Niemi returns for Cottagers

Antti Niemi was back in goal for Fulham in the Barclays Premiership clash against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

It was the Finland goalkeeper's second appearance since he suffered an horrific-looking injury against Watford on New Year's Day, and he had missed the previous four matches.

Philippe Christanval was out with a hamstring injury but Ian Pearce came back into Fulham's defence, while Franck Queudrue was back following an ankle complaint.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Gary Cahill were dropped to the bench for Villa, with Wilfred Bouma and Martin Laursen back in the side following the defeat to Reading last time out.