How Fulham could line up against Aston Villa

By Brett Curtis | 02 Apr 2021 13:18, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Fulham will assess whether top goalscorer Bobby Reid is fit to start against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The forward was sorely missed in both defeats to Manchester City and Leeds United prior to the international break after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Scott Parker has used the 28-year-old in a variety of roles throughout this campaign, with the former Cardiff City's man versatility and industry proving extremely effective for his side on top of his five league strikes.

Captain Tom Cairney will not travel to Birmingham having been sidelined with a knee injury since December, while Sunday is also likely to come too soon for goalkeeper Marek Rodak, who is continuing his recovery from a finger injury.

The Slovakia stopper will find it extremely difficult to displace Alphonse Areola between the posts in any case, with the 28-year-old seriously impressing since joining the Cottagers on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in September.

Aleksandar Mitrovic enjoyed an extremely productive international break, scoring five goals in three matches for Serbia, so may start upfront in place of Josh Maja to provide more of an attacking focal point.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be another option firmly in Parker's mind, with the midfielder's ability between the lines providing a more offensive option than the likes of Harrison Reed, Mario Lemina and Zambo Anguissa, who all started last time out against Leeds.

Fulham possible starting line up: Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Reed, Anguissa; Reid, Loftus-Cheek, Lookman; Mitrovic

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