The Premier League action resumes this afternoon at Craven Cottage where Fulham host Aston Villa in a fixture that promises to test the mettle of both...
The Premier League action resumes this afternoon at Craven Cottage where Fulham host Aston Villa in a fixture that promises to test the mettle of both sides. Unai Emery, the Villa manager, has rung the changes with four alterations to his starting eleven. One of those changes appears enforced as Amadou Onana is missing altogether, presumed injured. His place at the back of the midfield goes to Lamare Bogarde, a youngster who will be eager to give a good account of himself. Behind him, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne come in for Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen, while further forward, Emi Buendia replaces Ross Barkley. It is a reshuffled Villa side that will seek to impose their brand of football on the hosts. After the stalemate at Brentford this time last week, Marco Silva the Fulham manager has also shuffled his pack. Sander Berge is back to join his partner in the pivot, Sasa Lukic, for the first time in ages. Raul Jimenez edges out Rodrigo Muniz as the spearhead, and Samuel Chukwueze comes in on the left to replace Alex Iwobi who has an injured hamstring. The Nigerian international Iwobi will be sorely missed by the Fulham faithful. In the scheme of things, his absence leaves a void in the midfield creativity that Chukwueze will be expected to fill. The match is poised for a fierce contest. Villa will lean on the lion's share of possession while Fulham will look to counter with pace on the break. At the end of the day, the powers that be at GoalZaza have noted the tactical depth on display from both benches. The weather in London is cool and dry, ideal conditions for high energy football. For the Nigerian football fan watching from the bustling viewing centres in Lagos and Abuja, this fixture carries extra flavour. Samuel Chukwueze is now the man to watch as he dons the Fulham jersey, expected to use his quick feet and direct running to trouble the Villa defence. Fans in Surulere will be clapping and shouting whenever he receives the ball, hoping he can replicate his Super Eagles form on the Premier League pitch. In Wuse, supporters will be arguing over the penalty shout s and free kick decisions, all while discussing the return of Sander Berge and what it means for the Fulham midfield. It is the kind of Saturday afternoon that brings the community together, united by love for the round leather game.
