Berbatov shines as Fulham win

London - A marvellous volley from Dimitar Berbatov gave Fulham a 1-0 win at home to Stoke City on Saturday that lifted Martin Jol's men to 11th place in the Premier League table.

Berbatov rewarded Fulham's first-half endeavour with a beautifully controlled volley just before the interval, ambling onto a headed clearance and lashing a vicious shot into the top-right corner from 15 yards.

Stoke, who remain 10th, were given an opportunity to equalise after 10 minutes of the second half, but Jon Walters saw his low penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer after Ashkan Dejagah had been penalised for handball.

Later on Saturday, leaders Manchester United can stretch their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to a massive 15 points if they win at bottom club Queens Park Rangers.

City are not in action until Sunday, when they welcome third-placed Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal will look to put recent FA Cup and Champions League disappointments behind them when they host Aston Villa, while third-bottom Reading host second-bottom Wigan Athletic in a veritable relegation six-pointer.