Claret Villans
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Will the team be unchanged for the trip to Fulham?

By James Fudge

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa looks on during the Carabao Cup third round match between Bristol City and Aston Villa at Ashton Gate on September 24, 2020 in Bristol, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa looks on during the Carabao Cup third round match between Bristol City and Aston Villa at Ashton Gate on September 24, 2020 in Bristol, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa go into this evenings fixture away to Fulham looking to continue their impressive run of form.

They are looking to end a poor run of results which has not seen an away win at Craven Cottage since 2010.

Since that win, five defeats and two draws have occurred in West London, including last season’s third-round FA Cup defeat.

The claret and blue played well against Sheffield United and have had two impressive victories in the Carabao Cup, albeit against two teams who are in the Championship and League One.

The team that went up against Bristol City impressed, so there’s potential that Dean Smith may change the squad for the Monday evening fixture.

Bernard Traore may be one who is in contention to start after his goal and impressive performance in the cup. The former Lyon winger is unlikely to take Jack Grealish’s place but is more than expected to compete with Trezeguet for that wide right position.

His fitness could be questioned with the lack of pre-season games with Lyon, and the lack of familiarity with his new teammates may force Dean Smith’s hand.

If he was not to feature from kick-off, then he is likely to be one of the attacking players that will be picked to change or secure the game, if required.

Jacob Ramsey was also superb in that win in the west country but he has yet to be tested with a start in the Premier League. He is also unlikely to replace John McGinn or Conor Hourihane in those central midfield positions they occupy so well.

McGinn, Grealish, Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez were all rested at Bristol City last week and will come back straight into the starting XI.

Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins are also anticipated to start with the striker looking to make his mark against the opponents who thwarted his former club’s dream of being promoted to the Premier League.

A chance for the Championship player of last season to bag a goal or two, with Fulham conceding seven goals in their two games since their return.

Next. Fantasy Football options for the start of the season. dark

Whatever the team, Villa fans will be hoping for three points and the chance to make it two wins from two.

Who would you pick? Will you keep the same team from the Sheffield United win?

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