A tribute to our former midfielder ahead of our meeting with Cardiff City

The FA Cup fifth round kicks off on Friday as Aston Villa host Cardiff City for a place in the quarter-final stage, as we continue on a season of change in the world's oldest cup competition

Aston Villa's FA Cup fifth round clash with Cardiff will make history as semi-automated offside technology will be in place for the first time, with the new system being trialled

The forward talks about her 1km a day challenge for Dementia UK after her grandmother was diagnosed and how it has allowed her to slow down and think about life Hugo is excited. He has not been out for a walk yet and is joining the on-the-go interview with his owner, the Aston Villa forward Kirsty Hanson. We are strolling around the park near the 26-year-old’s house. Hugo may be bouncing, and greeting as many dogs as he can, but our starting topic is less joyful. I have joined Hanson on a particularly crisp day in the Midlands as she takes part in Dementia UK’s Walk 1k a Day in February challenge. Hanson’s reason for taking part in the campaign was explained in three words on social media as she promoted her participation: “For my Gran.” “My granny was diagnosed in 2022,” says Hanson, as we veer off a path and on to the grass. “I thought it was such a good issue to campaign for. I also thought it would be good for my family. Continue reading...

VAR is back (to save us all), Plymouth are plotting another upset and Cardiff’s Anwar El Ghazi returns to Villa Park The trip to Aston Villa looks tricky for Cardiff City, whose main focus is avoiding relegation to League One. Anwar El Ghazi, at least, was delighted with the draw. The Dutchman spent four years at Villa, clinching promotion at Wembley at the end of a loan season in 2018-19 before a permanent move from Lille. El Ghazi scored Villa’s first goal in a playoff final victory over Derby, with John McGinn and Tyrone Mings the only survivors from that team. Both clubs’ futures hinged on that game under the arch: Derby spiralled and faced administration before dropping into the third tier. El Ghazi can count on a hero’s welcome at Villa Park on Friday. Villa, who will visit Club Brugge for a Champions League last 16 first-leg tie on Tuesday, hope to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since ending as runners-up to Arsenal 10 years ago. Ben Fisher Aston Villa v Cardiff, Friday 8pm (all times GMT) Crystal Palace v Millwall, Saturday 12.15pm Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm Manchester City v Plymouth, Saturday 5.45pm Continue reading...

Marcus Rashford is prepared to make his Aston Villa loan move permanent, while Liverpool have a growing interest in Alexander Isak.

Marcus Rashford is ready to turn his Aston Villa loan into a permanent switch after impressing in his early weeks with Unai Emery's side as he puts his Manchester United struggles behind him

Everything you need to know ahead of Friday's FA Cup clash at Villa Park

Manager Unai Emery says Aston Villa are "not a contender" to win the FA Cup this season.

The manager previews our fifth round clash against the Bluebirds

Unai Emery gives an injury update ahead of FA Cup encounter

Club celebrates Unite For Access campaign

The FA Cup continues with fifth round action, as such, Sky Sports football journalists are back to analyse some of the key talking points with Man Utd, Man City, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Brighton amongst those in action

Episode Nine of The Official Aston Villa Podcast out now