The home side is in financial dire straits. They may see the cup as an opportunity to collect some cash, or it could be an unwanted distraction at this time when  they are sliding down the Championship table so dangerously. They are only 1 point above the relegation zone as we speak. They hoist another struggler; Reading in 3 days time, and then play hosts to Coventry in the weekend, and I guess the Championship points will be more important to them yet.
 
Aston Villa Gradually lost their charm in EPL, and although theoretically they can still become 4th on the table if they manage tow in their game in hand, the TWO games in hand for Man City make it look more likely that Villa will settle for a Europa League finish this season.
 
The Villans are undefeated in 9 games, but they have drawn 3 of their last 4. Mind you, they were up against Arsenal, Tottenham and Man Utd in these 3 draws.
 
Still, their last visit to Selhurst Park hold bad memories as they lost by 0-2 here in 2005, and generally speaking Villa do not enjoy playing at Crystal Palace (0-4-3 from the last 7, with their last win here dating back to 1980).
 
Both played in the midweek, and while Palace lost at home to Swansea, Villa strived to earn a well deserved draw to Man Utd, also at home. It could mean though that O’Neill will be resting some of his regulars ahead of the home game vs Burnley in the weekend, as Villa desperately need the points to stay close to a CL spot finish.
 
Warnock is short of fit defenders in his squad, and Lee Hills is cup-tied.
 
In spite of it all, Villa are the stronger side here and should get the job done. I question their motives though as they are already in one cup final, and I doubt they need another, as they are guaranteed at least a place in the Europa League anyway by now.
 
Maybe the odds on the home win will tempt me after all. I do not particularly have a special fondness of this conclusion, but it’s all about the odds non-the-less.
 
Pick:
 
Crystal Palace 0 A.H. @ 4.00 w/ VcBet