Aston Villa vs Cardiff City: FA Cup Fifth Round Odds, Lineups & Predictions

Explore our detailed preview for Aston Villa vs Cardiff City in the FA Cup Fifth Round. Key stats, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 GMT match.

Aston Villa and Cardiff City face off under the Friday night lights at Villa Park, with both teams eyeing a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Villa, despite an inconsistent Premier League campaign, remain determined to end their long trophy drought, while Cardiff look to defy the odds and continue their cup run with an upset.

Unai Emery’s side suffered a stinging 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this week, denting their top-four hopes in the Premier League. Currently sitting 10th, Villa are still within reach of European qualification, but the FA Cup presents a more immediate opportunity to claim silverware.

Having already overcome West Ham and Tottenham in the competition, Villa are well-positioned to push for their first FA Cup title since 1957. With a Champions League last-16 tie against Club Brugge on the horizon, Emery is expected to rotate his squad, though with the club’s nearly three-decade wait for a major trophy, this competition remains a priority.

Key attacking players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio could be instrumental in breaking down Cardiff’s defence, while Donyell Malen has the potential to make his mark in front of goal.

Cardiff’s FA Cup history dates back to their iconic 1927 triumph—the only time a Welsh club has lifted the trophy. Their most recent deep run came in 2008 when they reached the final before falling to Portsmouth.

The Bluebirds have battled past Sheffield United and Stoke City to reach this stage and will look to carry momentum from their recent 1-0 league victory over Hull City. However, their away form is concerning, with just two wins in 19 road trips this season in all competitions. Adding to their challenge is a dismal record at Villa Park—Cardiff have failed to win in their last 15 visits, losing each of the last eight.

Despite these obstacles, Callum Robinson—who has 12 Championship goals this season—could provide Cardiff’s best-attacking threat, particularly against a Villa defence missing key personnel.

Villa’s attacking depth and home advantage make them strong favourites. Cardiff’s poor away record and historical struggles at Villa Park further stack the odds against them.

However, Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities—especially if Emiliano Martínez is absent—could give Cardiff an opening. Callum Robinson will be the man to watch, and if Cardiff find a foothold early, they could make this a closer contest than expected.

 Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Cardiff City

• Villa’s firepower should be enough to progress.
• Cardiff will fight but likely fall short.
• A rotated Villa side should still dominate possession and chances.
  

Aston Villa - Last 6 Matches: LWDDWL - FA Cup Form: Wins vs West Ham and Tottenham

Cardiff City - Last 6 Matches: WDDLDL - FA Cup Form: Wins vs Sheffield United and Stoke City.

Squad rotation is expected due to fixture congestion, with recent loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio likely to feature at some stage.

Injury Concerns:

• Emiliano Martínez (doubtful) – Robin Olsen could start in goal.
• Pau Torres, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana – are all expected to be unavailable until after the international break.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Olsen; Garcia, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; McGinn, Tielemans; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Malen

Cardiff looks set to be without several key players for this difficult encounter.

Injury Concerns:

• Ollie Tanner,  David Turnbull, Jasper Daland and Joe Ralls – are all expected to miss out due to injury
• Aaron Ramsey may not last the full 90 minutes due to fitness concerns.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Alnwick; O’Dowda, Goutas, Bagan, Rinomhota; Mannsverk, Ramsey; Awford, Colwill, Alves; Robinson

• Goal Threats: Donyell Malen has shown a keen eye for goal in recent appearances, while Callum Robinson remains Cardiff’s biggest scoring outlet.
• Assist Watch: If Marco Asensio starts, his creativity could unlock the Cardiff defence, while Aaron Ramsey will be key for Cardiff if fit.
• Over 2.5 Goals? Villa’s attacking quality suggests this could be an open affair, especially if Cardiff manages to score early.

Will Villa take another step toward ending their long trophy drought, or can Cardiff pull off a giant-killing? Either way, an exciting FA Cup clash awaits under the lights at Villa Park.

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For the best FA Cup outright predictions, explore our Football Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication