Aston Villa and Southampton will lock horns at Villa Park tonight in a highly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round clash. The match, kicking off at 7:45 PM, sees the two Premier League sides battling for a place in the competition’s quarter-finals, with the winners set to face either Liverpool or Cardiff City next.
Villa, sitting comfortably in the Premier League’s top half, will be looking to build on their impressive home form, having secured five wins in their last seven fixtures at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Southampton, despite their recent struggles in the league, have shown glimpses of their potential in the cup competition, having dispatched both Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town in the earlier rounds. The Saints will be eager to cause an upset and secure a memorable victory against their higher-placed opponents.
Villa and City Prepare for FA Cup Showdown
Aston Villa and Manchester City are set to meet in a highly anticipated FA Cup showdown tonight at Villa Park. The fourth-round tie promises intense action as both teams vie for a place in the next round.
Villa manager Unai Emery has stressed the importance of the match. “We know how strong Manchester City are, but we’re ready for the challenge,” Emery stated in yesterday’s pre-match press conference. The Spaniard has a full squad to choose from, with no new injury concerns reported.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also acknowledged the significance of the fixture. “It’s a cup tie, and we respect every opponent,” Guardiola said during his press conference. He confirmed that key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland will be available for selection.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-1 victory for Manchester City in the Premier League. Villa will be eager to avenge that defeat on home soil. The Villans have a strong record in the FA Cup, winning the tournament seven times.
Villa Park is expected to be at full capacity, with over 40,000 fans anticipated to attend. The atmosphere is set to be electric as supporters from both sides create a vibrant backdrop for the match.
The referee for the match is Michael Oliver, who has officiated numerous high-profile fixtures. His assistants will be Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett, with Chris Kavanagh serving as the fourth official.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM GMT, with live coverage available on BBC and BT Sport. Fans can also follow the action through various live updates and radio commentary services.
Clash of Titans Set for Tonight's FA Cup Match
Aston Villa and Manchester City are set to collide in tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final at Villa Park. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT, with both teams boasting impressive recent form.
Villa manager Unai Emery has stressed the importance of the cup competition. “The FA Cup is a prestigious tournament,” Emery said at his pre-match press conference. “We want to go as far as possible.”
Manchester City, meanwhile, are chasing a historic treble. They have won their last six matches in all competitions, scoring 21 goals in the process. City’s manager Pep Guardiola has urged caution, however. “Villa are a strong team,” Guardiola said. “They have quality players and a good manager.”
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-0 victory for City in the Premier League. Villa’s Jack Grealish scored the opener, with Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus adding further goals.
Both teams have injury concerns ahead of the match. Villa are without midfielder Douglas Luiz, while City will be without defender John Stones. The referee for the match is Michael Oliver.
Aston Villa Aims to Upset Manchester City in Cup Tie
Aston Villa prepares to face Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round tonight, aiming to cause an upset at Villa Park. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT, with Villa looking to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2019.
Manager Unai Emery has made five changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Luton Town in the Premier League last weekend. Villa’s starting XI includes young talents like Carney Chukwuemeka and Cameron Archer, alongside experienced players such as Emiliano Martinez in goal.
Manchester City, meanwhile, is fielding a strong team despite their recent 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Pep Guardiola has opted to rest some key players, including Erling Haaland, who is on the bench.
Villa’s last victory over City came in the 2021 League Cup semi-final, with a 2-1 win at Villa Park. Since then, City has dominated their encounters, winning the last three meetings in all competitions.
Emery expressed confidence ahead of the match, stating, “We are ready. We know it will be a tough game, but we have the quality and the desire to win.” The Spaniard has led Villa to three consecutive victories in the FA Cup, including a 4-1 win over Chelsea in the previous round.
City, however, remains the clear favourite, with odds of 4/9 to win compared to Villa’s 5/1. The draw is priced at 13/5. A record FA Cup attendance of 40,000 is expected at Villa Park tonight.
FA Cup Clash Pits Villa Against Premier League Champions
Aston Villa will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals tonight, with kick-off at 7:45pm at Villa Park. The match pits the Villans, currently 15th in the Premier League, against the defending champions and league leaders.
Villa manager Unai Emery has promised an aggressive approach. “We will play with intensity and try to impose our game on them,” he stated in his pre-match press conference. Emery has no fresh injury concerns, with the squad in good health.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are on a 21-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side have won the FA Cup in each of the last two seasons. The City boss has described the tie as “another important test” for his squad.
The last meeting between the sides ended in a 3-0 victory for City in the Premier League. Villa will be looking for revenge, with Emery’s side yet to concede a goal in this season’s FA Cup campaign.
Aston Villa have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2019. The club’s last FA Cup triumph came in 1920, with Villa lifting the trophy at Stamford Bridge.
Tonight's FA Cup Match: Villa Faces Stiff Test Against City
Aston Villa steps into tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City at Villa Park, aiming to upset the Premier League champions. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT, with Villa hoping to replicate their 2015 FA Cup triumph over Arsenal.
Manager Unai Emery has emphasised the importance of a solid defensive performance. “We know how strong City are going to be,” Emery said at the pre-match press conference. “We must be very compact and organised.”
Villa’s defensive record has been solid this season, conceding just 26 goals in 28 Premier League games. However, City’s attack, featuring Erling Haaland, has been formidable, netting 70 goals in all competitions.
Midfielder John McGinn has urged Villa to take the game to City. “We can’t just sit back and defend,” McGinn stated. “We need to be brave and express ourselves.”
City manager Pep Guardiola has warned against underestimating Villa. “They are a very good team with quality players,” Guardiola said. “We must be at our best to progress.”
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 19:00 GMT. Fans can also follow updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
The stage is set for an intriguing FA Cup showdown as Villa and City prepare to lock horns this evening. Both sides will be eager to secure a spot in the next round, with Villa hoping to cause an upset and City aiming to maintain their winning momentum. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with fans on the edge of their seats anticipating a display of top-tier football.
The outcome of this clash could have significant implications for both teams. For Villa, a victory would not only boost their confidence but also provide a much-needed morale lift. Meanwhile, City will be looking to continue their impressive form and potentially set up a mouth-watering tie against another top-flight opponent. Regardless of the result, tonight’s match is set to be a memorable one in the FA Cup.
