Published Feb 12, 4:26am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 12, 4:26am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 12, 4:42am ET
A competitive all-Premier League clash is set for the fourth round of the FA Cup on Feb 14, as Aston Villa host Newcastle.
Unai Emery will be targeting a major honor with the Villa this season, but it may be challenging to overlook their poor record in the FA Cup, having reached the semi-final stage in just two of the last ten seasons.
The pressure was eased on Eddie Howe in midweek after claiming a much-needed 2-1 win against Tottenham. A second straight victory could set the team up for a second major honor in as many seasons.
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| Aston Villa | +114 |
| The Draw | +255 |
| Newcastle | +170 |
Unai Emery continues to do an excellent job at Aston Villa, as the team from the West Midlands look on course to finish the campaign in a Champions League spot.
However, it has been over 30 years since the club last won a major prize, and they will have two major chances to end that drought under Emery in 2025-26.
Villa have reached the semi-final stage of the FA Cup in just two of the last ten seasons, but they looked to be at their very best in the previous round after dominating a third-round tie against Tottenham. However, their league performances in recent weeks have been patchy, winning just once in their last three.
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A potentially season-defining week awaits Newcastle, as a fourth-round tie with Aston Villa is followed by a Champions League playoff early next week.
Newcastle returned to winning form in midweek, claiming an excellent 2-1 win over Tottenham. The Magpies were excellent from start to finish in that clash, and they arguably should have won by a wider winning margin had they been more clinical in the final third.
Howe is likely to rotate his starting eleven for this clash, as the team bids to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the third consecutive season. Lewis Hall is expected to be recalled, while Aaron Ramsdale and Yoane Wissa are also likely to start at Villa Park.
| TOTAL | Aston Villa | Newcastle | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 57 | 14 | 24 | 19 |
| Goals | 137 | 60 | 77 |
Aston Villa recorded a commanding win over Newcastle last month, and history could repeat itself on Saturday. Emery’s side have an impressive recent record against the Magpies, and they have won eleven of the last 28 head-to-head clashes between the sides at Villa Park.
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Aston Villa
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