image via - @AVFC/X

Preston North End vs Aston Villa: Why Unai Emery Shouldn’t Be Taking Preston Lightly?

Preston North End hasn't appeared in the FA Cup quarterfinals since 1966.

image via - @AVFC/X

One of the most intriguing games in the FA Cup Quarterfinals this season is Preston North End vs Aston Villa. With the attacking prowess and a confident home form, Preston shouldn’t be ruled out of this contest at any stage before the game.

Preston North End will host Aston Villa at the Deepdale Stadium on Sunday, March 30. Manager Paul Heckingbottom has done a good job since his arrival. Losing only two games in 2025, the Championship club defeated Burnley 3-0 in Round 5 of the FA Cup.

Having a stellar record at home, Preston has not lost a game at Deepdale since November. Moreover, Heckingbottom’s side has conceded four goals in nine games at Deepdale since the start of 2025.

One step from Wembley.#pnefc pic.twitter.com/9L8Z9ZVWo1
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) March 28, 2025

Talking about how these are some big games in Preston’s history, Heckingbottom asked the fans to enjoy these moments. Addressing the upcoming fixtures, the 47-year-old told TalkSport:

“Our recent history hasn’t been at the top end of English football, but in the past, the club very much was.”

“We are one game away from Wembley. If we win away against Derby on Wednesday night, we get three points, but if we manage to overturn Villa, it’s a different story.”

“A trip to Wembley and an FA Cup semi-final doesn’t come around often. This week has taken care of itself — everyone is looking forward to it and excited for it.”

Preston will aim at their first FA Cup title since 1938. Winning the competition two times, Heckingbottom’s side will be the first Preston team to appear at this stage of the competition since 1966.

Aston Villa who come into the contest as favourites have their streaks going. After a comfortable 6-1 victory on aggregate against Club Brugge, they have kept their hopes at European level alive as well.

Winning six games out of their last seven, Unai Emery’s side will be hungry for more goals on their visit to Preston. Scoring 10 goals over the past four games, their new recruitment like Marcus Rashford and Marco Ascensio have flourished under the Spanish manager.

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We could be in for a surprise game if the home crowd gets behind Preston on Sunday. Aston Villa’s search for their first trophy since 1996 will notably make life difficult for the North End Club.

Managing to soak in the pressure and be at their natural game will be termed important for the Championship side. Delivering drama and upsets have been a constant feature of the FA Cup, should Preston manage to pull a blinded on Sunday, it’ll be a game for ages to talk about.

Aston Villa

FA Cup

FA Cup quarterfinals

Preston

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!