Aston Villa have won each of their last seven home games against Cardiff, with the Bluebirds winless in 15 visits to Villa Park, dating back to 1954.
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City Preview
Aston Villa are seven-times FA Cup winners, only five clubs can boast more, although they have not got their hands on this trophy since 1957, but supporters are dreaming of a rare trip to Wembley. So far, the Claret and Blue Army have enjoyed 2-1 home wins over both West Ham and Tottenham, with Morgan Rogers on target during both of these victories.
Thus, Villa have reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in a decade, getting all the way to the final back then, beaten by Arsenal. Right now, fixtures are coming thick and fast for Unai Emery's team, hammered 4-1 by Crystal Palace three nights ago, meaning they've won only one of their last seven Premier League fixtures, slipping down to tenth.
Next Tuesday, the Villans will take on Club Brugge at Jan Breydelstadion in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, a massive occasion for the club. Before then, a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals is up for grabs, so will Villa make home advantage count come Friday night?
Cardiff City meantime won this competition 98 years ago, also reaching the 2008 final, but they've not gone further than this stage since the latter. So far, the Bluebirds have dumped out two fellow Championship sides on the road, namely Sheffield United and Stoke, prevailing on penalties in the Potteries earlier this month, following a very entertaining 3-3 draw.
Meantime, in the Championship, Cardiff claimed a vital victory on Tuesday, beating fellow-strugglers Hull 1-0 in South Wales, with Callum Robinson the match-winner. They had been winless in four beforehand, but this victory lifted Omer Riza's team up to 19th, six points clear of danger, easing their concerns of dropping into the third-tier for the first time since 2003. Thus, given Cardiff's lowly position, they travel to the Midlands as msssive underdogs.
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 54.
- Aston Villa Wins: 27. Draws: 6. Cardiff City Wins: 21.
Aston Villa Team News
Given that this is Villa's 12th fixture in 44 days, and with Tuesday's trip to Brugge on their minds, expect a fair amount of rotation from Unai Emery. Emi Martínez surely won't feature, considering he was replaced at half time on Tuesday so, with the Argentine unlikely to be risked, expect to see Robin Olsen donning the gloves.
Elsewhere, neither Andrés García nor Donyell Malen were added to the UEFA squad, so can't play in Belgium, making them very likely starters here. Meantime, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara all remain sidelined, leaving Emery with very limited midfield options, while Axel Disasi is cup-tied, having featured for Chelsea in the third round.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Cardiff City (4-2-3-1): Olsen; García, Bogarde, Mings, Maatsen; Tielemans, McGinn, Malen, Asensio Bailey, Rashford.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Cardiff City
Morgan Rogers scored in round three against West Ham and round four against Spurs, so can he keep his FA Cup streak going?
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City Prediction
Even if Villa do rotate, we're fully expect the home side to cruise through to the quarter-finals, with Cardiff unlikely to have the quality to threaten the Premier League side: Aston Villa 3-0 Cardiff City.
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Aston Villa vs Cardiff City FA Cup game on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: ITV1
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet World Now
How to watch Aston Villa vs Cardiff City FA Cup game on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: ITVX
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet World Now
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Cardiff City in the FA Cup?
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City takes place on Friday 28 February 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).