FA Cup 2024-2025: Aston Villa-Cardiff City, the likely lineups

Aston Villa-Cardiff City, the probable formations

Aston Villa and Cardiff City face each other in the round of 16 of the FA Cup, with the Villans, a Premier League team and Champions League round of 16 qualifier, clear favorites. Cardiff, on the other hand, is fighting for salvation in the Championship. But precisely because of the unpredictability of the competition, surprises are always just around the corner.

Aston Villa will field a 4-2-3-1 with Martinez in goal, a solid defense consisting of Cash, Konsa, Mings and Maatsen. In midfield, McGinn and Tielemans will be tasked with providing balance, while Asensio, Rogers and Jacob Ramsey will support Watkins, central point.

Cardiff City, itself fielding a 4-2-3-1, will rely on Alnwick in goal and Perry Ng, Goutas, Bagan and O'Dowda in defense. Rinomhota and Mannsverk will be the central midfielders, while former Juventus player Aaron Ramsey, in addition to Colwill and Alves, will be part of the battery of trequartists behind Salech, the lone striker.

Probable lineups

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; McGinn, Tielemans; Asensio, Rogers, J. Ramsey; Watkins. All. Emery.

Cardiff City (4-2-3-1): Alnwick; Perry Ng, Goutas, Bagan, O'Dowda; Rinomhota, Mannsverk Heggeheim; A. Ramsey, Colwill, Alves; Salech. All. Riza.