No shocks at Villa Park for Stevenage
League Two outfit Stevenage will be hoping for another FA Cup third round shock when they arrive at Villa Park to take on mid-table Premier League side Aston Villa. The hosts look like they've turned a corner under new boss Unai Emery, and he'll be keen to avoid another surprise result in this year's competition. Read our preview here:
That Ings you do
Though linked with a move away from Birmingham this month, Danny Ings looks set to stay in a claret and blue shirt, at least for the time being. The striker came off the bench to steal a point in the local derby with Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, and will lead the line in a much changed XI for the cup clash.
My love is a red, red Rose
Meanwhile, Stevenage are in a strong second and automatic promotion place in League Two, only behind runaway leaders Leyton Orient under the auspices of controversial manager Steve Evans. The veteran head coach kept them in the EFL in 2021/2022 and is now successfully ensuring they're at the business end of the table. Goals are remarkably evenly distributed across the squad, but he'll be looking to the duo of Danny Rose and Luke Norris first and foremost to get the better of their hosts in the air.
Betting tip
It will take more time than most Villains would want for Emery to stamp his authority on the club, and that might be the case in this game, too. Parimatch have odds of 4.20 for it to be a draw at half-time, with the quality the home side have in abundance eventually telling at the full-time whistle.
