FA Cup 5th Round 2024/25: Match Previews, Predictions & Odds

Last updated: February 28, 2025 by Leon Marshal

The 5th Round of the 2024/25 FA Cup presents four intriguing fixtures. Aston Villa hosts Cardiff City with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake. Manchester City face a potential David-vs-Goliath tie against Plymouth Argyle, Newcastle United take on Brighton & Hove Albion in an all-Premier League showdown and defending cup holders Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford.

With each match offering excitement, we’ve prepared a comprehensive preview, including key statistics, head-to-head insights, injury news (where available), and betting tips. Our detailed analysis offers the betting tips needed to elevate your viewing experience and pursuit of possible returns at football betting sites.

FA Cup – Aston Villa vs Cardiff City

Match Overview:

Aston Villa look to continue their positive cup run at Villa Park. Despite juggling European commitments, they are confident on home turf.

Cardiff City arrive with nothing to lose, hoping to cause an upset and advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in years.

Key Statistics:

• Aston Villa at Home: Villa have been prolific at home, consistently scoring at least once in their last 18 matches.
• Cardiff’s Away Record: The Bluebirds have struggled for wins on the road but have knocked out two higher-tier sides already in this FA Cup campaign.
• Historic Edge: Villa narrowly lead the overall head-to-head, and Cardiff have found it tough to secure victories at Villa Park.

Head-to-Head: Villa and Cardiff last met competitively a few seasons ago when both were in the Championship. Villa typically hold home advantage in recent fixtures, while Cardiff have only managed occasional draws in their last visits to Villa Park.

Injuries and Team News:

• Aston Villa: Emiliano Martínez is a doubt after picking up a knock, while Pau Torres and Ross Barkley remain sidelined. Axel Disasi is cup-tied, and Matty Cash faces a late fitness test.
• Cardiff City: Defender Dimitrios Goutas is available after suspension. Captain Joe Ralls is still out, while Aaron Ramsey (the Cardiff prospect) has returned to fitness and could feature.

Tactical Breakdown: Villa should dominate possession in a 4-2-3-1, pressing high and relying on wing-backs and set pieces. Cardiff will stay compact, likely in a 5-4-1 or 4-4-2, ready to break quickly down the flanks. An early Villa goal could open the floodgates, but Cardiff’s resilience might frustrate the hosts if it stays level into the second half.

Scoreline Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Cardiff City

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Bet365 Odds: Aston Villa 1/5 (1.20) – Draw 11/2 (6.50) – Cardiff 18/1 (19.00)

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Aston Villa to Win & Both Teams to Score. For extra value, consider Morgan Rogers Anytime Scorer.

FA Cup – Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle

Match Overview:

Manchester City welcomes Championship side Plymouth Argyle to the Etihad, with most neutrals expecting a routine victory for the reigning Premier League champions. Plymouth, however, has already surprised teams en route to the 5th round and will be determined to give a spirited performance.

Key Statistics:

• City’s Dominance vs Lower Leagues: Under Pep Guardiola, City have won all nine FA Cup home ties against EFL teams, averaging four or more goals per match.
• Plymouth’s Cup Run: Plymouth have battled through in previous rounds and travel with confidence despite their relegation battle in the Championship.
• Goal Glut: City averages around 3.5 goals per FA Cup tie this season and rarely slips up when heavily favoured.

Head-to-Head: These clubs haven’t clashed in decades, with no recent meetings for direct comparison. Historically, City have never lost at home to Plymouth.

Injuries and Team News:

• Manchester City: No significant injuries reported. Guardiola may rotate, with Stefan Ortega in goal and youngsters like Rico Lewis expected to feature. Erling Haaland could be rested on the bench.
• Plymouth Argyle: Likely to field their strongest XI. Conor Hazard is set to start in goal; no new injuries have been revealed.

Tactical Breakdown: City will press high and monopolise possession, creating overloads in midfield and punishing Plymouth’s defensive shape. Plymouth is expected to set up with five at the back, aiming to stay compact and hope for chances on the break or from set pieces. The gulf in class is substantial, and City’s attacking depth should prove decisive.

Scoreline Prediction: Manchester City 5-0 Plymouth Argyle

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Bet365 Odds: Manchester City 1/20 (1.05) – Draw 10/1 (11.00) – Plymouth 28/1 (29.00)

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: City to Win Both Halves & Over 3.5 Goals. Adding Phil Foden to score anytime offers further value.

FA Cup – Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Match Overview:

Newcastle United host Brighton & Hove Albion in what many consider the tie of the round. Both are Premier League clubs with ambitions of silverware. Newcastle’s recent form has dipped, while Brighton approach this fixture on a winning streak and looks poised to test the Magpies at St James’ Park.

Key Statistics:

• Newcastle’s Recent Wobble: They have lost three of their last four league matches, yet remain strong at home.
• Brighton’s Momentum: The Seagulls have recorded four consecutive wins in all competitions, scoring at least two goals in each.
• Head-to-Head Trends: Brighton have historically caused Newcastle problems, with the Seagulls unbeaten in three of their last encounters.

Head-to-Head: These sides have played out a series of tight matches, often ending in low-scoring draws or narrow wins. Brighton won 1-0 at St James’ Park earlier in the season, adding psychological confidence to the visitors.

Injuries and Team News:

• Newcastle: Alexander Isak took a knock but should feature. Sven Botman remains out, so Dan Burn likely partners Fabian Schär at centre-back. Joe Willock is fit again.
• Brighton: Captain Lewis Dunk is sidelined, James Milner is injured, and Igor Julio remains out. Kadioglu is also absent after recent surgery, leaving Adam Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke in defence.

Tactical Breakdown: Expect an intriguing midfield battle. Newcastle will look to exploit set pieces via Kieran Trippier’s delivery. Brighton prefer a fluid, possession-based approach, building from the back despite defensive absences. Both teams carry attacking threat, and a high-scoring affair is likely if neither can control midfield.

Scoreline Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Brighton (potentially heading into extra time)

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Bet365 Odds: Newcastle 5/4 (2.25) – Draw 12/5 (3.40) – Brighton 21/10 (3.10)

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Both Teams to Score Over 2.5 Goals. For a player angle, Alexander Isak to score anytime or Kaoru Mitoma to register a goal contribution offer good value.

FA Cup – Manchester United vs Fulham

Match Overview:

Manchester United continue their defence of the FA Cup against Fulham at Old Trafford in a repeat of an FA Cup game in 2023, which United won 3-1 after Fulham had two players sent off. United have struggled for consistency but remain dangerous at home. Fulham are enjoying a strong campaign, currently nine points clear of United in the Premier League table (14th vs 9th).

Key Statistics:

• Manchester United’s Home Run: Three wins in five home matches across all competitions.
• Fulham’s Away Form: Four consecutive away wins in all competitions, scoring in every trip but one (against Manchester United) this season.
• Head-to-Head Dominance: United have not lost to Fulham at Old Trafford since 2003.

Head-to-Head: United beat Fulham twice by 1-0 margins in the league this season. A recent FA Cup tie saw Fulham self-destruct with red cards when leading 1-0. Historically, Fulham rarely manage a result at Old Trafford, but their current form suggests a closer contest.

Injuries and Team News:

• Manchester United: Lisandro Martínez (knee), Amad Diallo Traore (ankle/foot), Luke Shaw (calf/shin/heel), and Jonny Evans (lower back) are all injured; return dates are uncertain. Patrick Dorgu Larsson is suspended. Kobbie Mainoo, Tobias Collyer, and Mason Mount are also injured, with no specific return dates. Altay Bayindir’s injury is unspecified.

• Fulham: Reiss Nelson (thigh injury, surgery, out until at least June 1, 2025); Harry Wilson (ankle/foot injury, surgery, expected return April 5, 2025); Kenny Tete (knee injury, out until at least April 1, 2025); Emile Smith Rowe (ankle/foot injury, 50% chance of return).

Tactical Breakdown: United, under manager Ruben Amorim, will likely employ a 5-2-2-1, relying on Bruno Fernandes for creativity. Fulham’s pressing game could unsettle United’s patched-up defence, and they have enough quality to punish errors on the break. The battle between Palhinha and United’s midfield is pivotal; if Fulham gain control, they can orchestrate quick transitions through Willian and Raúl Jiménez.

Scoreline Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (extra time possible)

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Bet365 Odds: Manchester United 27/20 (2.35) – Draw 5/2 (3.50) – Fulham 11/5 (3.10)

Betting Tip:

• Suggested Bet Builder: Both Teams to Score & Fulham +1 Handicap. If you fancy a goal scorer, Bruno Fernandes to score or assist and Willian to have 1+ shots on target are popular picks.