FA Cup 4th round preview

Now that the replays are taken care of, it’s time to look forward to the 4th round of the FA Cup.

QPR v Chelsea
Until Neil Warnock’s untimely demise from the Queens Park Rangers hot seat, the fixture between QPR and Chelsea looked a forgone conclusion for the Stamford Bridge club. Now ex Chelsea star mark Hughes, who has more than enough FA cup pedigree is in the QPR managers job, this could be a tasty local derby. A lot will depend on who Hughes can bring in and whether or not he can motivate his squad for the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if the home team spring a surprise against their more illustrious opponents.

Liverpool v Manchester United
Liverpool versus Manchester United is always more than just another game. With the recent Luis Suarez suspension for racism against Patrice Evra, United are certainly in for a hostile reception when they take to the Anfield turf. Don’t forget United managed a draw away to their bitter rivals earlier in the season and Liverpool have the worst chances taken ratio in the Premier League. I think the Manchester club willo be victorious.

Blackpool v Sheffield
Blackpool versus Sheffield Wednesday is an interesting fixture as both clubs may be concentrating on their respective leagues. Home advantage should just make the difference but if there is to be an upset then this could be the game.

Bolton v Swansea City
Bolton against Swansea is a game where Swansea can rest key players and play some of their fringe squad. Bolton will be keen to avoid injuries to their key men as they look to avoid the drop from the Premier League. Another tie where both could rest a lot of players but I think the Welsh side could come out on top in this one.

Derby County v Stoke City
Derby versus Stoke should be a good game. Stoke are one of the toughest teams to beat in the Premier League but will surely rest key players for this match. Derby may have a chance in this one and a lot will depend on how much both teams want it. Don’t forget Stoke’s run to last seasons final and this may just swing the balance in their favour.

Hull City v Crawley Town
Hull against Crawley Town could just be the upset of the round. I travelled up for last seasons game against Manchester United and the Sussex Red Devils won’t fear the Championship side. They gained many fans for the way they approached last seasons cup run and I have a sneaky suspicion that Crawley could find themselves in round 5 once again.

Leicester City v Swindon Town
Leicester against Swindon may not jump out at the average football fan. This clash between two former Premier League sides has one element guaranteed to make it exciting. One name that makes everyone take notice. Swindon manager Paulo di Canio. With him on the sidelines absolutely anything is possible. Leicester will be up for this one though and both teams will be full out for a win and hoping for a big Premier League tie in the next round.

Millwall v Southampton
Millwall against Southampton does not jump off the page to me in any shape or form. This match does guarantee a Championship side will be in the 5th round and based on the league table you would guess the South club would win but to be honest there is less romance in this tie than in Jordan’s married life.

Stevenage v Notts County
Stevenage versus Notts County is an all League 1 affair. It keeps some magic in the cup in the knowledge that at least one team from outside the top two divisions is guaranteed to be in the 5th round hat. On league form you would guess Stevenage will be the winners but as you allknow in the FA cup nothing is guaranteed.

West Brom v Norwich City
West Brom against Norwich could just be one of those games. The canaries look set for a decent finish in their first season back in the top flight while the Baggies, although not flirting with relegation, are not as assured of themselves. Norwich could rest a few but Paul Lambert may go the other way and full out for the win. A tough match to call but another guarantee is there will be one less Premier League side to contend with in the next round.

Sheffield United v Birmingham City
Sheffield United face an interesting tie against Birmingham and with home advantage will fancy another round. They seem to be determined in having a good finish to a season marred by the loss of Gary Speed. Birmingham face yet another game in a season that just keeps on giving them extra fixture congestion. It would be no surprise if Chris Hughton fields the youth team as his main priority is still Championship playoffs. All that combined could pave way for a Sheffield United victory.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United
Brighton host Premier League Newcastle in what promises to be an intriguing game. Newcastle have enjoyed a good season and despite a blip when key defenders were out they still sit high amongst the Premier League elite. Manager Alan Pardew can afford to go for the cup in the knowledge that they should acquire enough points from now till the end of the season to be safe. Brighton have struggled after a good start to the season and although a playoff place is within touching distance it may be a season to soon for them so manager Gus Poyet may fancy a crack at a cup run.

Sunderland v Middlesbrough
A real ding dong derby as Sunderland take on Middlesbrough. It is hard to look past Martin O’Neill’s men for this one. They have looked a completely different team since his arrival and should they win as we all expect, they won’t fear anyone in the next round and will fancy their chances if they get a home tie.

Arsenal v Aston Villa
The final tie of the round sees Arsenal take on Aston Villa. Another Premier League side will fall and can Alex McLeish mastermind another famous win against Arsenals dodgy defence. It was his Birmingham side that beat the Gunners in last seasons Carling Cup final. Arsenal may be relying on Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie a little to much but the curse of the Emirates may be lifted for one more game. Arsenal have not won a trophy since moving into their new home and all assosiated with the club will be striving to change that.