Overview
Preston are having a poor season in the Championship. They have only 47 points after 38 matches and of course do not have any chance to be promoted in the next season. However, Preston's journey in the FA Cup is the opposite, as they are the only representative of the Championship to reach the quarter-finals.
Of course, it must be admitted that Preston have not met any strong teams in this year's FA Cup. Since competing in round 3, Preston have only faced Charlton, Wycombe and Burnley in turn.
Among them, Burnley have a better force than them in the Championship. However, this team wants to focus on the promotion race and not use the strongest squad when meeting Preston.
Aston Villa will be a team of a completely different class compared to Preston's previous opponents. Unai Emery's side are still competing fiercely for a place in the Champions League next season, as well as reaching the quarter-finals this year.
Aston Villa are also expected to use many substitutes in this match to preserve their fitness for the upcoming important matches. However, they are still rated much higher than the home team.
Preston have lost 18 of their last 19 FA Cup games against Premier League sides. If only counting Aston Villa, Preston have also won 1 of their last 15 matches.
Home advantage is Preston's only mainstay, but it will be difficult for them to avoid being eliminated from the FA Cup.
Personnel situation
Preston will be missing a number of players going into this match, as both Sam Greenwood and Ryan ledson are suspended, while Kaine Kelser- Hayden is not eligible to play. That is not to mention the injury, with Jack Whatmough expected to be absent for the rest of the season.
On the other side of the front line, Villa's personnel are much more fully equipped and they are expected to field the strongest squad. However, Chelsea loaned Axel Disasi cannot participate in the FA Cup, while players like Ross Barkley and Pau Torres are still injured.
Expected lineup:
Preston: Woodman, Storey, generation, Lindsay, Bauer, Brady, Whiteman, Frokjaer-Jensen, Thordarson, Keane, Riis.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers, Rashford, Watkins.
The match between Preston and Aston Villa takes place at 19:30 on March 30 (Vietnam time).
