Lee Carsley has removed himself from the candidate list to become the permanent England manager following a controversial match where he opted to start without a recognised striker. The decision raised questions about his suitability for the role, leading to a backlash regarding his approach. According to The Villa Blog, his remarks post-match only intensified the scrutiny on his management.
With the announcement of a German appointment for the national team, concerns regarding the identity of the English team have surfaced. Critics argue that appointing a foreign manager risks diluting the English essence of the team. While some fans have expressed discontent at the lack of English managers in charge, there is recognition that the FA has previously made similar appointments.
As England moves forward, focus shifts to Aston Villa, who are preparing for their upcoming match against Fulham in London. Villa lost this fixture 2-1 last February; however, they have secured five wins in their last six Premier League encounters against Fulham, including three consecutive victories. Historically, Fulham has never lost consecutive home league games against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa has performed impressively in London, losing just one of their last 12 Premier League matches in the capital. This strong run under manager Unai Emery has seen them achieve eight wins, matching their total from the previous 48 top-flight games in the city. Meanwhile, Fulham remains unbeaten at home this season, but Villa’s consistency places them in a strong position ahead of the match.
Aston Villa has also demonstrated a potent attacking style, scoring five goals from crosses, the highest in the Premier League this season. Ollie Watkins leads the charge with two goals from crosses, further showcasing his scoring capability against Fulham. Jhon Durán has made an impact as well, netting four goals in just 184 minutes, boasting an impressive minutes-per-goal ratio.
With both teams bringing their strengths into this upcoming clash, fans can expect an exciting encounter. Proper football returns this weekend as Aston Villa aim to continue their strong start in the 2024/2025 Premier League season.