Preview: Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Rene Meulensteen gets his second chance to secure his first win as Fulham manager when his team welcome Aston Villa to Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The Cottagers are 18th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -14.

They were on course for what would have been only their fourth win of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, but two goals in the final 20 minutes condemned Meulensteen to defeat in his first match in charge.

That was their sixth loss in succession and another on Sunday would push them further into the mire.

Villa, on the other hand, travel to London full of confidence after the 3-2 away win against Southampton.

Paul Lambert's men have been strong on the road this season, winning three and losing just one of their seven matches away from home.

The Villans are also unbeaten in five, which is their best run of form in a year.

Brede Hangeland will be missing for Fulham after having surgery in an effort to rectify a sciatic nerve problem, while Darren Bent is ineligible to play against his parent club.

For Villa, Ron Vlaar and Antonio Luna are doubtful, but Joe Bennett could return.

Recent form

Fulham: LLLLLL

Aston Villa: LDWDDW

Possible starting lineups

Fulham: Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Hughes, Riise; Sidwell, Parker, Kasami, Kacaniklic; Ruiz; Berbatov

Aston Villa: Guzan; Baker, Vlaar, Clark; Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Luna; Agbonlahor, Kozak

Sports Mole says: 1-2