Preston vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Aston Villa have lost one of their last nine matches
• Preston have won two of their last eight games
• Ten of North End’s last 15 home outings have featured fewer than three goals

Villa’s class should eventually tell

Aston Villa may have felt the envy of the other six Premier League teams left in this year’s FA Cup when they were handed a quarter-final tie with Championship Preston, but that does not mean Sunday’s trip to Deepdale will be an easy assignment.

Unai Emery’s side already have a Champions league quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to, but they face a team who have not been beaten in their last 15 home games, so this does not look like it will be straightforward.

Villa’s push into the Premier League’s top four last season was primarily a result of excellent home form and it has been a similar tale this term.

They have conceded at least twice in eight of their last ten Premier League away games, but the good news is they are facing a team of a lower standard this weekend and they ave also won five of their last six matches, so confidence will not be an issue.

However, a return from international week may result in a sticky start, so it is worth chancing that a game Villa should win is level at half-time.

Preston have struggled to get over the line

Preston’s defensive record on their own patch deserves respect as they have conceded just twice in their last four Deepdale outings and their problems have been at the other end as eight games in their unbeaten home run have finished level.

Villa have kept three clean sheets in their 21 away matches this season, but that includes a 1-0 win at Brentford the last time they were on their travels and North End have not met a team of their quality during their strong run of home form.

The Lancastrians needed a penalty shootout to see off League One Wycombe in round four after a goalless draw so correct-score enthusiasts may be interested in a 2-0 away win.

Watkins can hit the mark

There was a time before Christmas when Ollie Watkins was playing second fiddle to Jhon Duran in Villa’s attack, but he has reasserted himself as the main man since the Colombian’s departure to Saudi Arabia.

Watkins has scored three goals in his last five Premier League appearances, including the winner in their 1-0 win at his former club Brentford earlier this month, and, after he had five efforts in goal against Cardiff in the last round, he could find the target at Deepdale.