crucial three points. But late goal there for Manchester United and it's changed things, isn't it I feel like going into the final four weeks, and it's hard to say who has the advantage, but feel like that was a critical week in the fact that Fulham came out just with their noses in front because there are some hard games to come.
00:02:20
Speaker
I talk about it being a dubious decision, the red card for Evan Ilsen. Look, quite frankly, they got it wrong, didn't they? And that's been highlighted by the fact that that decision has been
Upcoming Fixtures Analysis
00:02:29
Speaker
overturned. But that's no consolation to Bournemouth now, isn't it? Because they can't get the two points back from what they feel they lost as a result of it.
00:02:36
Speaker
I will just have a close look at the remaining fixtures for the three sides. And to be honest, they've all got a tricky running points. It might be hard to come by for for all of them. There are games there against opposition that are fighting for things.
00:02:49
Speaker
against opposition that are higher in the table that ordinarily you'd say difficult games. Let's look at Fulham, for instance. So they've got Aston Villa away on the weekend, trip to Villa Park. They still have something to fight for in their fight for Europe themselves. So that's going to be a tall order, considering their impregnable home form.
00:03:07
Speaker
And then on the last day the Manchester City at home, and we know Fulham's record against Manchester City... is terrible. They've lost so many games to them in a row, so they won't go into that game with great expectations.
00:03:19
Speaker
What we do know with Crystal Palace now in the FA Cup final... is that 8th place might not even guarantee a Europa Conference League spot. But at least we know that that is going to take place before Fulham's penultimate game. So at least going into the last game, we know, well, Fulham will know what they need to do if they are indeed in a position where they can control their own destiny.
00:03:40
Speaker
It's not a case of winning on the last day of the season to secure 8th place and then you're still hoping for a result to go your way. At least after the final whistle, they will know where their fate is. They'll know what direction they're heading in for next
European Qualification Pressure on Bournemouth
00:03:52
Speaker
season. But as i said they've got two really tough games there at least on paper and then they've got two games in between that everton at home and brentford away that people probably think there's chances of getting points but as we've seen with fulham often it's the games where you fancy them to get results in where they stumble and the in the games where you're not expecting so much where they are underdogs where they do surprise you and manage to get something out of it but
00:04:15
Speaker
Just comparing their fixtures to Brighton and Bournemouth. Well, Brighton have got tough, tough ass themselves because they've got Newcastle at home on the weekend. Newcastle, of course, are well in the hunt for Champions League football favourites to do that, but they need to keep winning games because of the chase impact in and around them.
00:04:31
Speaker
Wolves away after that and Wolves, they're the form team in the league and they've secured their safety or or they secured their safety several weeks ago and they've they've not looked back since that point. They've managed to string a number of wins together. So all of a sudden Wolves away, that doesn't look an easy fixture. And then they've got Liverpool at home after that.
00:04:46
Speaker
I guess from a Brighton perspective, you can look at it one of two ways, can't you? Playing in against a team like Liverpool at this stage of the season. Of course, their equality's tied. They've been the best team in the league by far. But is it a good time to be playing Liverpool knowing that they have wrapped things up?
00:05:02
Speaker
Maybe their minds have just drifted elsewhere. They've been doing a party and celebrating. But I'm i'm sure Arnazlott will not want this team to drop their standards just because they have won the league. Then you look at the last game, Spurs away.
00:05:14
Speaker
Could be a few days after a Europa League final for Spurs. So if Brighton can take it to the final day with it in their own hands, then you'd think they'd have a strong chance. For Bournemouth, Arsenal away on the weekend.
00:05:27
Speaker
That's a hard game. Going to the Emirates is always a difficult game, but is it possibly a good time to play Arsenal, knowing that they have distractions, knowing that they're going to be playing the second leg of their Champions League semi-final days later?
00:05:40
Speaker
So what Arsenal line-up are we going to see for that game? I'm expecting several changes. And then they've got Villa, a home after that. the Villa, we know, course, Fulham got them on weekend. Villa are in the hunt for Europe, as are Manchester City away from home. So that's going to be a really daunting fixture.
00:05:56
Speaker
The good news for Bournemouth is if they do have it in their hands come the last game the season, out of the free size, they have the most... Well, I wouldn't say any fixture is a gimme, but it's as close to a gimme as you can get. They have Leicester at home.
00:06:08
Speaker
But out of the three sides, could you argue that there's more pressure on Bournemouth? Because of the fact they've never been to Europe. We know Brighton have been there recently and Fulham have been there, OK, more than a decade ago, but...
Brentford's European Ambitions
00:06:20
Speaker
those two sides have experience of of being in Europe. For Bournemouth, they're so close to it, having never been there. And the fact that they have been up there throughout the season, there was one stage where they were likely contenders for Champions League, but such has been the drop-off recently that they are far adrift of those places and they are having to settle for Europa Conference League. not Not having to settle because it's still a great prize at the end of the day, but...
00:06:43
Speaker
You wonder if pressure comes into it and nerves because of the fact that they haven't been there before. And the desperation for them may be far greater than the other two sides because they would be breaking new ground.
00:06:54
Speaker
As we've seen in recent weeks, all three of those sides, they have shown frailties and there's going to be plenty of twists and turns. So it'll be fascinating to see how it all plays out. By the way, I haven't forgotten about Brentford. I'm fully aware that they are just a point further back and they have form and momentum with them and their last remaining fixtures look pretty decent on paper. United at home on Sunday after their European exploits.
00:07:18
Speaker
Ipswich away, already relegated. And then that crucial game against Fulham, along with Wolves away on the last day. Wolves, nothing to play for. So yes, I'm not ignoring Brentford.
00:07:28
Speaker
I'm just trying to alleviate any negative thoughts all Fulham supporters might have about their West London rivals, possibly usurping them for that final European place.
Historical Fulham vs. Villa Matches
00:07:38
Speaker
As for the immediate future, as I said, Fulham do go to Villa, a very tough place to go and get a result, as many sides have found out this season.
00:07:48
Speaker
Villa won the corresponding fixture three one at Craven Cottage back in October. That was after an international break and it's just one of those weird things this season. Fulham's immediate game after the international break have usually ended in defeat and it's no obvious explanation for it but that was another occurrence and that was a game where they took the lead early on.
00:08:06
Speaker
For Raul Jimenez, they missed the penalty. There was a bit of debate in that game about Andreas Pereira taking the penalty. and It seemed a strange decision looking back on it in hindsight. seemed a strange decision looking at it at the time because we know Raul Jimenez's penalty record for Fulham. That cost them dear in the end because Villa ran out comfortable winners. Joachim Andersson got sending off.
00:08:25
Speaker
and I recall Morgan Rodgers. He was particularly effective and lively for Aston Villa on that day. disappointing afternoon Fulham on that occasion. was during a little period they were often scoring first goal and then letting Leeds slip. And if you look at the overall context, looking further back, Villa of actually won six of the last seven games.
00:08:47
Speaker
Fulham's sole victory in that period of the time actually ended up doing Aston Villa a favour because it got Stephen Gerrard the sack. So maybe Aston Villa can put down their subsequent success. Maybe they can thank Fulham for that.
00:08:58
Speaker
Villa Park has generally not been a happy hunting ground for Fulham. Just one win there in the Premier League back in 2014, but some bittersweet memories coming from that day because although Fulham did get the win 2-1, it was in a season which...
00:09:14
Speaker
signalled the end of their 14-year run in the Premier League. I believe Felix Magat was Fulham manager at that time. Obviously, that's not a name Fulham fans want to hear too often because he'll send shivers down the spine. He's not for all the right reasons.
00:09:28
Speaker
Yeah, 2-1 victory on that occasion. Hugo Rodiega scoring a late winner, but ultimately not a season to look back on fondly from a Fulham perspective. Also for Marco Silva, this is not a particularly great match-up coming up against Unai Emery.
00:09:43
Speaker
Eight meetings in total. He's must have just the one win. one draw and there's been six defeats however I remember saying something very similar concerning Eddie Howe and how Marco Silva's personal record against him was poor but look since I brought that up Fulham have gone on to do the double over Newcastle I doubt Silva's even aware of that record against Emery and even if he is I can't imagine it's something that would phase him Maybe this weekend Marco Silva can get his second win over Unai Emery.
00:10:11
Speaker
Speaking of Unai Emery, I will be turning my focus of attention onto his side in the next part, but before then, allow me to tell you a little bit about our sponsors. Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform.
00:10:25
Speaker
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00:10:38
Speaker
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr. So Aston Villa come into this game six points ahead of Fulham. And any ideas Fulham have of possibly overhauling Aston Villa? Well, they're going have to win on the weekend, aren't they?
00:10:55
Speaker
But Aston Villa, they're still chasing down those Champions League places. That was ah A tough defeat for them last time around, wasn't it? Losing late on to Manchester City. Not only the fact that they lost the game, but the fact that they lost to a rival, a direct challenger for those Champions League places. That could prove to be pivotal come the end of the season because they did come into that firing on all cylinders. They looked the form team in the league and a point away at the Etihad would have gone down as a good result.
00:11:20
Speaker
But as it is, given the form of those sides in and around them, they're not making many mistakes at this moment in time. So... I think if Aston Villa are to get in the top four, top five, they just have to win their games and then it's what I said about Fulham, isn't it? You've got to take care of business on your own side before worrying about what other sides do.
00:11:36
Speaker
So for Aston Villa, I think the target has to be four wins from four and see where that gets them. But of course, it's not just the disappointment in the last league meeting. They'll be Desperately disappointed about going out of the FA Cup at the hands of Crystal Palace because I strongly fancied them to win that game. i even fancied them possibly to go all the way and get their hands on some silverware. I was certainly surprised at the nature of the result. 3-0 emphatic scoreline.
00:11:59
Speaker
Yeah, that'll be a tough pill to swallow for them. And you wonder maybe for a Fulham perspective, is it a good time to play Aston Villa? Maybe they're feeling the effects of that. On the flip side, are you coming up against the wounded animal that just want to want to get out there and make amends for that?
00:12:14
Speaker
But aside from that, I've been really impressed with Aston Villa. Of course, having to deal with Champions League football and trying to make a fist of it in the league at the same time, it's not always easy. It's not always easy for sides that aren't used to doing it.
00:12:25
Speaker
I know they've been playing in Europe recently. They've had the Europa Conference League last season, but that's a different kettle of fish, really, because in that competition, sides like Aston Villa, they can rotate their whole 11 and then play a completely different side for the weekend.
00:12:39
Speaker
With the Champions League, obviously, you're playing against tougher opposition, Aston Villa, well, they're having to play their strongest side for the Champions League games. But then in the league, with a quick turnaround just days later, they've still got to be given 100% and approaching those games with the same mindset.
00:12:55
Speaker
Easier said than done, especially when it's not something you're accustomed to. You do get used to that the more you're in Europe. Obviously for Aston Villa, this season's really whetted the appetite and they want to make European football a regular thing they want to make Champions League football a regular thing because they've shown what they are capable of. They've beaten Bayern Munich at home, they've beaten PSG at home. I was really impressed with the way they kind of held themselves together for that tie against PSG because 3-1 behind after the away leg...
Aston Villa's European and FA Cup Performances
00:13:23
Speaker
conceding early in the second leg it probably would have been easier for them to almost throw the towel in and be resigned to what was going to happen but they really fought and they really put the frighteners on PSG and we've seen what a good side PSG are they just beat an Arsenal in the semi-finals first leg ah at the Emirates so they're a top quality side and they really took it to them and I think their fans can be really proud of the efforts they've certainly shown that they belong and no doubt having had those special nights at Villa Park under the lights against high-caliber opposition, they'll want more of the same, won't they, next season and beyond.
00:13:55
Speaker
They clearly have had to utilise their squad, get into the last stages in Europe, get into the last stages in the FA Cup, And at the same time, trying to maintain high standards in the league.
00:14:06
Speaker
You're not going to pick the same 11 every week. You are going have to rely on a squad. And I don't think I'm overstating this by saying I genuinely feel they have, if not the strongest squad in the league, I certainly feel it's one of the top two or three.
00:14:20
Speaker
If you look at their bench from recent games and you look at the quality they have to bring on, most of those players will get in most of the other sides in league I think their squad's a lot better than Arsenal's squad.
00:14:32
Speaker
I think you could even say it's possibly better than Liverpool's. OK, the starting XI's not quite as good. Man for man, if you're looking at the whole squad, I think their squad just about matches anyone in the league, and that's only been enhanced...
00:14:43
Speaker
as by the arrivals in January with Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford coming into the fray and I think that illustrates where Aston Villa are at this stage, the fact that they can lure that calibre of player to the club, players with great reputation who have achieved great things in the game that they want to come to Aston Villa to test themselves where they've been at clubs big Big clubs where maybe they're just out of the frame at a minute, but going to Aston Villa is definitely a viable option and definitely a good option for them. They've come in and they've made an impact. Maybe in recent times, in the last few games, it's not quite.
00:15:17
Speaker
gone to plan and there's been a little bit of a drop off but generally I think you can look at those loan signings and definitely say they've been positive and it'll be interesting see and we'll talk about Fulham what they might do in the transfer window when that opens it'll be interesting interesting see what Aston Villa do to bolster their squad in the summer whether they're looking at Rashford and Asensio as sensesia was possibly bringing them in on a permanent basis, certainly for Marco Sencio. I mean, if you could possibly get him on a permanent deal, then that's one I wouldn't shy away from. I mean, he's got absolute pedigree, hasn't he? the Champions League three times with Real Madrid, and you can see when he came to Aston Villa what a special talent he is.
00:15:53
Speaker
Maybe Villa fans didn't realise how good he was until they saw him with their own two eyes. I think what you notice, particularly with great players or elite-level players, is how much time they have how they're able to play with a great calmness when everything around them is happening at 100 miles an hour.
00:16:09
Speaker
And you can probably relate that to other sports. Think of great tennis players or maybe a great batsman in cricket. It's how they're able to make decisions on the pitch or on the field and look like they've got all the time in the world, but in reality they don't.
00:16:24
Speaker
And that's something you can't really teach. It's what separates the good from those just a level beyond that. With Marco Asensio, he does things at a pace, but he just seems to have all the time in the world to do it. And he's not rushing things. He's not panicking things. And that separates the good players from the great players. So I'm a massive fan of Asensio. And, you know, he's made an instant in impact. The Aston Villa made an impression And I think they would be foolish not to not to try and sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.
00:16:49
Speaker
And you've got to say the manager is a huge factor in players of that calibre. Being drawn to the club, the respect they have for him probably means players don't need much persuading. Pleased to see what he has achieved in Aston Villa and what he's able to get out of that squad. Because I feel like during his time Arsenal, he was almost ridiculed and mocked it and not given the credit he probably deserved. Because we've seen what he's done in Spain.
00:17:13
Speaker
winning numerous Europa League titles, or he won the league then the in France for PSG. He is a top manager, and for Aston Villa to get his services in the first place was a big coup.
00:17:23
Speaker
And then to see where they've gone since his arrival, just from strength to strength, he deserves so much credit for balancing the Champions League and the league this season. where we've got four games left to go and they're still in the running to you get back in the Champions League. So absolutely top manager, Aston Villa. They're very lucky to have him.
00:17:41
Speaker
and I think the next step for them as a football club, it's got to be winning a trophy. That's why i think the FA Cup would have been a disappointment for them. Going out of the Champions League, they can definitely be proud of their efforts. They weren't necessarily one of the favourites to win that competition, so getting as far as they did, I think they can be pleased with themselves.
Villa's Future Ambitions
00:17:58
Speaker
Exiting the FA Cup would have been more disappointing, especially in the fashion they did. But I just feel that is the next step, and if they keep going the way they're going, then you feel that is only a matter of time, because look, we've seen Newcastle club at a similar level.
00:18:10
Speaker
you know What it's meant to that football club, what it's meant to the fans to win that Carabao Cup, lifting their first piece of silverware for 70 years. Aston Villa has not quite been such a long wait as that. I think you have to go back to 1996 for their last major silverware. They won the League Cup in 1996. So what's that? It's best part of 20 years, isn't And for a big club like Aston Villa, is an awfully long time.
00:18:32
Speaker
not quite 70 years, but it's still a long time. But with the group of players they have at their disposal, you feel like they are primed to possibly change that in the near future. I wonder if there's even a a case for Newcastle on Aston Villa. They're not quite...
00:18:47
Speaker
the absolute elite of English football right at this stage but they're not a million miles off so I do wonder if there is a possibility that one of those clubs could even be challenging for the league title in the next year or two and some will think that's a really outlandish claim but you've got to believe haven't you I mean look Manchester City they've fallen off slightly haven't they so that's just opened things up a little bit possibly for other sides and stranger things have happened haven't they i.e 2016 but but Yeah, for Aston Villa fans, I think the future is certainly bright. There's a lot to be excited about for the near future and for many years to come.
Key Player Performances and Tactical Changes
00:19:23
Speaker
So that's just about covered all things Aston Villa. In the third and final part, I'm going to draw my attention to this game, look at some team news and what we are likely to expect on the day. And I will do that after this quick message.
00:19:38
Speaker
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00:19:58
Speaker
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00:20:09
Speaker
Don't settle for off-the-shelf solutions made for just anybody. Get what's right for you right now. There's no getting away from it. This is a very tough assignment for Fulham as they head to Villa Park. The hosts have only lost there twice all season and just once in the league.
00:20:24
Speaker
That was in their first home league game. So since then, 16 unbeaten. Also undefeated in Europe. So that's including games against the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG. So...
00:20:37
Speaker
Fulham, they know exactly what they're up against this weekend and if they're to get a positive result, they're to have any chance of getting a good result, then they're going to need to start the game better than they have in the last two ah away games on the south coast where they started sluggishly, allowed the opposition to get on top of them, score early goals and then they found it difficult to peg Southampton back. They managed to overcome adversity there, they weren't able to do so against Bournemouth.
00:21:01
Speaker
You can't afford to give a team with a calibre of player of Aston Villa, you can't afford to give them a head start so Fulham need to be switched on right from kick-off if they are to get something out of this game and I think going into this one I think a point would be a very satisfactory result.
00:21:14
Speaker
You don't know how the game's going to go, you could be leading up until the 93rd minute in which case you'd be disappointed with a draw but I think most Fulham fans, if you offer them a point at this stage, I think they bite your hand off. And also psychologically, it's what that could possibly do to the other teams because Fulham do play first this weekend. So so I think Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth will be banking on the fact that Aston Villa will do them a favour here. It's what they probably expect. It's certainly what they hope for. But Fulham against the odds can get a result, that adds extra pressure to them when they play their games. What team changes can we expect from the last game? Well, it looks like Anthony Robinson is going to be fit.
00:21:50
Speaker
That'll be a welcome return for Fulham when he's only missed one game. And if he was ever going to miss a game, Southampton away isn't the worst game to miss, but he will be needed for this game because Ryan Session on as well as he's done.
00:22:01
Speaker
I don't think you want him at left back for this game because he'd be having to do a lot more defending than he did last week. Just on Ryan Session, know by the way, hes he has been nominated for Player of the Month, which is is a great story, isn't it? shows how he is back to his best, I think you can
Fulham's Strategy Against Villa
00:22:15
Speaker
say. Back to that form we saw in Fulham shirt that got him his move to Spurs in the first place. But I certainly think this is the best version of Ryan Session and we've seen.
00:22:22
Speaker
as far as a Premier League player is concerned. So, long may that continue. And I think with Ryan Session on, he's taken his chance. He's got an opportunity, maybe thanks to lack of form of some of the other wingers, maybe thanks to Harry Wilson's injury.
00:22:34
Speaker
But important thing for the player is that he's grasped his opportunity. He's taken it with both hands. And I don't think you can leave him out of the team now. So, I would expect him to keep his place in the team. It'd be an interesting to see where he plays. You could have and interesting scenario where he's playing left back one week and then on the right wing the next week. i mean, that can't have happened very often, can it? But I'd imagine that's where he would slot in if Anthony Robinson does come straight back into the team.
00:22:57
Speaker
There is an option possibly to play him on the left, but I think Silva would go with a Wobbe. Although I wouldn't. be against seeing Willian keep his place in the team. I thought he looked quite bright against Southampton, more so than Iwobi. I thought Iwobi was also a poor in the previous away game against Bournemouth.
00:23:15
Speaker
There could be a case for Willian to start and Alex Iwobi would have to set up for a place on the bench. That's something I would probably do. I don't see Marco Silva doing that. I'd imagine Alex Iwobi will keep his place in the team.
00:23:25
Speaker
um Some unfortunate news coming from the press conference surrounding Rodrigo Manez that he's going to be out of this game and doesn't look good for the rest of the season. So that is a blow for Fulham. It does sound quite drastic when you say someone's going to be out for the rest of the season, but you've got to bear in mind the rest of the season, well, well that's three weeks worth, isn't it? So it's not...
00:23:42
Speaker
ah disastrous injury but just the timing of it for Fulham of course you would have wanted him available for the rest of these games but that means Raul Jimenez now he's in possession of that shirt and I think it is a big game for him because he was poor against Southampton I certainly felt he was poor against Chelsea other people felt he had a decent game but I think his body language at times isn't great sometimes when he misses a chance he hangs his head or sometimes if he isn't getting the service He waves his arms around. So I think there's room for improvement there. And also, you know, any talk about new contracts, then he's going to have to have a good end to the season because if he drops a stinker again on the weekend, then all of a sudden maybe...
00:24:23
Speaker
He's not secure of his long-term
Villa vs. Fulham Match Prediction
00:24:25
Speaker
future at the club. So very big game for him, knowing that he is going to be the man leading the line, probably, almost certainly for the last four games. Substitutes, they played a role, didn't they, against Southampton. Fulham, they are in sight of a ah record, actually.
00:24:39
Speaker
If they have one more goal from a substitute, then that will take them to 16 for season, which will set a new Premier League record. They're joint level 15 with a number of clubs. So that is something I suppose to be proud of.
00:24:52
Speaker
It's always good to have a squad and always have the players to come off the bench that are ready to make the mark. And Marco Silva's blessed that he does have players that can change the game. they're not just players that come on as a token gesture. So I certainly see it as a positive.
00:25:05
Speaker
What are the dangers from Aston Villa? Plenty, plenty for. They have an array of attacking talent, but I am a fanboy of Morgan Rodgers. I don't like to wax lyrical about young English talents because I think it's done too often and there's other reasons as well. But I think this young player, the world is his oyster, you could say. I think he's destined to go on to achieve great things. I think the next step for him is just adding a few more goals on a more regular basis.
00:25:30
Speaker
But I think he's got all the ingredients to be a top player as long as he stays grounded. stays level-headed, then I think he can achieve a lot of good things in the game. And he was very influential in Aston Villa's win at Craven Cottage earlier in the season. And I think it's a testament to him that since making his move from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa, how quickly he settled in and the fact that he is almost one of the first names on the team sheet, no matter what the game is. So he's one of many players Fulham have got to keep an eye on and look to stop. And I would imagine Sasa Lukic would come back into the team
00:26:00
Speaker
add a bit more protection for Fulham. Went more offensive last week, didn't they? With different sort of dynamic in the midfield and I applaud Marco Silva for trying to change it up. I know some people were questioning the changes but I felt it perhaps needed a little more creativity in there.
00:26:17
Speaker
However, for this game, you will see them back to the tried and trusted Sasa Lukic and Sander Berger in midfield in trying to combat the strengths that Aston Villa possess.
00:26:28
Speaker
How do I see this game going? Well, I'm always honest in my predictions. I will tell you how I think the game is going go. I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear. I'm not going to tell you that Fulham will win the game if I don't believe it.
00:26:41
Speaker
I just think Aston Villa, with their home record, the way they've been playing, okay. They've had a couple of setbacks recently, but at home they are so formidable. And I think this is going to be a really tough afternoon for Fulham.
00:26:52
Speaker
If they can get anything out of the game, then it will be a bonus in my mind. I see Aston Villa coming out
Closing Remarks and Match Reminders
00:26:57
Speaker
victors. And I can see a similar scoreline to the one we saw earlier the season. I'm going to back an Aston Villa 3-1 win. Which will obviously be welcome news to Fulham's rivals in that battle for 8th spot.
00:27:09
Speaker
Anyway, that'll just about do it for today's preview. A look ahead to Fulham's clash with Aston Villa and Villa Park. Just a reminder, that's a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday. Thank you all once again for listening.
00:27:22
Speaker
All I can say now is have a great weekend. Try and take advantage of the great weather we're having. Make sure you take on board plenty of fluids. And I hope to catch you all very soon on the Daily Fulham Podcast.
00:27:39
Speaker
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