Emery on why Villans should not contenders to win FA Cup

Unai Emery believes Aston Villa shouldn’t be contenders to win the FA Cup forward of going through Cardiff within the fifth spherical on Friday.

The Villans are solely two video games away from the semi-finals after dispatching Premier League rivals West Ham and Tottenham and look a powerful guess to succeed in the latter levels after a beneficial dwelling draw in opposition to the Championship strugglers.

Various massive sides have already been despatched packing within the event, too, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all shedding in earlier rounds.

However regardless of that, Emery, whose Villa aspect are battling for Europe, doesn’t imagine they’re one of many stronger candidates to go all the best way.

Forward of the tie in opposition to the Bluebirds, Emery mentioned: “We aren’t contenders. Why? As a result of there are different groups with extra choices than us to win this competitors.

“It’s a manner for a trophy and it’s a manner for Europe. The winner is taking part in subsequent 12 months within the Europa League.

“We now have 3 ways [to get into Europe]: Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. We aren’t contenders in FA Cup to win this trophy.

“To attempt to compete on this competitors and to have a manner for a trophy is essential. After which status. Each participant, the membership, the coaches – all people would love a technique making an attempt to get status as properly.”

🗣️ On our opponents: “Firstly, we’ve respect for the competitors. Secondly, we respect each workforce that’s competing on this spherical. After all, Cardiff is a Championship workforce, however we’ve our personal experiences two years in the past with Stevenage for instance.” pic.twitter.com/wbxHlBrplL

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 27, 2025

Emery requires consistency

Villa’s inconsistent season is maybe summed up completely from their final three video games, having impressed in a draw in opposition to Liverpool and win over Chelsea, earlier than they have been smashed 4-1 by Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

They’ve been extra spectacular within the FA Cup after shining in wins over West Ham and Spurs.

Emery added: “We’re being constant on this competitors this 12 months. At dwelling in opposition to West Ham and Tottenham we performed an excellent two matches and we gained.

“Tomorrow is one other alternative to maintain being constant. Our calls for are in numerous methods, individually and collectively, to get confidence, get snug, attempt to transmit to our supporters our needs on this competitors.

“We aren’t contenders, however in case we are able to proceed on this competitors we’re going to be nearer to competing for one thing necessary.”

Emery eager to keep away from upset

On Friday’s opponents, he added: “Firstly, we’ve respect for the competitors. Secondly, we respect each workforce that’s competing on this spherical.

“After all, Cardiff is a Championship workforce, however we’ve our personal experiences two years in the past with Stevenage for instance. We weren’t being profitable final 12 months and two years in the past.

“We’re taking part in at dwelling in Villa Park and we’ve to really feel sturdy. To be constant is our problem.”

Aston Villa FA Cup workforce information

Emery mentioned Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez are doubts for the Cardiff sport, with Mings lacking the sport at Palace earlier than their star keeper was withdrawn at half-time.

On the health of the remainder of his squad, Emery added: “Barkley is just not for tomorrow. Onana, doubt. Kamara, doubt. They’re near coming again, however we’ll see this afternoon.

“Malen, he’s sick, however hopefully he can get well for tomorrow. Being sick is totally different, nevertheless it relies upon.

“Kind of, that is the information concerning the gamers, how we will probably be tomorrow.”