Quick Read
- Aston Villa hosts Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round today, February 14, 2026.
- Kick-off is at 5:45 p.m. GMT (12:45 p.m. ET) at Villa Park.
- Both teams face significant injury challenges, with key players sidelined for the crucial match.
- Aston Villa is currently third in the Premier League, while Newcastle sits tenth.
- The match is available for live streaming on ESPN+ in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
BIRMINGHAM (Azat TV) – Aston Villa and Newcastle United are set to clash today in a highly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round tie at Villa Park, with both English Premier League teams grappling with significant injury lists that promise to test their squad depth. The midday kick-off (12:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. GMT) pits third-place Villa against mid-table Newcastle in a contest analysts predict will be fiercely competitive, with a coveted spot in the next round on the line.
The match, taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, is one of just two all-Premier League matchups at this stage of the competition, drawing considerable attention from football enthusiasts globally. For Aston Villa, currently third in the Premier League, this FA Cup run follows their impressive semi-final appearance last season. Newcastle United, meanwhile, sits 10th in the league but is eager to build on their Carabao Cup triumph last season, aiming for another major trophy.
FA Cup Showdown: Villa vs. Newcastle
Aston Villa enters this critical FA Cup fixture with confidence, having defeated Newcastle United 2-0 just three weeks ago in a league encounter. Under manager Unai Emery, the Villans have demonstrated strong form, particularly at home. However, their path to the fourth round saw them make somewhat more comfortable work of Tottenham with a 2-1 victory than the scoreline might suggest, according to DraftKings Network.
Newcastle United, led by Eddie Howe, arrives at Villa Park following a morale-boosting 2-1 away win against Tottenham in midweek Premier League action. Despite their inconsistent league campaign, the Magpies showcased resilience by surviving a dramatic third-round tie against Bournemouth, ultimately winning on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Howe has emphasized the importance of a strong cup run, stating, “It is amazing that it can change the perspective of everyone. I get asked a lot about the FA Cup. Our attitude is to win.”
Injury Woes and Tactical Shifts for Villa and Newcastle
Both managers face considerable selection headaches due to extensive injury lists. Aston Villa will be without key players John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, and Andres Garcia, all sidelined with various ailments. However, there is positive news with 19-year-old winger Alysson, signed from Brazilian side Gremio in January, expected to feature after recovering from a knee problem. Villa head coach Unai Emery has made seven changes to the team that started against Brighton, with Marco Bizot, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof, Lucas Digne, Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey, and Tammy Abraham all starting.
Newcastle’s injury crisis is equally severe, with inspirational captain Bruno Guimarães facing an 8-10 week layoff due to a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Tottenham game. Joelinton remains a doubt with an ongoing groin issue, while Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth are also sidelined. Lewis Miley is unlikely to be risked given the team’s looming schedule. Eddie Howe has made six changes from the Tottenham match, bringing in Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, and William Osula. This extensive rotation highlights the strategic importance managers place on squad depth amidst a demanding fixture list.
Road to the Fourth Round and Historic Clashes
This match marks the seventh time Aston Villa and Newcastle United have met in the FA Cup since their first encounter on February 16, 1895, a game Villa famously won 7-1. Historically, these FA Cup clashes have often been significant; in five of the previous six seasons these two teams have met, the winner has either reached the final or been a finalist, notes The Guardian. Newcastle last lifted the FA Cup in 1955, while Aston Villa’s most recent triumph came two years later in 1957, adding a layer of historical weight to today’s contest.
Tactically, Aston Villa has shown defensive prowess this season, conceding the third-fewest goals in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez earning acclaim as arguably the best in England. Their attack, however, ranks 12th in expected goals. Newcastle, conversely, boasts strength from set-pieces, recording the most expected goals in such situations, but has been vulnerable defensively, conceding 37 goals this season.
Viewing Options and Match Predictions
Football fans across the globe have several options to watch today’s FA Cup fourth-round match. In the United States, the game will air live on ESPN Plus. UK viewers can tune into BBC 1 for free-to-air coverage, or stream online via BBC iPlayer. Pay-TV subscribers in the UK can also watch on TNT Sports 3. Canadian fans can catch the action on Sportsnet, while those in Australia can stream via Stan Sport, according to CNET.
Betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook position Aston Villa as favorites at +120, with Newcastle United at +195 and a draw at +270. USA Today predicts a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa, citing their recent success against Newcastle and overall strong form. Analysts also suggest a best bet on Emiliano Martínez making 4+ saves, given Newcastle’s attacking threats.
The extensive injury woes plaguing both Aston Villa and Newcastle United underscore the physical demands of English football’s packed schedule, forcing managers Unai Emery and Eddie Howe to lean heavily on squad rotation and tactical adaptability in their pursuit of FA Cup glory.