The FA Cup quarter-final match between Preston and Aston Villa will take place on March 30 at Deepdale Stadium. Preston vs. Aston Villa: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Preston
Paul Heckingbottom's side is the only team from the Championship to reach this stage of the FA Cup. However, this is not much of a surprise as they played all three previous rounds at home against clubs from the second and third tiers of English football. Preston defeated Charlton Athletic (2-1), Wycombe (0-0, extra time 0-0, penalties 4-2), and Burnley (3-0) in succession. It is worth noting that the team has not advanced this far in the tournament in the last 20 years.
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 8 of the club's last 10 FA Cup games.
- Preston has not won in 90 minutes in 8 of their last 11 matches in this tournament (2 draws and 6 losses).
- The club conceded first in 9 of their last 11 FA Cup encounters.
Projected lineup for Preston (3-5-2)
Frederik Woodman – Kaine Kesler, Lewis Gibson, Liam Lindsay – Ali McCann, Stefan Thordarson, Brad Potts, Ryan Ledson, Robbie Brady – Milutin Osmajic, Will Keane.
Aston Villa
The Birmingham side easily defeated Cardiff 2-0 in the previous round. However, in the first two stages of the tournament, Unai Emery's team faced tougher opponents: first, they beat West Ham (2-1), and then they managed to overcome Tottenham with the same scoreline. It is also noteworthy that all three matches were played at Villa Park. The last time the club reached this stage of the FA Cup was in the 2014/15 season, when they made it to the final but lost to Arsenal (0-4).
- No more than three goals were scored in 7 of Aston Villa's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- The club has not lost in 5 of their last 6 FA Cup games (4 wins and 1 draw).
- In their last eight away matches in this tournament, the Birmingham side has never scored more than one goal.
Projected lineup for Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez – Ezri Konsa, Ian Maatsen, Lamar Bogarde, Andres Garcia – John McGinn, Youri Tielemans – Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Leon Bailey – Ollie Watkins.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 21 (Premier League, FA Cup, and English League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 110;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 14%.
Match Prediction: Preston vs. Aston Villa
It will be challenging for the mid-table Championship side to handle a stronger opponent. The Birmingham team is not only among the contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League but has also reached the Champions League quarter-finals. Nevertheless, the hosts have a chance to at least avoid defeat. Paul Heckingbottom's side plays at home, and Aston Villa has a tough schedule ahead, with a trip to Brighton in three days and then matches against Nottingham Forest in the league and PSG in the Champions League.
In addition to their demanding schedule, the Birmingham side has been unimpressive away in the FA Cup. In their last eight away matches in this tournament, Aston Villa has only one win (against Middlesbrough), with two draws and six losses. Therefore, even if the hosts lose, it will likely be by no more than one goal. My prediction: Preston with a handicap (+1.5)
