FA Cup Quarter-Final 2024/25: Match Preview, Predictions & Odds

Last updated: 3 April 2025 by Leon Marshall

The FA Cup returns this weekend with some great fixtures. Fulham hosts Crystal Palace in a London derby, Brighton faces off against Nottingham Forest in a test of styles, Preston North End challenges Premier League side Aston Villa, and AFC Bournemouth takes on the formidable Manchester City. These fixtures promise goals, drama, and the thrill of knockout football, with a spot in the prestigious semi-finals at Wembley at stake.

Our previews provide essential statistics and insights to assist you in making informed betting choices, ensuring you enjoy the weekend’s football to the fullest. With our comprehensive analysis, you’ll find valuable betting tips to enhance your viewing experience and increase potential returns at football betting sites.

FA Cup 2024/25 Quarter-Final – Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Match Overview:

Fulham hosts Crystal Palace in a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final clash at Craven Cottage. This London derby sees Fulham aiming to capitalise on their solid home form, while Crystal Palace seeks to continue their impressive run of away victories. Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the semi-finals, promising an intense and thrilling contest.

Key Statistics:

Fulham’s Home Form: Fulham has displayed strong performances at home (60% win rate in the league), with their last defeat at Craven Cottage coming against Crystal Palace a month ago, they won their last home game, against Tottenham, 2-0. They have historically fared well against Palace, winning 2-0 at Selhurst Park earlier this season, but lost the last game against them at home in February (0-2).

Crystal Palace’s Recent Form: Palace has been in excellent form, winning six of their last seven matches, including five away triumphs (100% record) that bolster their confidence heading into this derby.

Head-to-Head:

In their last six meetings, Fulham has won two matches, Crystal Palace has won one, and three have ended in a draw, illustrating a closely contested rivalry. This sets the stage for another potential nail-biting encounter.

Injuries and Team News:

Fulham: Fulham faces several injuries, with Kenny Tete, Harry Wilson, and Reiss Nelson unavailable. Rodrigo Muniz is likely to replace Raul Jimenez in attack.

Crystal Palace: Palace will be without Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré, and Joel Ward. The availability of Jean-Philippe Mateta is in question after being hospitalised after a horror tackle by the Millwall keeper in the last round.

Factors to Impact the Game:

Fulham’s home strength coupled with Palace’s recent successes makes this a captivating match. Fulham will aim to use their attacking flair, while Palace’s disciplined defence and midfield creativity are crucial to their game plan.

Scoreline Prediction:

Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Both teams are likely to exploit defensive vulnerabilities, potentially resulting in a high-scoring draw and extra time for a decisive outcome.

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Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 Goals, Eberechi Eze Anytime Scorer.

FA Cup 2024/25 Quarter-Final – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest

Match Overview:

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Nottingham Forest to the Amex Stadium for a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final encounter. Currently in formidable form, Brighton aims to secure a semi-final spot against a resilient Nottingham Forest side that has been climbing the ranks with recent impressive performances. This match promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams eager to progress further in the competition.

Key Statistics:

Brighton’s Home Form: Brighton has remained unbeaten in their last three home Premier League meetings against Nottingham Forest, boasting a strong defensive record and consistent scoring ability. They recently drew 2-2 with Manchester City, highlighting their competitive edge at home.

Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form: Nottingham Forest has been on a winning streak, claiming victories in their last three matches, including significant league wins against Manchester City and Ipswich Town. Their attacking capability will be tested against Brighton’s defence.

Head-to-Head:

In their previous 18 encounters, Brighton has won seven times, while Nottingham Forest has claimed five victories, with six matches ending in a draw. This balanced history sets the stage for a potentially closely fought match.

Injuries and Team News:

Brighton & Hove Albion: Brighton faces injury woes with notable players like Igor Julio, Tariq Lamptey, and James Milner sidelined. Doubts remain over the fitness of Lewis Dunk, Matt O’Riley, Solly March, and Joël Veltman, but they may still play a part.

Nottingham Forest: Forest’s back-up goalkeeper Carlos Miguel is unavailable. Chris Wood’s fitness is in question after an injury during international duty, but the team is expected to field a stable line-up similar to their recent matches.

Factors to Impact the Game:

Brighton’s home advantage and Nottingham Forest’s recent winning momentum are significant factors in this clash. Brighton will look to leverage their solid home performances, while Forest aims to exploit any defensive lapses to continue their cup run.

Scoreline Prediction:

Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Nottingham Forest

This fixture promises an exhilarating contest, potentially requiring extra time to determine a winner, as both sides will likely battle fiercely for a semi-final berth.

bet365 Draw 2-2 at 15/1 VISIT SITE!

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 Goals, Kaoru Mitoma Anytime Scorer.

FA Cup 2024/25 Quarter-Final – Preston North End vs Aston Villa

Match Overview:

Preston North End welcomes Aston Villa to Deepdale for a compelling FA Cup quarter-final clash. Preston aims to leverage their stellar home form and extend their unbeaten streak to secure a semi-final berth against an Aston Villa side that has been formidable in recent cup competitions. With both teams seeking victory, this encounter promises exciting football action.

Key Statistics:

Preston’s Home Form: Preston North End has sustained an impressive unbeaten 15-match run at Deepdale. Their recent 2-1 victory over Portsmouth highlighted their strength at home, although they face challenges with key players absent due to suspension.

Aston Villa’s Recent Form: Aston Villa enters this quarter-final in fine form, winning their last four matches and advancing in the Champions League. Despite inconsistent away results earlier this year, Villa’s recent triumphs indicate a promising performance.

Head-to-Head:

In their past six encounters, Preston North End and Aston Villa have each won once, while four matches ended in a draw. This suggests a historically balanced rivalry, setting the stage for a competitive match-up at Deepdale. I do feel that the Premier League quality will shine through, and I predict a flurry of late goals for Villa to sink Preston.

Injuries and Team News:

Preston North End: Preston faces several absences due to suspension and injury, including Sam Greenwood and Ryan Ledson. Kaine Kesler-Hayden is ineligible against his parent club, impacting tactical options.

Aston Villa: Villa will be without Axel Disasi and Ross Barkley due to injury and cup-tied status. Ollie Watkins’ fitness is being monitored after a recent knee injury, though Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa are fit post-international duty.

Factors to Impact the Game:

Preston’s excellent home record and Villa’s squad depth and cup expertise are crucial factors in this showdown. Preston seeks to exploit their home advantage, while Villa aims to leverage attacking prowess under Unai Emery’s guidance.

Scoreline Prediction:

Preston North End 1-3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s tactical advantages and recent form may enable them to edge past Preston North End despite the hosts’ strong home performance.

bet365 Aston Villa to win 3-1 at 11/1 VISIT SITE!

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Aston Villa to Win, Over 2.5 Goals, Youri Tielemans Anytime Assister.

FA Cup 2024/25 Quarter-Final – AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Match Overview:

AFC Bournemouth hosts Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final clash. With both teams eager to secure a semi-final spot, Bournemouth looks to leverage their home advantage, while Manchester City seeks to assert their dominance despite recent mixed form. This fixture promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams aim to progress in the competition.

Key Statistics:

Bournemouth’s Home Form: Bournemouth has struggled at home recently, winning just one of their last five matches overall. Despite a FA Cup success on penalties against Wolves, their general form has been inconsistent.

Manchester City’s Away Form: Manchester City has faced challenges on the road, with only two wins from their last six matches. A recent draw with Brighton highlights a dip in form, yet City remains a formidable force.

Head-to-Head:

In the last 16 meetings between these two teams, Manchester City has dominated with 15 wins, while Bournemouth secured just one victory. Their encounters have typically been high-scoring, averaging 3.63 goals per match.

Injuries and Team News:

AFC Bournemouth: Bournemouth will be without key defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen due to suspension. Enes Ünal is out for the season, while Adam Smith, Julián Araujo, and Luis Sinisterra are also unavailable.

Manchester City: City has several absentees, including Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji. Ederson might be fit to play, but Bernardo Silva and Oscar Bobb will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Factors to Impact the Game:

Bournemouth’s disrupted defence and Manchester City’s attacking depth are central to this matchup. Bournemouth hopes to exploit any City vulnerabilities, while City looks to utilise their scoring prowess to navigate through to the semi-finals.

Scoreline Prediction:

AFC Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester City

Manchester City’s attacking quality and depth are likely to see them through to the semi-finals, with Bournemouth putting up a robust challenge. Haaland to score two or three wouldn’t be a surprise.

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Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Manchester City to Win, Over 2.5 Goals, Erling Haaland Anytime Scorer.