Aston Villa’s five-game winning run came to an end against Brentford, but Douglas Luiz’s equaliser ensured the unbeaten run continues. Next up, another similar challenge, as Fulham travel to Villa Park.
I spoke to Hammy End to find out more about Fulham’s start to the season so far.
UTV PODCAST X HAMMY END
Very few people would have predicted Fulham to be this comfortably safe from relegation this early. In fact it’s been a very impressive season from Fulham. What would you put that down to? Tactics, managers, players or a mixture of all three?
“I think it’s a fair point to say all three of those reasons but Marco Silva has worked wonders so far in his time with us. We all expected us to struggle this season, along with many pundits and opposition fans expecting the same but we just seemed to grow from strength to strength as the season went on”.
“We’ve been in every game we have played this season bar two games I would say and it’s been a great season for us, no matter where we finish after the next 7 games. The recruitment has been hugely important for us as well, Palhinha, Pereira and Willian have been game changers for us many times this season and I just hope they are all in a Fulham shirt at the start of next season”.
Mitrovic’s ban has somewhat dominated headlines in recent weeks with many people debating it. How much has Mitrovic’s absence affected this Fulham team?
“When Mitrovic received the red card against Manchester United, we feared the season could just finish with a whimper and for the next two games, it looked like it could just do that. However, back to back wins against two teams fighting for their lives and scoring 5 goals in the process just shows we’re not the one man team many think we are”.
“The tactical adjustment from Silva after that West Ham defeat has worked and we are showing we have enough quality to still win games without him. We would obviously rather have him in the starting line up but it’s good to see we are still picking up points”.
Mitrovic is often spoken about as the main man when talking about Fulham. What players perhaps don’t get the attention they probably deserve?
“It’s hard to pick out individuals when as a team, we have been brilliant for a large portion of it. Joao Palhinha is starting to get the recognition he deserves which is unfortunate for us because I fear he may be snapped up in the summer. He’s made the most tackles and we just always look competitive when he’s playing”.
“The other player which has had his best season in a Fulham shirt is Kenny Tete. It’s the first season he’s had with us where he’s not been hampered by injuries and he’s been exceptional for us in and around both boxes”.
Finally, what’s your score predictions?
“I am looking forward to this game because both teams have had really good seasons and I can’t see it being a carbon copy of the reverse fixture in Gerrard’s last game”.
I have to be a little bit positive so I’m going for a 1-1 draw with Willian getting on the scoresheet.
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OPPOSITION FOCUS | FULHAM FLOURISHING
At the start of the 22/23 season, many Premier League fans started to predict the Premier League table. The majority of those fans would have probably had Fulham in or around the relegation zone. Now fast forward several months, and Fulham are sitting 10th in the league without fear of relegation.
In this Opposition Focus, I’ll be taking a look back at Fulham’s season so far. I want to know how Fulham have proved so many people wrong. I have broken Fulham’s success down into three different components: a manager that gets them, a clinical talisman, and sensational scouting.
MARCO SILVA
When Fulham looked to replace the charismatic Scott Parker following relegation, a big decision had to be made. The first priority was to return to the Premier League; the second was to stay there. They needed a manager who could do both. That may be why the Fulham fans weren’t ecstatic about the appointment of Marco Silva, given his stints with Hull, Watford, and Everton.
They didn’t need to be worried, though, as Silva has thrived at Fulham. He has managed to build a squad with a nice mix of experience and youth, which has helped his team be comfortable. He has instilled a pacy, attacking style of play that plays to their own strengths, not their opponents.
Should Marco Silva be given the time and, more importantly, the backing, he can build something special for the Cottagers, which may include a European spell.
PROLIFIC MITROVIC
For a few seasons now, Mitrovic has picked up a reputation that is unfair. Too good for the Championship, not good enough for the Premier League. This season, Mitrovic has acknowledged that reputation and swiftly ripped it apart.
The Serbian international has built on his record-breaking goal-scoring antics by continuing to score in the Premier League. While Mitrovic’s goal-scoring ability is crucial to his and Fulham’s game, it’s not the only thing that he can do. Mitrovic’s ability to hold the ball up and introduce the pacy wide players into the attack is vital to Fulham’s pacy attacks.
The only question is: can Fulham continue their impressive form while Mitrovic serves his hefty suspension? We can only wait and see, but one thing is for sure: he’ll be a huge loss.
SENSATIONAL SUMMER SIGNINGS
In the Opposition Focus for the away fixture against Fulham this season, I focused on the impact of Fulham’s Palhinha. I predicted that the Portuguese international would take this league by storm. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I was right. He consistently anchors the defence and is often the man to link defence into attack effortlessly.
As good as Palhinha has been, he’s not the one that I want to talk about today. Instead I want to talk about 34 year old winger Willian. Again Willian’s arrival at Fulham didn’t really generate too much excitement amongst neutral fans. Most, myself included had just assumed that the Brazilian was past his best and just coming for one more pay check.
I was wrong. Very very wrong. The multiple time Premier League winner has bought some much needed experience in the Fulham ranks. Not only that, Willian has provided some incredible finishes showing his technical brilliance. What a player!
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MY PREDICTION
The points that Villa dropped against Brentford felt like they somewhat deflated the mood around Villa Park. Saying that, the 6-1 drubbing that Spurs received from Newcastle will have definitely boosted Villa’s hopes of achieving a European place.
Aston Villa are nine games unbeaten and have won their last four home games with clean sheets. Villa Park is becoming a fortress.
I can see Villa continuing their run of home clean sheets with a 2-0 victory.
AUTHOR | ELLIS BURNETT
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