What a difference a week makes. Aston Villa looked like relegation candidates after a poor run of form throughout December and January, although the signature of Darren Bent has signalled a change in fortunes.

Last weekend’s win over Manchester City was followed up by a 2-1 win at Wigan on Tuesday night and the Villans will approach this FA Cup match full of confidence as Gerard Houllier looks to go one better than Martin O’Neill did last season by winning a trophy.

Bent will actually be cup-tied for this game, although Gabriel Agbonlahor should be a threat after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season at the DW Stadium and Houllier is feeling good about the remainder of the season.

Houllier said: “The Manchester City game was very important psychologically for us, for many reasons. But we have got to stay focused and keep working, we don’t take anything for granted in this league. Any team can beat any team. All I know is we are physically fitter and stronger and mentally stronger as well.”

Meanwhile, Blackburn are also looking strong under Steve Kean and were full value for their 2-0 win over West Brom on Sunday, with Rovers having won three of their past four matches.

Jermaine Jones is on loan at Ewood Park from Schalke and the manager was delighted with the midfielder’s debut, stating: “His passing and the way he kept the ball for us as well was fantastic. He was a £10million player before his last injury and, with his performance today (Sunday) and another couple of games under his belt, I think he’ll be fantastic for us.”

Match odds:

Aston Villa, 5/6 with Paddy Power

Draw, 11/4 with Victor Chandler

Blackburn, 18/5 with Victor Chandler