The FA Cup quarter-finals bring an intriguing matchup as Championship side Preston North End hosts Premier League outfit Aston Villa at Deepdale Stadium on March 30, 2025. Preston, the sole non-Premier League team remaining, aims to defy the odds and secure a historic semi-final berth. Conversely, Aston Villa seeks to continue their strong cup run and assert their top-flight dominance. This analysis delves into team form, key players, and betting insights to provide a comprehensive preview of this encounter.
Next up — an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Preston North End 🏆 pic.twitter.com/n4nArp2Nxh
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 27, 2025
Match Overview
- Fixture: Preston North End vs. Aston Villa
- Competition: FA Cup Quarter-Final
- Date: March 30, 2025
- Venue: Deepdale Stadium
Preston North End vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record
Preston North End and Aston Villa share a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the late 19th century. Their first encounter was on November 10, 1888, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In total, the two teams have faced each other numerous times across various competitions, including the FA Cup and League Division One. Their encounters have often been closely contested, reflecting the competitive nature of their meetings.
In recent history, since 2016, Preston North End and Aston Villa have played six matches. Each team secured one victory, with the remaining four games ending in draws. Both teams scored a total of nine goals during these encounters, averaging 1.5 goals per game.
This balanced head-to-head record underscores the competitive nature of their matchups, suggesting that the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final could be a closely fought contest.
Team Form and Key Statistics
Preston North End
Preston has showcased resilience in the FA Cup, eliminating teams like Burnley with a commanding 3-0 victory in the previous round. Their home form is particularly impressive, boasting an unbeaten streak of 15 matches at Deepdale. Striker Milutin Osmajic leads the team’s scoring charts with 13 goals this season. However, they face squad challenges with Ryan Porteous cup-tied, Kain-Kessler Hayden ineligible against his parent club, and suspensions for Sam Greenwood and Ryan Ledson. Additionally, Brad Potts and Ali McCann are injury doubts.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa enters the fixture on a five-match winning streak, demonstrating their attacking prowess by scoring at least three goals in three of their last four games. Their FA Cup journey included victories over West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Cardiff City. Forward Ollie Watkins, with 14 goals, is pivotal to their offense but is a fitness concern due to a knee injury. Midfielder Ross Barkley also faces a late fitness test. Despite these uncertainties, Villa’s depth and recent form position them as favorites.
Getting the final prep done. 💼
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) March 29, 2025
Who do you want to see from training? 📸#pnefc pic.twitter.com/vokuzFGk7z
Predicted Lineups
Preston North End
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Starting XI: Woodman (GK); Storey, Lindsay, Gibson; Bauer, Whiteman, Brady, Frokjaer-Jensen, Keane; Thordarson, Riis.
Aston Villa
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Starting XI: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Asensio.
Note: Lineups are subject to change based on player fitness and managerial decisions.
Preston North End vs Aston Villa Betting Insights and Tips
- Match Outcome: Aston Villa’s Premier League experience and attacking form make them favorites. Odds for a Villa win are 4/9 (1.44), implying a 69.2% probability.
- Goals Market: Considering Villa’s recent high-scoring matches and Preston’s home resilience, betting on over 2.5 goals could be valuable.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Villa’s attacking intent and Preston’s home advantage suggest both teams finding the net is plausible.
- Correct Score Prediction: A 3-1 victory for Aston Villa aligns with current form and statistical trends.
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Unai provided the following team news update in his press conference ahead of our FA Cup quarter-final tie with Preston on Sunday 🗣️
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 28, 2025
Conclusion
The FA Cup quarter-final between Preston North End and Aston Villa promises an exciting clash of determination versus top-tier experience. While Preston’s home form and cup journey are commendable, Aston Villa’s attacking quality and recent performances give them the edge. Fans can anticipate a competitive match with potential for goals, as both teams vie for a coveted semi-final spot.
