Marcus Rashford Is Starting | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs Cardiff City | OneFootball

Aston Villa are preparing to host Cardiff City at home in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend. The former side faced a 4-1 defeat against Crystal Palace in their last game and would like to forget it to focus on the upcoming fixtures.

The Villans need to bounce back stronger to head into the next round in the cup. Moreover, this game will also somewhere set the template for their Champions League round of 16 fixture with Club Brugge the next week.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs Cardiff City

Defence

Emi Martinez was forced to be off at half-time and if he fails to regain full fitness, Robin Olsen is the choice between the sticks. No change at the right-back position as Andres Garcia is retained to play there.

While Ezri Konsa continues at the heart of the defence, Tyrone Mings could walk into the XI at the expense of Axel Disasi. Even Ian Maatsen is likely to return to take the left-back position, sending Lamare Bogarde back to the bench.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa reacts following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on May 13, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Midfield

Youri Tielemans and John McGinn are expected to be deployed in the middle of the park yet again. However, they need to contribute more significantly to the team.

Both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio should be named in the starting XI. They have done well in recent games and will have the services of Morgan Rogers alongside them.

For the striker role, Donyell Malen could get the nod ahead of Ollie Watkins for this fixture

Pau Torres, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana aren’t available for selection for the Villans due to injuries.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs Cardiff City