Aston Villa Preston North End Unai Emery
(credit: Imago and BBC iPlayer)
Keith Hackett
Sun 30 March 2025 14:17, UK
Aston Villa could come face to face with a moment of controversy against Preston under the watch of Chris Kavanagh at Deepdale.
The Villans have travelled to face the Championship opposition in the FA Cup quarter-final on 30 March and go in level at the break.
Unai Emery’s side haven’t been without their chances in what has been a cagey opening 45 minutes against a resolute Lilywhites side.
With that being said, controversy could be around the corner in Lancashire if Kavanagh continues to ignore an obvious issue.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa clash v Preston could end in controversy
As the players walked out onto the field at Deepdale, there was one apparent issue. The pitch was covered in balloons.
Supporters had been seen waving them around and knocking between themselves pre-match before blowing onto the field of play ahead of kick off.
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Referee Kavanagh opted against pausing the game to remove the balloons and remove any risk of controversy in the FA Cup quarter-final.
This hasn’t gone down well with former FIFA official Keith Hackett who has questioned if the match official can remember previous games where balloons have caused problems.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “Notice that there are balloons on the pitch at Preston North End against Aston Villa.
“Chris Kavanagh is ignoring them and not stopping the game to have them burst!
“He perhaps cannot remember the problems encountered many years ago when with balloons on the pitch in a Sheffield United game resulted in a controversial incident involving Referee Alan Wiley.
“*A shot on goal hit a balloon and the goalkeeper hesitated and missed making a save blaming the balloon.*“
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa hopeful of avoiding Preston controversy
It has been a difficult game for the Villans to deal with at times against Paul Heckingbottom’s men, who have been well drilled.
The home side arguably had the best chance of the half as Stefan Thordarson headed wide with Emi Martinez’s goal at his mercy.
It will certainly be interesting to see if Villa can turn their possession and set-piece opportunities into goals as the game goes on.
Stat Preston Aston Villa
Possession (%) 28 72
Shots 2 5
Passes 80 241
Corners 0 6
Duels won 19 24
Preston v Aston Villa half time stats
With that being said, Emery will be hoping that his side aren’t dealt any unfortunate moments involving balloons if they continue to be a problem.
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