Preston vs Aston Villa: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds

The Championship side have seen off Charlton, Wycombe and Burnley on their way to the last eight, and now have the chance to reach their first FA Cup semi-final in 61 years.

Villa are clear favourites to win the tie as they take on the only second-tier team left in the competition and remain in contention for a remarkable cup double having reached the same stage in the Champions League.

It’s been 10 years since Villa reached an FA Cup semi-final, when they went on to lose to Arsenal in the final.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Preston vs Aston Villa is scheduled for a 1.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The match will take place at the Deepdale Stadium.

Where to watch Preston vs Aston Villa

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One.

Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Ollie Watkins is fit to face Preston

Getty Images

Preston vs Aston Villa team news

Aston Villa have an almost fully fit squad to take to Deepdale, with only Ross Barkley a doubt ahead of the game. Emi Martinez, Leon Bailey and Andres Garcia will all be assessed on Friday, with the expectation that they travel with the squad.

One of the biggest question marks was Ollie Watkins’ fitness, after the striker was unable to play any part for England over the international break, but he returned to training earlier this week.

It’s a different story for Preston, are will be without both Sam Greenwood and Ryan Ledson through suspension, Kaine Kesler-Hayden is on loan from Villa, so is ineligible and Ryan Porteous is cup-tied. Milutin Osmajic will be assessed ahead of the game, along with Ali McCann and Brad Potts.

Preston vs Aston Villa prediction

Aston Villa are in fine shape and should have more than enough about them to see off Preston on a Sunday afternoon.

Preston will surely look to frustrate their top-flight opponents by lining up with five at the back but, with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Marco Asensio, Youri Tielemans and even Marcus Rashford expected to play a part, the breakthrough will come.