© Imago
The lowest-ranked team left in this season’s FA Cup – and the only non-Premier League side left fighting for Wembley stardom – Preston North End host Aston Villa at Deepdale in Sunday’s quarter-final battle.
Paul Heckingbottom’s men put three past Burnley without reply in the last 16 to earn a date with Unai Emery’s men, who conquered Championship opposition in Cardiff City in the last round.
We say: Preston North End 0-2 Aston Villa
Momentum can be lost straight after a two-week hiatus, but a near full-strength Villa side will surely make light work of a Preston outfit ruing injuries, suspensions and ineligible players.
The hosts’ 5-2-1-2 shape could frustrate Emery’s side for a short while, but the visitors will surely break through eventually, and gaps should open up for the Lions to put the quarter-final out of sight as Preston search in vain for a response.
> FA Cup preview: Preston vs Aston Villa
> Two suspended, two ineligible: How Preston could line up against Aston Villa
> Watkins status, defender absent: Predicted Aston Villa XI vs. Preston
© Imago
Catalan battles Basque in the pick of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, where Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries sank Wolverhampton Wanderers on spot kicks in the last 16 to advance to the final eight, while the reigning champions of England survived a huge scare against Plymouth Argyle to prevail 3-1.
We say: Bournemouth 2-3 Manchester City
Attack may be the best form of defence for Guardiola and Iraola on Sunday, as both managers are dealing with ravaged rearguards but possess enviable talent in the final third ready to do some damage.
While the forward-thinking Cherries should back themselves to breach the visitors’ goal more than once, the absences of Huijsen and Kerkez may prove too difficult to overcome, and City ultimately have our vote to reach their seventh FA Cup semi-final in as many seasons at the end of a five-goal spectacular.
> FA Cup preview: Bournemouth vs Man City
> Devastating defensive blows: How Bournemouth could line up against Man City
> Ederson boost, Gundogan decision: Predicted Man City XI vs. Bournemouth
> Gvardiol, Ederson, Bobb, Stones latest: Man City injury list for Bournemouth clash
