Former Newcastle star has backed Aston Villa to win the FA Cup ahead of Manchester City | OneFootball

Former Newcastle United star Alan Shearer has backed Aston Villa to win the FA Cup this season.

With Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United out of the competition, Manchester City are the biggest threat to Villa. However, Shearer believes Villa can lift the trophy.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the 54-year-old said: “Villa have got really good attacking options – Unai Emery can swap them around like he has done.

“I would perhaps have Villa as favourites for this competition now. If they can get one or two defenders back from the treatment room, they will be hard to beat.

“I know it’s away from home, but with their draw against Preston – they can’t really complain about that. I quite fancy Villa. They could have an unbelievable season – one to remember.

“They’re going well in the Champions League and are close to that top-four in the Premier League.

“If they can just get one or two players back, it could be a great finish to the season. Those January signings have served them well and will do for the rest of the season.”

Villa have been underwhelming in the league this season. They were defeated 4-1 at Crystal Palace in their most recent outing.

However, the FA Cup offers a realistic route to silverware for Villa, and it would be no surprise if they emerged victorious on May 17.