How Aston Villa could line up against Fulham

By Brett Curtis | 02 Apr 2021 12:55, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Aston Villa have been handed a major boost by their captain Jack Grealish returning to first-team training after the England man missed six consecutive matches prior to the international break with a shin injury.

Villa won just one of those six games, only scoring three goals in that period, as they visibly suffered for attacking creativity without the 25-year-old in the side.

However, Villa boss Dean Smith understandably remained tight-lipped on whether Grealish would start against Fulham, but given his importance to the side, it seems unlikely that he will be held back any longer.

Wesley and Kortney Hause have also both recovered from long-term injuries, but are both lacking match fitness and will almost certainly not be involved against Fulham.

Should Smith consider Grealish to be fit enough to start, the 50-year-old may also consider restoring Ross Barkley to the starting XI after surprisingly naming him on the substitutes' bench in each of Villa's last four matches.

After joining on loan from Chelsea in September, Barkley hit the ground running at Villa Park, enjoying a superb relationship with Grealish both on and off the pitch, but his form significantly dipped during Grealish's absence.

Ollie Watkins would also be delighted to see Grealish back in the side having failed to score in his last seven matches for Villa, but either way the striker's confidence will have been boosted by scoring on his international debut for England against San Marino last week.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins

> Click here to see how Fulham could line up for this contest