Aston Villa return to Carabao Cup action once again on Wednesday night as they take on Crystal Palace.
Unai Emery was able to guide the Birmingham outfit into the fourth round after they overcame League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers 2-1.
Their form continued to blossom after this victory, with the club currently sitting fourth in the Premier League and top of the Champions League table.
Therefore, many of the Villa Park faithful are hopeful that this can continue in the Carabao Cup, a competition which is highly winnable for the Villains this season.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez has reiterated his desire to win a trophy at Villa many times this season. However, in order to do this, the club must achieve a feat that they have only completed once in the last 11 years.
Aston Villa are aiming to reach the fifth round of the Carabao Cup for the second time in 12 years
Over recent years, Villa have not found success in the Carabao Cup. Since their semi-final defeat to Bradford City in the 2012/13 campaign, the club have suffered a series of embarrassing defeats. This includes losses against Leyton Orient, Luton Town and Burton Albion.
Therefore, the club typically hasn’t progressed far. In 10 of the last 11 seasons, Villa haven’t even reached the fifth round of the competition.
The exception to this was their standout run in the 2019/20 season which saw them reach the final before they were defeated by Man City.
Emery now has a chance to break this curse on Wednesday and reach the fifth round for the first time in five years.
Aston Villa will be expected to go far in the Carabao Cup
Going into Wednesday’s match, there will be an expectation for Villa to progress with ease against Crystal Palace.
The Eagles only won their first Premier League game of the season on the weekend and currently sit 17th in the table.
Despite all of Emery’s achievements, one thing he is missing is a trophy. The Carabao Cup presents a perfect opportunity for the Spaniard to achieve this and cement this legacy.
Hopefully, the hosts do not disappoint and cruise to another easy victory at Villa Park.
