The next Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Craven Cottage, with a kick-off time of 12:30 PM BST. This fixture represents a critical late-season encounter in the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, as both clubs vie for European qualification spots. Historically, Aston Villa holds the upper hand in this rivalry, having won 31 of the 79 total competitive meetings, compared to Fulham’s 26 victories. In their most recent encounter on September 28, 2025, Aston Villa secured a dominant 3–1 victory at Villa Park, continuing a strong run of form against the West London side that has seen the “Lions” win eight of their last nine top-flight meetings.
Recent Results and 2025–26 Form
As we approach the final weeks of the 2025–26 season, the form of both clubs has been a major talking point. Aston Villa has maintained its status as a top-four contender, while Fulham has solidified its position in the top half of the table, making this April clash a high-stakes affair.
The previous meeting this season on September 28, 2025, ended 3–1 in favor of Villa at Villa Park. Goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers overwhelmed a Fulham side that struggled to cope with Villa’s high-pressing system. Fulham will be looking to use the “Cottage” atmosphere in April to avenge that defeat and disrupt Villa’s Champions League aspirations.
Head-to-Head Statistics and History
The rivalry between these two historic clubs dates back to March 1905, when they first met in the FA Cup. Over the decades, the fixture has moved through various divisions, including a brief stint in the Championship.
| Category | Stats |
| Total Meetings | 79 |
| Aston Villa Wins | 31 |
| Fulham Wins | 26 |
| Draws | 22 |
| Biggest Villa Win | 5–0 (1905) |
| Biggest Fulham Win | 5–1 (1966) |
While Villa leads the overall record, Fulham fans will never forget the 2018 Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley. A single goal from Tom Cairney secured a 1–0 victory for the Cottagers, sending them to the Premier League at Villa’s expense in what remains one of the most financially significant matches in football history.
Tactical Matchup: Emery vs. Silva
The 2026 encounter is as much a battle of wits between the managers as it is between the players. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa is known for a sophisticated offside trap and rapid vertical transitions.
Marco Silva, conversely, has built a Fulham side that excels in wide areas, utilizing overlapping full-backs and a high volume of crosses into the box. The tactical focal point of the April 25 match will likely be how Fulham’s wingers manage to bypass Villa’s high line without being caught offside—a strategy that has seen Villa frustrate many of the league’s top offenses this season.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
Both squads boast international talent capable of deciding a match in a single moment. As the season reaches its crescendo, individual brilliance often outweighs tactical setups.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
The England international remains one of the most feared strikers in the league. His movement between the lines and clinical finishing make him the primary threat to Fulham’s central defensive pairing.
Andreas Pereira (Fulham)
Pereira continues to be the creative heartbeat of the Fulham midfield. His set-piece delivery and ability to find pockets of space will be essential if Fulham are to break down Villa’s organized defensive block.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a match at Craven Cottage is a unique experience, often described as one of the most traditional in English football. If you are traveling for the April 25, 2026, fixture, here is what you need to know.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Kick-off: 12:30 PM BST (Confirmed for TV broadcast).
Venue: Craven Cottage, London.
Tickets and Costs
Tickets for this high-demand fixture typically range from £55 to £110 for standard seating, depending on the stand. Hospitality packages, such as those in the new Riverside Stand, can exceed £350 per person. It is advised to purchase tickets only through official club channels or authorized resellers to ensure validity.
How to Get There
Craven Cottage is best reached via the London Underground. The nearest station is Putney Bridge (District Line), which is a scenic 10-15 minute walk through Bishops Park. Alternatively, Fulham Broadway is within walking distance for those coming from different parts of the city.
Seasonal Context: The Run-In
This match takes place in Matchweek 34 of 38, making it part of the critical “run-in.” For Aston Villa, points dropped here could mean the difference between the Champions League and the Europa League. For Fulham, a win could propel them into a UEFA Conference League spot, marking one of their most successful seasons in recent history.
FAQs
When is the next Aston Villa vs Fulham match?
The next match is on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 12:30 PM BST. It will be played at Fulham’s home ground, Craven Cottage.
What was the score in the last match?
In their most recent meeting on September 28, 2025, Aston Villa defeated Fulham 3–1 at Villa Park.
Who has won more games between Villa and Fulham?
Aston Villa holds the advantage with 31 wins, compared to Fulham’s 26 wins and 22 draws.
Is the April 25 match on TV?
Yes, the 12:30 PM kick-off time indicates the match has been selected for live television broadcast in the UK, likely on TNT Sports or Sky Sports.
Where can I buy tickets for the away end at Craven Cottage?
Away tickets are managed exclusively by Aston Villa. You must be a season ticket holder or a member with sufficient “booking history” to purchase tickets through the Villa ticket office.
What is the capacity of Craven Cottage in 2026?
Following the completion of the new Riverside Stand, the capacity of Craven Cottage is approximately 28,500.
Who is the manager of Aston Villa in 2026?
Unai Emery continues to lead Aston Villa, having signed a long-term contract extension following their successful European campaigns.
Who is the top scorer in this fixture?
While historical records vary, in the modern era, players like Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been particularly prolific for Villa against Fulham.
Is there a rivalry between these two clubs?
While not a traditional local derby, a competitive rivalry has developed due to their frequent battles for mid-table supremacy and the 2018 Play-Off Final.
Can I walk from Putney Bridge to the stadium?
Yes, the walk through Bishops Park is a traditional route for fans and takes about 15 minutes. It is one of the most picturesque approaches to any stadium in England.
What happens if I wear away colors in the home end?
Fulham maintains a strict policy regarding away colors in home sections. Fans wearing Aston Villa shirts in home stands may be ejected from the stadium without a refund.
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