Albrighton: FA Cup Wide Open

Both Chelsea and Manchester City exited at the fourth round stage at the hands of Bradford City and Middlesbrough respectively, meaning that the remaining sides are feeling a little more confident about their own chances. 

The semi-finals of the tournament are at Wembley, which means the winner of City’s fifth round tie at Villa on Sunday afternoon will be just one win from a match at the famous stadium. 

Recalling the moment he heard about some of the fourth round shocks, Albrighton told Foxes Player: “Whether it’s a league game or a cup game it’s the first thing we look at when we get back in the dressing room – the other results. 

“We saw the other scores in the last round and that a few big teams had gone out. It’s a competition where a number of teams are looking at it and thinking ‘we can do well in this competition’ and we’re no exception. 

“It has opened up, without doubt. Anyone can go on and win this now. There are obviously a couple of big teams left in, and you’re not going to get an easy game, because no matter who you play, they’re going to be up for it because they’ll be thinking the same thing that we are.” 

Villa coaches Scott and Andy Marshall will be taking City's opponents on Sunday afternoon after the club parted company with manager Paul Lambert during the week. However former Villa winger Albrighton is sure that the players will be as motivated as ever to seal a win in front of their own supporters. 

He added: “I think their players there will just be thinking that potential new managers are going to be watching on and they’ve got to perform if they’ve got any chance of staying in the team when the new manager comes in. 

“It’s going to be a difficult test, because they are going to be up for it, and the fans too. It’s going to be a good atmosphere and a good occasion. 

“I think it’s another game that you look to go and win. If you can get that winning mentality, no matter what competition it’s in, it’s always good. 

“If we’re failing to do that in the league, then the cup is something we can use to bounce back. If we can get a win this weekend then it’ll give us confidence, it won’t damage anything in the camp, so it’s always a positive to get a win no matter what the competition.”