This looks to be a tasty clash already — both of these sides have been widely tipped to struggle this season, and any points earned against one another could go a long way towards avoiding the fate of that perilous drop from the Premier League.

Newcomers Fulham have endured a difficult return to the top flight, losing 3-0 to Arsenal on opening day before a 4-3 defeat to fellow newly-promoted side Leeds United — seven goals conceded in two matches does not speak well of their defensive structure, and that will have to improve if the Cottagers are to maintain their aspirations of survival this term.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have played just one match so far this season due to the rescheduling of their opener against Manchester City. They beat Sheffield United last weekend thanks to Ezri Konsa’s second league goal for the club and will be keen to earn another three points this time around.

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Team news

Fulham boss Scott Parker will have a full strength side to pick from, with new signings Ola Aina and Antonee Robinson both still waiting to register their first league appearance for the club.

For Villa, Konsa is believed to have suffered from a muscle strain during that match against Sheffield United but is ready to feature again.

Björn Engels, Tom Heaton and Wesley all remain sidelined for Monday’s visitors.

Predicted line-ups

Fulham — Rodak; Tete, Odoi, Hector, Bryan; Anguissa, Reed, Cairney; Kebano, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro.

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Aston Villa — Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Minos, Targett; Hourihane, Luiz, McGinn; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish.

View from the dugout

Fulham manager Scott Parker:

“I don’t see it as drastic as a must-win. We want to win, but we need to stay level and take realism of where we are in the campaign and where we are as a team. We will try everything we can to take some points and be up to the challenge.

“I don’t think we’re the only team at this present moment in time who have let in some goals in the first two games. It’s not ideal, of course not. Villa on Monday is a game we’re going to try and get three points from, that’s the aim.

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“Villa have recruited well. They have a lot of quality in the side and we understand the dangers they possess. We’ll be trying to nullify their threats and cause them some problems. It’ll be a tough game.”

Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith:

“We’re always looking in the market, we’re probably one short in the squad at the moment so we’ll keep looking at that. Things change very quickly in football. Our sporting director has got his finger on the pulse, hopefully we might get one more in and maybe a couple more out.

“It will be another big task. They’re after their first points of the season, we know what it’s like coming up after play-off success: you have a short time to actually celebrate getting up and then getting the team ready for the start of the season.

“Scott will be looking at our game, I think, and eyeing it as an opportunity to get three points. It will be a difficult place to go, as always, but we feel we’re in decent form at the moment and very tough to beat.”

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How to watch

With kick-off at 17:45 BST, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League to Sky Sports customers from 17:00 BST.

Alternatively, a highlights package will become available on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

There will also be live text commentary on the match right here at VAVEL UK.

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