Paul Merson makes big Jhon Duran decision as pundits share same Fulham v Aston Villa verdict

Aston Villa return to Premier League action with a trip to Fulham after the international break - four pundits including Alan Shearer and Paul Merson have issued their predictions

Aston Villa travel to Fulham upon their return to the Premier League schedule this weekend, facing a tricky test for two key reasons.

Unai Emery's side wrapped up the second stint of the campaign heading into October's international period with 14 points on the board, level with Chelsea but sitting fifth only due to goal difference. The top three of Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal that finished ahead of them last season occupy those same positions again, with injuries perhaps meaning Villa could not maintain their pace.

Prior to the break draws with Ipswich Town and Man United - packed between cup and Champions League duties - were evidently hampered as players such as Amadou Onana and John McGinn sat out, whilst the likes of Ezri Konsa and Jacob Ramsey acquired fresh problems.

Injuries have not slowed down over the international break with Emery hoping to be able to field at least some of his recently absent stars. If not, eighth-placed Fulham - who are only three points behind Villa and are unbeaten at Craven Cottage - are well placed to capitalise.

The pundits recognise this with various warnings listed throughout their weekend predictions, which ultimately paint an anxious picture for those in claret and blue.

First, writing for Sportskeeda Paul Merson heaps praise on Saturday's host, who 'are having a great season'. He adds: "If you are one of the big teams in this league and you beat Fulham, you can feel relieved because they will do you a favour by beating another top team at some point this season."

Expressing further confidence that 'they will beat a top-four team this season' - Villa being one of them last term - is enough to give his former side a well-needed kick. Moving onto them, Merson makes the difficult choice to start Ollie Watkins ahead of Jhon Duran, which ultimately makes sense as the Colombian has travelled approximately 13,000 air miles in the past week.

"I still think Jhon Duran should be on the bench and not start ahead of Ollie Watkins," he explained. "If you're the manager and it's not going well it's a nice feeling to know that you can call someone from the bench like Duran. That's not the same if he starts and Watkins doesn't provide the same impact as a substitute."

In his predictions for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton believes: "A lot will depend on which Aston Villa players are back from injury. The likes of Ezri Konsa and Amadou Onana are doubts, and Villa have got next week's Champions League tie against Bologna to think about too."

As for hosts he too says: "I always fancy Fulham at home, but they have actually been decent everywhere they’ve played this season - they gave Manchester City a really good game at Etihad Stadium last time out."

Ex-Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson for Paddy Power suggests Saturday will be a 'big test', as tied to Sutton's initial point Villa 'haven't got the biggest squad in the world.

And finally Alan Shearer, via Metro, adds that Villa will have to wary one danger man belonging to impressive Fulham if they are to avoid defeat.

He explained: "Adama Traore is a nightmare for defenders in terms of his strength and pace, but the one thing that lets him down is his ability in front of goal. He should score a lot more than he does."

The common perception between all four pundits is that this Premier League encounter will end with the points split. Merson, Sutton and Lawrenson all sit on the fence with a 1-1 scoreline predicted, whilst Shearer simply states that he 'expects goals' in a score draw.

Do you agree with the pundits? Send your Fulham v Villa predictions HERE

The latest Villa headlines sent straight to your phone

Join our Aston Villa WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click on this link and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. It's a free service. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from our Villa writers.

We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Villa news. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. Click here to read our Privacy Notice