Aston Villa vs Newcastle FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend as Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park for a highly anticipated fourth-round clash on Saturday evening. The match, scheduled for a 5:45 pm kick-off, will be broadcast live on BBC One and TNT Sports 3, with both Premier League sides vying for a coveted spot in the competition's fifth round.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
This encounter marks the third meeting between Aston Villa and Newcastle United this season, following two Premier League fixtures. The first match at Villa Park in August ended in a goalless draw, while Villa secured a commanding 2-0 victory at St James' Park just over two weeks ago, with goals from Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins.
Both clubs may view the FA Cup as a welcome distraction from recent challenges. Newcastle United have managed only three wins from their last ten matches across all competitions but ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. Their path to this round required a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Bournemouth, winning 7-6 on spot kicks after a 3-3 draw.
Aston Villa enter this fixture on the back of a late victory against Brighton on Wednesday, which snapped a three-match winless run. Despite this, they remain firmly in the Premier League title race, sitting just six points off the summit. Villa also demonstrated their cup pedigree by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the third round, with Buendia and Morgan Rogers finding the net.
FA Cup History and Betting Odds
This will be the seventh FA Cup meeting between these two historic clubs, but the first since the 2000/01 season. Aston Villa hold the historical advantage with four wins to Newcastle's two, including a 2-0 victory in the 1905 final thanks to a Harry Hampton brace. Newcastle gained revenge in the 1924 final, winning 2-0 at Wembley through goals from Neil Harris and George Seymour Sr.
In the current FA Cup outright betting markets, both sides are considered among the favourites to lift the trophy in May. Aston Villa are priced at 12/1, while Newcastle United are available at 16/1 on leading betting platforms.
Key Predictions and Betting Tips
Aston Villa to Win in 90 Minutes - 6/5 (Bet365)
With fourteen points separating the two sides in the Premier League table and Newcastle struggling to replicate last season's fifth-place finish, Villa appear strong favourites. The Magpies also face a crucial Champions League play-off match next week, potentially stretching Eddie Howe's squad resources. Despite the unpredictable nature of cup football, Villa's formidable home form suggests they can secure victory within regulation time.
Morgan Rogers to Score at Any Time - 21/10 (BetMGM)
Morgan Rogers has established himself as a potent threat in FA Cup competitions, contributing to four goals in five starts through three goals and one assist. The England international scored in Villa's third-round victory over Tottenham and also found the net against Bournemouth last weekend, taking his seasonal tally to ten goals for club and country. With fifteen goals last season, Rogers is pushing for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad and could continue his impressive cup form.
Team News and Injury Updates
Aston Villa: Defender Matty Cash missed the Brighton match with a knee injury and remains doubtful for this weekend's fixture.
Newcastle United: Anthony Gordon returned from a hamstring problem against Tottenham on Tuesday. Lewis Miley and Joelinton are both considered doubtful for the cup tie.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
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If you experience difficulties with gambling, support is available through organisations like the NHS, GamCare, and Gamblers Anonymous. Remember that gambling should be approached as entertainment, and you should only wager what you can afford to lose.
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