| Aston Villa vs Newcastle | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Aston Villa vs Newcastle
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COMPETITION :
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FA Cup
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| DATE: |
14 - 02 - 2026
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TIME:
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11.15 PM IST
09.45 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Stadium |
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United – FA Cup Match Preview, Team News, Prediction and Key Stats
A place in the next round of the FA Cup will be on the line when Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park this weekend in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the round. Both Premier League sides remain highly motivated in domestic cup competition, with silverware and season momentum firmly in their sights.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa enter the contest with renewed confidence after returning to winning ways in midweek, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United arrive buoyed by an important away victory that may have revived their campaign at a crucial juncture.
Aston Villa Building Momentum at the Right Time
Aston Villa’s season continues to gather pace across multiple fronts. After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brentford and being held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth in the Premier League, Emery’s men responded in positive fashion with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park.
The victory came in dramatic circumstances, with Brighton defender Jack Hinshelwood turning the ball into his own net in the 86th minute. While fortune played a role, Villa’s persistence and attacking pressure ultimately forced the decisive moment.
That result could prove pivotal in the broader context of their season.
Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table, capitalising on dropped points from direct top-four rivals. With Manchester United and Chelsea faltering in recent fixtures, Emery’s side have strengthened their grip on a UEFA Champions League qualification place — a remarkable rise under the Spanish manager’s leadership.
FA Cup Provides Additional Motivation
Champions League qualification is not Villa’s only objective.
The Midlands club are also eyeing FA Cup glory as they look to cap an already impressive campaign with major silverware. Aston Villa are seven-time FA Cup winners, and their pedigree in this competition remains significant despite a long wait for modern success.
Villa booked their place in this round by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in North London in the third round — an impressive away victory that highlighted their tactical discipline and clinical finishing.
Interestingly, Villa also knocked Tottenham out of last season’s FA Cup, meaning they have eliminated Spurs in back-to-back campaigns.
However, history suggests progression beyond this stage has proven challenging. The club have not advanced past this round in consecutive seasons since a three-year stretch between 2008-09 and 2010-11.
Breaking that trend will be firmly on Emery’s agenda.
Historic FA Cup Rivalry
Meetings between Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the FA Cup carry deep historical significance.
Across various eras, clashes between these clubs have often coincided with major cup runs. On several occasions when Villa and Newcastle met in the competition, one of the two sides went on to reach — or even win — the final.
Villa have historically held the upper hand, eliminating Newcastle four times in the FA Cup, including triumphs in:
1894-95
1896-97
1904-05
2000-01
Newcastle’s notable successes include victories in the 1923-24 final and the 1951-52 third round.
Recent meetings also lean in Villa’s favour. The Midlands side are unbeaten in their last three encounters with the Magpies across all competitions, recording two wins and one draw while conceding just a single goal.
Newcastle United Seeking Stability
Newcastle’s campaign has been far more turbulent.
Eddie Howe’s side endured a difficult stretch of form that saw them win only once in eight matches across all competitions. During that run, they conceded 15 goals and struggled to maintain defensive structure.
Fan frustration peaked following a 3-2 home defeat to Brentford, where defensive lapses proved costly.
However, Newcastle showed resilience by bouncing back immediately with an impressive 2-1 away win against Tottenham Hotspur — a result that may serve as a turning point.
It was only their third away league victory in 13 matches, underlining how valuable the result could be for confidence and momentum.
Fixture Congestion Looming for the Magpies
Newcastle face an intense schedule in the coming weeks.
Domestically, league fixtures against Manchester City, Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Sunderland will test squad depth and consistency.
They must also balance European commitments, with a Champions League knockout playoff tie on the horizon — a demanding assignment that includes long-distance travel.
With so many high-pressure fixtures approaching, progression in the FA Cup would provide both morale and rotation opportunities.
Newcastle’s Road Form in the FA Cup
Newcastle’s recent FA Cup away record offers mixed signals.
Positives include:
Six wins from their last 11 away FA Cup ties
Only three defeats in that span
However, against fellow Premier League opposition away from home, their record dips significantly:
10 losses in their last 13 ties
Failed to score in eight of their last nine
Those numbers highlight the magnitude of the task awaiting them at Villa Park.
Recent Form Guide
Aston Villa – All Competitions:
W W W L D W
Newcastle United – All Competitions:
L D L L L W
Form momentum clearly favours the hosts, though cup football often defies league trends.
Aston Villa Team News
Villa continue to manage several injury absences heading into the tie.
Unavailable players include:
Youri Tielemans (ankle)
John McGinn (knee)
Boubacar Kamara (knee)
Andrés García (thigh)
January signing Alysson has recovered from a knee injury and is expected to feature in the matchday squad, boosting attacking options.
Defensively, Matty Cash remains sidelined with a knee issue. As a result, Lamare Bogarde is likely to continue at right-back.
A back four featuring Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne is expected to provide defensive structure.
Key Player Focus – Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has emerged as an influential figure in Villa’s FA Cup campaign.
In just five starts in the competition, he has contributed to four goals (three goals, one assist), including a strike against Tottenham in the previous round.
Operating in an advanced central role, Rogers links midfield and attack effectively. He is expected to start behind the main striker — either Ollie Watkins or Tammy Abraham.
His creativity and late runs into the box could prove decisive.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle also travel with multiple injury concerns.
Confirmed absentees include:
Joelinton (groin)
Tino Livramento (thigh)
Fabian Schär (ankle)
Emil Krafth (knee)
Midfield engine Bruno Guimarães faces a late fitness test due to a hamstring issue, while youngster Lewis Miley is also a doubt with a thigh problem.
Their availability could significantly influence Newcastle’s midfield balance.
Midfield Battle to Shape the Tie
Former Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey — who scored the winner against Tottenham — is expected to start in midfield alongside Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock.
This trio offers energy, ball progression, and pressing intensity.
Up front, Eddie Howe must decide whether to deploy a natural centre-forward such as Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa.
If he does, one wide attacker — Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Elanga — may drop to the bench, with Elanga the most likely rotation option.
Tactical Outlook
Aston Villa’s approach:
Structured build-up play
High full-back involvement
Creative central attacking midfield role
Pressing in midfield zones
Newcastle’s approach:
Quick transitions
Direct wing play
Physical midfield duels
Set-piece threat
Villa will likely dominate possession, while Newcastle may look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Match
Home Advantage – Villa Park has been a fortress this season.
Injury Lists – Newcastle’s defensive absences could be decisive.
Midfield Control – Guimarães’ fitness may shape the game.
Cup Experience – Both sides possess knockout pedigree.
Momentum – Villa’s recent consistency gives them an edge.
Prediction
Given their stronger form, home advantage, and attacking cohesion, Aston Villa enter the tie as slight favourites.
Newcastle’s recent win at Tottenham proves they remain dangerous, but defensive injuries and inconsistent away form may hinder them.
Predicted Score:
Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle United