Unai Emery fans
(Credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Ian Darke
Mon 24 March 2025 12:52, UK
Aston Villa still have a tremendously exciting season in prospect, which could put Unai Emery down in further folklore.
The Villans are one of the very few teams in Europe still to be competing on three fronts, as they look to re-establish Champions League football via the Premier League, while having progressed to the quarter-finals of both that tournament and the FA Cup.
Emery’s side return to the pitch after an 18-day hiatus when they take on Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday (30 March), aiming to reach the semi-finals against the last remaining Championship club in the competition.
While some believe the long break without a game, many of the Aston Villa squad away on international duty, could be a drawback, others like the idea of a period at Bodymoor Heath to reflect and strategise.
Aston Villa
Emery could steer the Villans to silverware (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa have massive shot at trophy
Aston Villa must refocus towards different competitions at the right times as they dovetail between them, with a tantalising Champions League clash on the horizon against Paris Saint-Germain, who eliminated Liverpool in the round of 16.
TV commentator Ian Darke believes Villa, however, have a huge shot at lifting the FA Cup, for what would be the first time in 68 years, having reached the final in both 2000 and 2015.
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Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Darke thinks the break in fixtures has come at a perfect time for Emery and his side, who will gradually report back for training again this week from their various escapades with their nations.
“Do you know what, I think it’s brilliant for them. It means time on the training ground – I know the international players are away for a chunk of this period – but it can recharge the batteries,” he said.
“They’ve had a very, very hectic schedule this season with the Champions League, and they have a shot with the FA Cup. This break from fixtures can sit them nicely for the run-in. PSG will be a massive test, and they won’t be favourites, but Villa have been brilliant in Europe.
“I think they’ll beat Preston and get into the FA Cup semi-finals. It could become the biggest thing for them, and they have a real chance of winning it for the first time since 1957.
“You can have a great season and all the excitement of the Champions League, but there are two realistic aims: make sure they’re in Europe again, and win the FA Cup, which would get them into European football. It’s two birds with one stone.”
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has remained at Villa instead of travelling with England after a knock (Credit: Imago)
Preston test next up as Wembley prize awaits
Should Aston Villa dodge the banana skin of Preston this weekend, they will head to Wembley for an exciting FA Cup semi-final.
After their 4-0 hammering off Arsenal in their last final appearance a decade ago, Villa will want to give an excellent account of themselves in this year’s competition.
Aston Villa – next four matches Date Competition
Preston North End (A) 30 March FA Cup quarter-final
Brighton (A) 2 April Premier League
Nottingham Forest (H) 5 April Premier League
Paris Saint-Germain (A) 9 April Champions League QF 1st leg
Villa have three competitions to juggle
While it may be tempting to focus more attention towards the PSG tie, that will come in good time – the very best teams and coaches master the balancing act.
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