THOUSANDS of expectant Cherries fans are travelling up to watch the FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

Dozens of coaches lined up outside Goldsands Stadium to take around 6,000 supporters up to Birmingham for the historic fourth round tie.

See all the pictures of AFC Bournemouth fans setting off this morning in a gallery

Fan of more than 40 years Tim Goodchild was among those who watched Ted MacDougall score an iconic goal at Villa Park in 1972 – and is hoping for more of the same magic today.

“I was there when MacDougall and [Phil] Boyer and co were there – and MacDougall did the diving header,” he said.

“I reckon we are going to go up there and do what we usually do – and win.

“Yes we have had a little stumble [after recent defeats to Norwich and Leeds], but we can come out of that and give them a good shock.”

Richard Brown said he is also predicting an away win, adding: “I am thinking 2-0. We score goals and we are a very good footballing side. I think the boys can go out, play their football and enjoy themselves.”

Gary McMahon, who is travelling up with his dedicated family of Cherries fans, said: “After what happened yesterday, with all the upsets [Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs all lost], anything could happen. I can’t wait for it.

“And we are taking more fans away than we had as a home crowd two and a half years ago. It’s been such a journey and we’re all so excited.”

The teams have met only four times before, with Cherries having just one victory to their name, a 3-0 Division Three win in 1971.

The match kicks off at 3pm and you can keep up to date with live updates on our website later today.