Unai Emery has refused to use Aston Villa’s packed final two months of the season as an excuse for whatever lies ahead. Instead, the Villa boss is embracing the busy schedule, welcoming the challenge of playing so many fixtures in the coming weeks.

Former Aston Villa player Ian Taylor told BBC 5 Live Breakfast he believes Unai Emery is "one of the best out there" after the Spaniard oversaw his side's 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Championship side Preston North End. Having not taken home the FA Cup since 1957, Taylor is hoping his old team can make it happen in May.

Unai Emery feels his Aston Villa team are in great shape as they set their sights firmly on silverware. Villa moved a step closer to a first major trophy success since 1996 as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 victory at Sky Bet Championship club Preston on Sunday.