Aston Villa Aims for FA Cup Semi-Final Spot Against Preston

Villa Eyes First FA Cup Triumph Since 1957

Aston Villa continues its FA Cup campaign this Sunday, facing Championship side Preston North End in the quarter-finals. Unai Emery’s squad has navigated a challenging path to this stage, eliminating Premier League opponents like Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham. Now, they meet the only remaining EFL team in the tournament.

Villa last lifted the FA Cup in 1957 and has since suffered heartbreak in two finals. Could this be the year they reclaim England’s oldest trophy?

Preston’s Historic FA Cup Journey

Preston North End, one of England’s most historic clubs, has a storied past in this competition but has struggled in recent decades. The club’s last FA Cup triumph came in 1938, and they haven’t reached the semi-finals since 1964.

This season, under Paul Heckingbottom’s management, Preston has had an inconsistent run in the Championship and currently sits 15th. However, their FA Cup journey has been impressive, including a dominant 3-0 win over Burnley in the fifth round.

Match Details: Preston vs Aston Villa

• Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 13:30 GMT / 08:30 ET / 05:30 PT
• Venue: Deepdale, Preston
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• VAR: Tim Robinson

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)

• Aston Villa Wins: 1
• Preston Wins: 0
• Draws: 4
• Last Meeting: Preston 1-1 Aston Villa (December 2018, Championship)

Recent Form Guide

Team News & Expected Lineups

Preston North End

Preston faces selection challenges due to suspensions and injuries. Sam Greenwood and Ryan Ledson are suspended, while Kaine Kesler-Hayden is ineligible to play against his parent club. Ryan Porteous is cup-tied, and Jack Whatmough’s calf injury could rule him out for the season.

Predicted Lineup (5-2-1-2):
Woodman; Storey, Gibson, Lindsay, Bauer, Brady; Whiteman, Frokjaer-Jensen; Thordarson; Keane, Riis

Aston Villa

Villa will likely field a strong XI despite their upcoming Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Ollie Watkins has recovered from a minor knee injury and is set to start. Ross Barkley and Axel Disasi are unavailable, but Ezri Konsa is fit after featuring in England’s win over Latvia.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans; Asensio, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Match Prediction: Can Preston Cause an Upset?

Preston has yet to face a Premier League team in this FA Cup run, but their victory over Burnley showed their potential. However, Villa’s quality and experience in high-pressure matches make them clear favorites. Emery’s side has been efficient in knockout competitions, and they should be able to control the game against Preston’s inconsistent defense.

Prediction: Preston 0-2 Aston Villa

What Do You Think?

Can Preston pull off a historic upset, or will Villa’s FA Cup dream continue? Share your predictions in the comments!