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Can Aston Villa Secure a Quarter-Final Spot After a Decade?
Aston Villa welcome Cardiff City to Villa Park for the FA Cup fifth-round clash, with Unai Emery’s side aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015. The Villans have already knocked out West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in this year’s competition and will be eager to continue their cup run.
Meanwhile, Championship side Cardiff City, currently 19th in their league, have battled past Sheffield United and Stoke City to reach this stage. However, they face a significant challenge against their Premier League opponents.
Match Details
- 📍 Location: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
- 📅 Date: Friday, 28 February
- ⏰ Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- 📢 Referee: Peter Bankes
- 🎥 VAR: Robert Jones
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)
- Aston Villa Wins: 2
- Cardiff Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Aston Villa 1-0 Cardiff (April 10, 2018 – Championship)
Team Form (Last Five Matches)
Aston Villa
✅ Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
🔄 Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool
🔄 Aston Villa 1-1 Ipswich
✅ Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
❌ Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa
Cardiff City
✅ Cardiff 1-0 Hull
🔄 Plymouth 1-1 Cardiff
🔄 Cardiff 1-1 Bristol City
❌ Portsmouth 2-1 Cardiff
✅ Stoke 3-3 (2-4p) Cardiff
How to Watch Aston Villa vs Cardiff
| Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | ITV 1, ITVX, STV, STV Player, UTV |
| USA | ESPN+, ESPN App |
| Canada | Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Now, Sportsnet One |
Aston Villa Team News & Predicted Lineup
Villa could be without first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was subbed off due to discomfort against Crystal Palace. Backup Robin Olsen is expected to start. Injuries continue to limit Unai Emery’s midfield options, with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana sidelined. Ross Barkley is close to a return but might not be risked.
At the back, Pau Torres is ruled out, but Tyrone Mings could partner Ezri Konsa, especially as Axel Disasi is cup-tied.
🟣 Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Olsen; Garcia, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; McGinn, Tielemans; Malen, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins.
Cardiff City Team News & Predicted Lineup
The Bluebirds have their own injury concerns, with Jak Alnwick unavailable in goal. Defensively, Jesper Daland is missing, while midfielders Joe Ralls, Will Alves, and David Turnbull are also out. Forward Ollie Tanner remains absent.
On a positive note, Aaron Ramsey, who helped Arsenal defeat Villa in the 2015 FA Cup final, could play a crucial role. Meanwhile, former Villa players Anwar El Ghazi and Calum Chambers will have a chance to impress against their old club.
🔵 Cardiff Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Horvath; Ng, Goutas, Fish, O’Dowda; Mannsverk, Chambers; Willock, Ramsey, El Ghazi; Robinson.
Match Prediction: Aston Villa vs Cardiff
Despite Villa’s busy schedule, their depth should be enough to handle a struggling Cardiff side. The Welsh club has scored only 37 goals in 34 Championship matches, while also holding one of the worst defensive records in the division.
Villa Park’s atmosphere will add to the home team’s advantage, and Unai Emery’s squad should have little trouble advancing to the next round.
🔮 Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff
What’s Your Score Prediction?
Can Cardiff pull off an FA Cup upset, or will Villa cruise to the quarter-finals? Drop your predictions in the comments!
