Pundits Martin Keown and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Matthew Henry
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesDefeat should not be met by panic at Aston Villa.
At worst they will end the weekend with a seven-point advantage over those outside of the Champions League places with four games to go. They will almost certainly have enough.
Emery cut a frustrated figure for much of the second half, however.
His side were loose on the ball and, without the thrust offered by injured midfielder Amadou Onana, struggled to break through Fulham's solid defensive shape.
Watkins followed his well-crafted first-half chance by blazing an effort over in the second.
After six goals in his previous five games, it would be harsh to read too much into the striker's showing when it comes to debating whether he will make England's World Cup squad, but his miss was untimely with Tuchel watching on.
He was substituted with 10 minutes to go and replaced by Tammy Abraham, who wasted a chance of his own.
An exasperated Emery bounded around his technical area in response to that miss. He will hope for much better at Forest on Thursday.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery speaking to TNT Sports:
"We have lost a really good opportunity, the players did everything we were planning but we needed to be more clinical.
"The match was pretty even - sometimes for us sometimes for them. We created a few chances to score, it was very difficult. They have good players and coach and to beat teams like Fulham is for us something we must work on because that can happen.
"We needed fresh legs, they're tired. The players tried to keep the same game plan we had at the beginning. We had chances with Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham but we couldn't get in their box. We needed to better occupy the spaces in their box. We did everything we were planning but sometimes we are scoring sometimes not like today. It was a tight match and they score one goal and we lost.
"It's going to be very difficult. My message is the same - keep going, keep trying to get better each week."
Did you know?
After winning each of their five Premier League games against sides from London between September and December 27th, Aston Villa have since won just one of their last six vs teams from the capital (D1 L4).
Despite his side losing today, John McGinn created five chances in total, the most he's ever recorded in a Premier League match on what was his 230th appearance.
In this match, Emi Martinez made his 250th appearance for Villa across all competitions, becoming the third South American goalkeeper to reach that milestone while playing for a single Premier League side, after Ederson (372 for Manchester City) and Alisson Becker (332 for Liverpool).
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Fulham are without key man Alexander Iwobi for this one after he limped out of last week's draw against Brentford. Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench last week and starts against Aston Villa.
Raul Jimenez also starts up front while Sander Berge replaces Tom Cairney in midfield.
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Raul Jimenez.
Subs: Lecomte (GK), Reed, Muniz, Cairney, Bobb, Kusi-Asare, King, Diop, Robinson.
There is no Amadou Onana for Villa today. We await news on that absence with the Europa League semi-final to come next week.
His absence means a return for Lamare Bogarde. Pau Torres is also back in defence and Emi Buendia starts over Ross Barkley in midfield.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Bogarde; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Subs: Bizot (GK), Lindelof, Mings, Barkley, Abraham, Sancho, Luiz, Maatsen, Bailey
There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Fulham v Aston Villa (12:30)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Wolves v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Arsenal v Newcastle (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Newcastle", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist
Fulham welcome Aston Villa in Saturday's early kick-off (12:30 BST) at Craven Cottage, with both sides fighting for European qualification. Fulham are looking to reverse a dip in their attacking output, while Villa seek to cement their strong record in this fixture.
Fulham searching for goals
Fulham's recent home clashes with Aston Villa mark a shift from earlier seasons. After losing only two of the first 13 Premier League meetings at Craven Cottage, they have since been beaten in three of the past four.
Regardless of the opposition, goals have been hard to come by of late for the Londoners. Marco Silva's side have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches, as many as across their previous 25 combined. Since the start of 2026, only Fulham and Wolves have scored fewer first half goals in the league (four).
A Fulham win would move them within a point of a guaranteed European place. However, seven of their last eight league wins have come against teams starting the day in the bottom half; they have managed just one victory from their last eight against top-half opposition.
Villa close to Champions League return
Precedent show Aston Villa are well placed in the Champions League race. No side has ever failed to qualify after holding a double‑figure points advantage with five matches remaining, as they did prior to the midweek games.
Villa will head to west London having won their last six Premier League games against Fulham, a run dating back to October 2022. Villa's manager Unai Emery has won all eight of his league meetings with the Cottagers – a perfect record bettered only in longevity by Pep Guardiola against a single opponent.
One player who might especially be looking forward to Saturday is in-form striker Ollie Watkins. The Englishman has enjoyed this fixture, scoring six Premier League goals against Fulham.
Nonetheless, Villa's recent away form is mixed. They have won just once in their last seven Premier League games on the road and are winless in four. They have also conceded three or more goals in three of their last five league fixtures, as many as in the previous 38 combined.
Aston Villa have got next week's Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest to look forward to, but they are also trying to secure Champions League football through their league position.
So I don't see Villa boss Unai Emery making many changes for this game, but it is still a hard one to call because I am not sure what to expect from Fulham.
Looking at Fulham's recent form, they have not scored in their past two games - but that just makes me think they will definitely score on Saturday.
Villa are on a good little run of results but they have not won any of their past four league away games. I don't want to say this will be a draw, but I think I have to.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBoss Unai Emery is clear about Aston Villa's priorities ahead of what could be a historic end to their season.
Villa are aiming to end their 30-year trophy drought as they look to beat Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals - with next week's first-leg at the City Ground.
Fourth in the Premier League, Villa are inching closer to a return to Champions League football and victory at Fulham on Saturday would put them on the brink.
Emery is adamant the league is the priority to accomplish their goal of Champions League football - with the Europa League offering another route if Villa somehow implode in the final stages domestically.
He wants to finish third in the Premier League - a position he has not achieved with Villa yet - but at the moment, all signs point to the Champions League.
"We must be consistent until the last day and respect the teams who are with us or behind us," said Emery.
"We are getting a challenge to be the third in the league. I came here three years ago, three-and-a-half years ago, and I didn't achieve this position.
"Of course, we are now there. I am speaking with the players. We must be demanding ourselves to try to get the position in the table as good as possible.
"Tomorrow is a huge challenge to try to get three points and still fighting for the third position."
Ella Gibbs
BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven College (kick-off 12:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The Villa boss reflected on the eight-point cushion they have in the race for the Champions League: "Our consistency is giving us the opportunity to be in front of a lot of other teams. There is still points to play, we must be consistent until the last day. Our objective is to be in the top five but now we are fourth with Manchester United in third.
He added: "Three years ago, I was here. I did not achieve this position we are now. I am speaking with the players, we must be demanding ourselves to be the best, to get the best position in the table. Tomorrow [Saturday] is a huge challenge against Fulham to try to get three points and be in the fighting for third position."
Emery said the "Premier League is the priority", despite the Europa League semi-finals next week.
He added: "[We are] facing each match, preparing for each match and focusing on each match. We are in semi-final of Europa League. We can even play the final in the Europa League and we can lose. We are only in touch of our objective and how we are going to finish in the League."
"Consistency is key" for Emery: "When we started the season, the first five matches we weren't winning. Then in December, January we were a few points difference with Arsenal and Manchester City. We were dreaming, but they kept consistent longer than us and stronger than us. We are happy and excited there are more points to play for."
On facing Fulham: "The challenge tomorrow is to think about how we are performing in the Premier League. Tomorrow Fulham is going to be difficult because it's always difficult away and Fulham have very good players and are performing consistently."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Got a question about Villa? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts
Aston Villa are interested in 23-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, if the 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper decides to leave the club. (Times - subscription required), external
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, has given his approval for a return to Borussia Dortmund this summer. (Sky Sport - in German), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images"I will need tomorrow to take my day off and recover," said Unai Emery after Aston Villa's 4-3 win over Sunderland. It came as surprising news to anyone who has watched and listened to him over three years - Emery, the perpetual-motion football manager, takes days off now?
He could hardly be begrudged one after seeing his team lose control of a game they had largely commanded, and then struggle to summon the energy to restore their position, or even avoid losing it entirely.
The Libero football podcast suggested this week that the freewheeling nature of the match was the product of both teams having essentially met their targets for this season, that pressure removed. That theory fits the material evidence, and after Chelsea's defeat on Saturday night, Villa's top-five status must have seemed from afar to be assured.
But the manic response in the stadium to Trai Hume's goal pulling it back to 3-2 – on the pitch, in the stands and particularly the technical area – told of something else.
Last May, Villa fumbled a Champions League place in the final game and have had to juggle the financial consequences since then. Missing it again, especially with the time approaching when the dependable core of their squad will finally need an update, would make a definite difference to their next steps. They are built to reach the Champions League and need to be there. You can expect Unai Emery to be along on this page in a couple of days' time to tell you they are not there yet.
Even if, or when, that spot is secured, the next year will still have a wide range of possible outcomes.
A Champions League campaign would put a Villa squad, still being carefully managed to avoid serious breaches of the financial regulations, under more strain. Like Newcastle a year ago, Villa are set for a second appearance in three seasons in Europe's biggest tournament, but Newcastle's difficulties this campaign are a clear example of how difficult it is to develop from occasional to regular Champions League status.
As the core of Villa's squad grows gracefully older together, having more hits than misses from their transfer dealings will be essential.
These are all challenges to which some minds at Villa are already fully tuned, no doubt with input also from Emery himself. But while Sunday's Hollywood-ready finish brought Villa's prime target that much closer, it reminded us that the long-term goals and grand plans are only part of the story.
The real joy, that Emery, the players and their fans all felt together, is in the thrill of the chase.
Listen to full commentary of Fulham v Aston Villa at 12.30pm on Saturday on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM]
And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
David Michael
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa's recent wobble, which reached its height with three consecutive league defeats a month ago, is firmly in the rear view mirror.
Form has been restored, with recent performances against Bologna and Sunderland among the best of the season, although a dramatic final 10 minutes against the Black Cats at Villa Park left this narrative hanging on the thinnest of threads.
At 3-1 up and after some impressively worked goals against a robust, well-organised Sunderland side, the sense took hold that Villa genuinely had the strength and purpose to win the Europa League and see out the league campaign inside the top four.
The self-sabotage of those closing minutes complicated that confident outlook, but they will take comfort from their ability to win out in the end. It is a trait they may well need to lean on in the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest and beyond.
With Villa's immediate ambitions increasingly in sight, you can be forgiven for glancing at the potentially transformative bigger picture forming around them. Because while they chase silverware and a Champions League place, the Premier League landscape is shifting.
Spurs are facing the bleak reality of relegation. Chelsea's route back to the Champions League looks increasingly uncertain, unless a specific chain of events falls into place: they finish sixth, Villa finish fifth and Villa do them a favour by winning the Europa League to open an additional qualification spot. Newcastle, once considered the club most likely to break up the established order alongside Villa, have slumped badly from that expectation this season.
A genuine vacancy is opening up, as structural change to the much-mooted Premier League big six seems to be inevitable.
If they meet their objectives this season, then Villa are increasingly looking like the side ready to take a seat at the reshuffled top table.
Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Aston Villa announcing an accelerated timeline for Villa Park's North Stand redevelopment.
We particularly wanted to hear from those of you who have season tickets in the stand, amid plans to close the whole area next season.
Here are some of your replies:
James: I'll be one of the relocated season-ticket holders. While I'm not relishing sitting elsewhere next season, I'm excited for the long overdue upgrade to the North Stand. I just hope I will be back near my football mates when we return in 2027-28.
Hadders: It's a strange decision to close the North Stand for a season rather than keep it open while work continues for two seasons. But Villa, to their credit, have given North Stand season-ticket holders like myself lots of options for next season so we'll look forward to a new view. But, to be honest, the view in the stadium is impressive from everywhere.
Mark: It's great that it is going to be completed quicker but for members it is going to be a lot harder to access tickets for matches, with smaller capacity and season-ticket holders being relocated, which will be a disappointment for me and my boys! But I'm looking forward to seeing the end product and hopefully there are many more successful years to come for me and my boys to see!
David: Two years ago, they said they didn't want to close the North Stand for redevelopment because they didn't want reduced attendances for a Champions League season, yet here they are doing that exact thing now. If they had done it then, it would be complete now.
Duncan: I hope my season ticket on the Holte End isn't going to go up to compensate for the loss of revenue from the North Stand closure? If so, there could be a lot of fans having second thoughts.
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa have announced an accelerated timeline for the North Stand redevelopment at Villa Park which will involve the closure of the stand next season.
Original plans were to redevelop across two seasons, but now the stand will just be closed for the entirety of the 2026-27 season while the work takes place - a move which will see capacity fall to around 37,000.
The redevelopment will increase the overall capacity of Villa Park to over 50,000, and create around 500 square metres of new first-team changing, medical and physiotherapy facilities, alongside the upgrade of all player competition areas.
Season ticket holders forced to relocate for the 2026-27 season will be given the opportunity to renew their ticket in an alternative area of Villa Park at the same price level and get priority access to return to the redeveloped North Stand for the 2027-28 season.
A statement from the club answered key questions for fans, external and read: "This decision has been taken following extensive planning and assessment, and reflects the club's commitment to minimising disruption for supporters while delivering meaningful improvements to both the fan and footballing experience at Villa Park.
"The new, accelerated plan for the works also incorporates operational efficiencies, which will lead to significant cost savings and a shorter timeline.
"By completing the works within a single season, the club will limit disruption to one campaign rather than extending it across two seasons. This will allow us to open the new North Stand standard seating and concourse facilities for the full 2027-28 season, meaning supporters can enjoy the new stand sooner."
Villa fans, what do you make of the news? Will your season ticket be affected? And are you happy the redevelopment will be accelerated?
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Villa fans
Sebastian: A totally crazy game - with Villa dominating and a performance from McGinn worth two players. But you get sloppy and in this league you get punished against the run of play, hence the beauty of football and the uselessness of XG and any other invented measures apart from the only one that actually counts. Great positioning for Villa's goals, if we never see Sancho again I can live with that. Onwards and up the Villa.
Kim: Phew, what a result. Villa looked to be in control and comfortable and then two lapses in concentration left Sunderland with chances to win. Great to see Villa fighting to the end and not settling for the draw. Great finish by Tammy with a deft touch for the win. Amazing performance by Ollie Watkins and good saves by Emi too. Exciting end to the season looms.
Ian: Well what a rollercoaster of a game! Credit to Sunderland who I think have been one of the better sides to come to Villa Park. Having said that we had enough opportunities in the second half to make it a much easier win but got the job done in the end. Watkins and McGinn were outstanding so let's keep the momentum and confidence until the end of season. Keep the faith!
Matt: Wow. Not a game for the faint-hearted! A game well controlled by Villa up until the substitution and introduction of Sancho. What a waste of space. Not up to the pace, needs to go. On the other hand, Abraham and Digne linking up beautifully to save his blushes, stealing the points after nearly throwing them away but for a world class piece of goalkeeping from Martinez. Breathe...UTV.
Sunderland fans
Gilly: At last Regis le Bris has given us a team who believe in themselves as much as the fans believe in them. To Regis, thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Malcolm: I'm sure players respond to Regis because once the game starts he largely lets them express themselves. He's unlike many/most managers who try to orchestrate every move made turning players into robots. This calming approach must give our squad a great sense of being trusted and respected. Le Bris is bringing to us a whole new ball game. His post match comments are never less than intelligent, elegant, and he's ours.
Geoff: Great game for the neutral, and to be honest, if anyone told me we'd be competing for a place in Europe having avoided the drop two games ago, I'd snatch their hands off. Very proud to be a Mackem!
Stuart: Never saw that comeback materialising but our motto is "til the end". Probably didn't deserve a draw so fair play to Villa but it's been a magnificent season. Ha'way The Lads.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is on the radar of Manchester United and Real Madrid, although Villa remain confident of keeping him. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Josef Rindl
BBC Sport Journalist
Tammy Abraham's strike was just his third goal for Aston Villa since he rejoined the club from Besiktas in January.
His last goal - a late equaliser against Leeds seven league games ago in February - was equally dramatic.
Villa need just six more points to ensure Champions League qualification, with Premier League games against Fulham, Tottenham, Burnley, Liverpool and Manchester City still to come.
Abraham may have got the winner but the striker he replaced, Ollie Watkins, was Villa's star with two goals and an assist.
The 30-year-old's performance will also have helped his chances of making England's World Cup squad.
Watkins has now scored 16 goals in all competitions this season and five in four games since he was left out of Thomas Tuchel's last England squad in March.
Harry Kane is the only Englishman playing in the top five leagues to have scored more goals.
Villa showed 'heart and passion' in 'crazy' match against Sunderland - Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I will need tomorrow to take a day off and recover. I am so happy. 90 minutes we played how we wanted to perform. We conceded two goals in a crazy minute, we lost our minds.
"Until minute 75, we were playing a very good match. The last 20 minutes with extra time, things changed because they scored two goals. Sometimes we need to show our heart and our passion, and enthusiasm. All or nothing. It's very important to me those three points."
On conceding twice in one minute: "Normally we are organised, it's our first objective. We try not to lose our position and after the first goal, we lost our focus, and they used their threat to score the third goal. They had other chances to score the fourth goal and we would have lost the match.
"Always there are things we must improve and analyse. The league is so tight, and we are there to achieve. One point is tough and today was the example."
Aston Villa matchwinner Tammy Abraham, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think we got too relaxed and made a few mistakes and Sunderland punished us. They are a good team.
"As a striker, watching Ollie [Watkins] today, he was staying alive in the box and when I came on I told myself to do the same thing. Luckily for me, I was in the right place at the right time.
"We are a team that believes in ourselves. We are doing so well this season, we just have to carry on with the confidence."
On the fans: "They're the best. I was lucky to be here in the promotion years, so I knew all about them and every game they bring us confidence and support us day in and day out. I love them."
Did you know?
Ollie Watkins scored after just 1:38, the fastest goal for Aston Villa in the Premier League this season.
Tammy Abraham's winner, assisted by Lucas Digne, was the first time Aston Villa have scored a 90th-minute winner in a Premier League game with two substitutes combining to score it.
Emery: 'We showed heart, passion and enthusiasm'
