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 at this stage of the FA Cup. However, this is not a surprise, as the club played all three previous rounds at home against teams from the second and third tiers of English football. Preston defeated Charlton Athletic (2-1), Wycombe (0-0, extra time 0-0, on penalties 4-2), and Burnley (3-0). Notably, the team has not advanced this far in the tournament in the last 20 years.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of the club's last 10 FA Cup matches.
- Preston has not won in regulation time in 8 of their last 11 games in this tournament (2 draws and 6 losses).
- The club conceded the first goal in 9 of their last 11 FA Cup encounters.
Predicted 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 beating West Ham (2-1) and then overcoming Tottenham with the same scoreline. 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, where they progressed to the final but lost to Arsenal (0-4).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 7 of Aston Villa's last 8 FA Cup matches.
- The club has not lost in 5 of their last 6 FA Cup games (4 wins and 1 draw).
- In their last eight away FA Cup matches, the Birmingham side has not scored more than one goal.
Predicted 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.
Preston vs. Aston Villa: Match Prediction
It will be challenging for the Championship mid-table team to handle a stronger opponent. The Birmingham side is not only among the contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League but has also reached the Champions League quarter-finals. However, the hosts have a chance to at least avoid defeat. Paul Heckingbottom's team plays at home, and Aston Villa faces a tough schedule, with an away game at Brighton in three days, followed by matches against Nottingham Forest in the league and PSG in the Champions League.
Besides the demanding schedule, Aston Villa has been unimpressive away in the FA Cup. In their last eight away matches in this tournament, they have only one win (against Middlesbrough), 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)
