Emery hails Brighton win, eyes Newcastle cup test
Villa join Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern in chasing RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, priced around €60m. The 23-year-old centre-back is highly rated after impressing at Lyon and Leipzig.
Villa complete rainy Bodymoor Heath session before Saturday’s 17:45 FA Cup fourth-round clash with Newcastle at Villa Park, targeting a place in round five.
Emery backs returning Douglas Luiz to regain form after loans and hails winger Alysson’s ‘huge potential’. Both featured in Villa’s 1-0 win at Brighton as injuries bite in midfield and attack.
Villa and Newcastle track Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, 26. With his deal expiring, Villa seek right-back depth and Champions League-chasing appeal could aid their push.
Emery lauds a ‘very important’ 1-0 win at Brighton, citing resilience, set-pieces and Tyrone Mings’ goal as Villa moved to 50 points and sought to rebuild energy, confidence and home form.
With Matty Cash sidelined by knee inflammation, right-back Andres Garcia is urged to seize minutes once fit. Villa’s injury list includes Tielemans, McGinn and Kamara, straining Emery’s options.
Former scout Bryan King tips Tammy Abraham to start vs Newcastle in the FA Cup after talks with Unai Emery. Abraham has 109 minutes since rejoining from Besiktas and could partner Villa’s bid for round five.
FA Cup fourth round at Villa Park. Villa miss Tielemans, McGinn, Kamara, with Luiz and Barkley back. Bogarde set for right-back. Watkins or Abraham to lead the line against injury-hit Newcastle.
FA Cup trip to Villa Park. Newcastle sweat on Bruno Guimaraes, with Joelinton out. Predicted XI lists Trippier and Botman. Villa, third and unbeaten in three vs Newcastle, pose a stern test.
Villa and Chelsea made January enquiries for Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall but were rebuffed. Villa called after Spurs beat them to Conor Gallagher. Bergvall, under contract to 2031, is out with an ankle injury.
Villa set to breach UEFA Squad Cost Ratio again after 2025 €6m fine. 70% cap and drop from Champions League to Europa League cited. No breach of UEFA football earnings rule, PSR aided by £55m WSL sale.
