Fulham will be looking for their second Premier League Summer Series win as they lock horns with Aston Villa at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday night.
The Cottagers came out on the right side of a five-goal thriller against Brentford on the weekend, while Villa shared the spoils with Newcastle United in the United States.
Match preview
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After immediate returns to the Championship following promotions in the 2017-18 and 2019-20 campaigns, many neutrals expected Fulham's Premier League status to last just a single season.
However, Marco Silva's men defied the odds and never looked in danger of a relegation dogfight, eventually finishing in 10th after challenging for the European spots at moments in the campaign.
The Cottagers must ensure second season syndrome does not occur in 2023-24, and the West Londoners made a convincing start to their Summer Series adventure on Sunday night against Brentford.
Harry Wilson's impressive third-minute curler opened the scoring in Philadelphia against Thomas Frank's Bees, and further strikes from Bobby Reid and Vinicius ensured all three points.
Fulham are yet to make any new signings in this summer window, however they have tied down veteran winger Willian to new terms at Craven Cottage, after the Brazilian enjoyed a productive term at the club last season.
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Aston Villa went from an impending relegation battle to a spot in the top seven under Unai Emery last season, and the aim now for the Spaniard will be to prepare the club for a first appearance on the continent in 13 years.
Europa Conference League football will be coming to the Second City in 2023-24, and Villa have begun their pre-season preparations with successive draws against Walsall and most recently Newcastle.
When Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia fired Emery's men into a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes against the Toon Army on Sunday night, it appeared as if three Summer Series points were in the bag for the West Midlands outfit.
However, goals from Elliot Anderson, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson allowed Eddie Howe's men to force a share of the spoils despite the aforementioned Buendia bagging his second of the contest on 48 minutes.
Villa's 3-0 defeat at Fulham in October 2022 was a real low point for former manager Steven Gerrard, and it is hard to believe that Emery was able to galvanise that group of players to a European spot by the end of the campaign.
Team News
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Fulham are on the verge of losing their talisman this summer, with Aleksandar Mitrovic continuing to sit on the sidelines as he attempts to force a move through to the Saudi Pro League.
Joao Palhinha has also been linked with a switch away from Craven Cottage in this window, although any deal with West Ham United has been thrown into doubt after the midfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder last time out against Brentford.
Aston Villa decided to keep new signings Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans on the bench against Newcastle, however both are set to receiving starting berths in Orlando.
Moussa Diaby's transfer from Bayer Leverkusen was confirmed late last week, and the winger could be involved in the matchday squad at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday night.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Tete, Parkes, Diop, Robinson; Reed, Cairney, Lukic, Wilson, Willian; Vinicius
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Torres, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Tielemans; Archer, Buendia, Watkins
We say: Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa
Fulham looked in fine attacking form despite the absence of Mitrovic, and they reasons to be confident of recording a second Summer Series win in Orlando.
However, Aston Villa look like a real force under the tutelage of Emery and the introductions of Torres and Tielemans into the starting XI could see them earn maximum points on Wednesday night.
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