Aston Villa vs Cardiff City Prediction - FA Cup Fixtures
Friday night sees the return of the FA Cup and Matthew O’Regan has his Aston Villa vs Cardiff prediction preview. It pits European hopefuls Aston Villa against Championship relegation threatened Cardiff. The sides last met in 2018 when they were both in the Championship, with Cardiff running out 3-0 winners at home, whereas a late Jack Grealish winner saw Villa emerge 1-0 victors at Villa Park. The sides have had contrasting fortunes since, with Villa playing in the Champions League and Cardiff facing potential relegation to League One.
Aston Villa vs Cardiff Prediction: Chance for Malen
England, FA Cup, Friday, February 28th, 20:00 (UK)
Since reaching the FA Cup final in 2014, Aston Villa have failed to progress past the Fourth Round, being knocked out in the fourth round by Manchester City in 2015, before losing in the third round for seven straight years. This year, 2-1 home victories over West Ham and Tottenham has seen them progress to the fifth round.
The Villans have been inconsistent in the league and currently sit tenth, just six points off fellow Midlands club Nottingham Forest who are in third place. Four points from Liverpool and Chelsea breeded optimism at Villa Park, before a disappointing 4-1 loss at Crystal Palace left Unai Emery ruing.
While they face two tough away trips against Club Brugge and Brentford following Friday’s clash, Emery should go strong in the hopes of edging closer to the clubs first major trophy since 1996. A strong January transfer window has put Villa in good stead for the latter stages of the season, meaning the Spaniard has the luxury to rotate his squad yet still boast a potent squad.
One player who has not been afforded many opportunities since joining the club in Donyell Malen. The Dutch international signed in January from Borussia Dortmund but has started just one game. However, the 26-year-old should be given a start on Friday and he will be chomping at the bit to impress.
This season, Malen has started six league games for Dortmund, scoring three times for an average of 0.44 goals per 90. Last season, he scored 13 league goals in 21 Bundesliga games, averaging 0.66 goals per 90.
Due to the gulf in quality between the sides, the hosts are priced as heavy 1.22 favourites for the win, which could present some opportunities for some of the fringe players to score at bigger prices. Ollie Watkins should be rested, allowing Malen to lead the line.
Cardiff are in the midst of an injury crisis, meaning Omer Riza will be forced to play a host of younger players. With Burnley visiting the Cardiff City stadium in midweek, the Bluebirds will prioritise this game in their battle against relegation – something that will be catastrophic for the team.
Riza’s side have also struggled on the road, conceding 35 goals in 17 games winning just once. Against a Villa side hoping to build some momentum ahead of a crunch week, Cardiff may be in for a hiding.
- Aston Villa vs Cardiff Prediction: Donyell Malen To Score (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.87
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)
Aston Villa vs Cardiff Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, February 27, 2025 Odds may now differ.
Aston Villa vs Cardiff Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Injury Issues
Aston Villa have been littered with injuries in recent weeks, in particular in defence. Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Boubacar Kamara have all had injury issues, but Mings could be back. Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana should also be absent. Emi Martinez was subbed injured at half time against Crystal Palace, so Robin Olsen may deputise.
The visitors will be without David Turnbull, Jak Alnwick, Jesper Daland and Ollie Tanner for their trip to the Midlands.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Olsen; Garcia, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Mcginn, Tielemans; Asensio, Rogers, Rashford; Malen
Cardiff possible starting lineup:
Horvath; NG, Goutas, Fish, O’Dowda; Mannsverk, Chambers, Willock, Colwill, Ashford; Salech
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