Fulhamvs.Aston Villa

The West Midlands outfit went into the October international break having accumulated 14 points from their seven top-flight games to sit in fifth place in the Premier League standings.

Given a number of fitness issues, Emery has worked wonders with a Villa squad that has also recorded victories over Young Boys and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Despite their strong form, the two-week break came at the right time for Villa as they look to bring some experienced players back into the senior ranks ahead of a hectic schedule.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, the Spaniard indicated that his squad is in the best shape since the start of 2024.

'They are feeling good'

Mings has not featured in a Premier League fixture since August 2023 courtesy of a serious knee injury, while Kamara has been absent since February with a similar injury.

However, they each recently made their returns in a Under-21s fixture and have shown no ill-effects from finally getting some match action under their belt.

Furthermore, Emery has suggested that he may have a fully-fit squad to work with for the trip to the capital.

He said: "Kamara and Mings for this match they are available and are going to try with us for Fulham.

"[John] McGinn is training normally with us and he's feeling good. [Ezri] Konsa as well is feeling good, Jaden [Philogene] is feeling good. I think it's the first time this year we more or less have every player available."

Amadou Onana is also in line to return from the hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for the Manchester United game on October 6.

How does Villa's upcoming schedule look?

Villa now face a seven-game stretch where they are playing two games per week, with a home Champions League fixture against Bologna to follow three days after the Fulham match.

Home encounters versus Bournemouth and Crystal Palace (EFL Cup) are up next before a return to London to square off against Tottenham Hotspur on November 3.

Further away trips to Club Brugge and Liverpool - each within three days of each other - conclude the schedule before the November international break.