Credit: Imago
Wed 22 April 2026 11:10, UK
Unai Emery knows Aston Villa are as good as over the line in their pursuit of a Champions League return.
Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Sunderland at Villa Park leaves the Villans eight points clear of sixth, with a game in hand also to come.
Even a point in West London on Saturday would be considered a positive return, but Emery will no doubt have other ideas.
While next week’s Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest may take priority, the Villans cannot afford to take their eye off the ball domestically.
And ahead of Villa’s trip to Fulham, a stat has emerged that highlights just how much Emery enjoys this fixture.
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Unai Emery boasts perfect record vs Fulham
Emery can turn this into a campaign for the ages at Villa Park as the Villans chase European silverware and a top-three finish in the Premier League.
Even finishing as low as fifth would mean qualification for next season’s Champions League, regardless of what happens in the Europa League.
OpponentVenueDateCompetitionFulhamCraven Cottage25 AprilPremier LeagueNottingham ForestCity Ground30 AprilEuropa LeagueTottenhamVilla Park3 MayPremier LeagueNottingham ForestVilla Park7 MayEuropa LeagueBurnleyTurf Moor10 MayPremier LeagueVilla’s upcoming fixtures
Villa will enter the clash with Fulham as strong favourites to keep their momentum going. Indeed, Villa have won six in a row against Fulham in the Premier League.
And Emery himself just loves managing against the Cottagers, having won all eight of his Premier League matches against them, including his time in charge at Arsenal.
Only Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has a better 100 per cent record against an opponent in the competition.
Credit: Breaking Media and Imago
Guardiola has 12 wins from 12 against Fulham – it must be something about them – and 10 from 10 against Watford.
Ollie Watkins also has brilliant record vs Fulham
Ollie Watkins is one of those who has found his stride of late, with seven goals and a couple of assists in his past eight matches.
The England international will still be hopeful of landing a World Cup squad, despite his recent omission by Thomas Tuchel, with a strong end to the campaign imperative.
Facing Fulham this weekend provides Watkins with a chance to maintain his form, having scored six goals in nine Premier League appearances against them.
Credit: Breaking Media
In fact, Watkins has only scored more goals against Brighton (nine) and Arsenal (seven), making them his third-favourite opponents.
One thing Emery will perhaps be a little more cautious about is his defence, as Villa have conceded at least three goals in three of their last five league outings.
That is as many as in their previous 38 games combined, which will no doubt be the focus of attention in training this week.
Given Emery’s record against Fulham, though, plus Watkins’ impressive run, there is no reason why three more points cannot be added to the board this coming weekend.
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