Spirit is key for Aston Villa against Fulham

Aston Villa's recent resurgence came to an end at Old Trafford in midweek but they have a quick-fire chance to break back as Fulham arrive at Villa Park on Saturday. The Midlands club were unbeaten in five games before going down 3-1 at Old Trafford to a Wayne Rooney-inspired United.

Darren Bent (7/2 to get the first goal on Saturday) scored in that game to mean he has two goals since his big-money move to Aston Villa, but the fact he has scored more already in the league for the side than the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor or Nathan Delfouneso shows exactly why Houllier paid so much money to bring him to the club to solve their goalscoring problems.

That loss to United meant Villa slipped two points closer to the Premier League bottom three but they can rise above Fulham with a victory on Saturday and ensure they head back in the right direction – with a win priced at 10/11 with bookmakers.

Brede Hangeland hit a last-minute equaliser to ensure the two teams shared the points at Craven Cottage back in November, but Villa fans could be optimistic this time around after wins over Blackburn and Manchester City in their last two home games.

The records also show Fulham have never won at Villa Park in the Premier League. The Cottagers are 16/5 to end that winless run, while a draw is 12/5.

Stewart Downing hobbled off the pitch at Old Trafford with a shin injury but Houllier is hoping his top scorer will be able to face Fulham as it was just a "kick" and nothing more serious.

However, Luke Young definitely misses out as his knee struggles continue and he has to see a specialist to solve the problem that has kept him out since the beginning of December. Elsewhere, Fabian Delph remains out long-term and defender Nathan Baker is still suspended.

The boss has banished forgotten pair Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye to train with the reserves, so those two will not be in contention for the first team until they show they are still committed to the side.

Houllier insists he was impressed by the overall performance at Old Trafford and insists Villa's heads will not drop due to the setback.

"I like a team to try to the end and they did that. The spirit is there and that’s something to work on for the future," said the French boss.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes could give a debut to new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen, while Gael Kakuta (14/1 to be first goalscorer on Saturday) is also in contention for his first start after impressing as a substitute in the win over Newcastle in midweek.

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu remains on the sidelines along with Phillipe Senderos and Bobby Zamora, but Fulham are an improved outfit in recent times and have taken 13 points out of a possible 21.