FA Cup News, Predictions & Build Up

Well, Lawro is backing Villa to bounce back from two league defeats to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Villa Park in the FA Cup.

The BBC pundit says 'In the past, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has picked weakened sides in the FA Cup because he's more interested in staying in the Premier League, which is fair enough. I don't know if he will on this occasion but, regardless, Villa should have enough to beat them on home soil.'

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Mystic Mug says 1-0 to the Villa.

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MON told www.avfc.co.uk 'I think, after a few years in the doldrums, the FA Cup has regained its sheen. The competition is back in vogue, which is very, very important. I think it is a major competition once again as it was for a long, long time. It slid down the scale of importance but I think it's regained its sheen now. That's good because it's a great competition. It is probably the best domestic cup competition in European football.'

He also says there might be a few changes made due to injuries but promises despite a two legged semi final v Blackburn Rovers also, he 'desperately' wants to stay in the FA Cup. Apparently James Milner down as a doubt with a foot injury. Probably won't hurt him to have a rest anyway?

Stewart Downing says on the Official Site that the team are 'up for the cup' adding, 'It will be tough. We know it's going to be a physical battle but we're up for it. We have the players to match them physically - we'll be ready.'

And Luke Young said on www.avfc.com 'We can't let ourselves get too disheartened and disillusioned with the two games. We have to look forward now. The FA Cup has that romance. It starts when you're a kid. We want to get through to the next round.'

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