New manager Roy Hodgson has failed to make an immediate impact after replacing Lawrie Sanchez and Fulham have failed to win in 14 games.
In contrast Villa have been a model of stability under Martin O'Neill. Just one new signing was made in the transfer window. That means the total number of new players comes to six since the end of the 2007 campaign. Fulham have signed seven players just in this window, with six leaving.
The consistency at Villa Park has seen the Claret and Blue hit the heights of fifth place. The U.E.F.A. Cup or even the Champions League beckons for O'Neill's men. For Hodgson's charges relegation looms.
The fixture at Craven Cottage sees a meeting of opposite ends of the spectrum. One team on the up, the other on a complete downer.
But no game brings a certain result in the Premier League and Fulham may receive the boost from their immense influx that they were hoping for last summer.
Villa will be wary, but the team spirit that has emerged from so many games together, and so many games unbeaten away from home, should stand them in good stead.
A sign of Villa's consistency comes from the fact that winger Ashley Young misses his first game of the season at the Cottage. He is ruled out through suspension, but his four fellow England call ups will start. Scot Shaun Maloney is in line to replace Young.
The one new January signing, Wayne Routledge, is likely to be on the bench as Stiliyan Petrov continues on the right side of a talented midfield.
The home side are likely to only field one new player in the shape of former Manchester United striker Erik Nevland.
Other new boys including Jari Litmanen and Paul Stalteri are not match fit. Former Villan Steven Davis will be replaced in midfield after he moved to Rangers on loan for the rest of the season.
Hodgson will be hoping that his new players stamp their authority on the team, but Villa will aim to show him that a settled side and superb team spirit cannot be beaten.
Come on you Villa boys!