THE English Premier League (EPL) takes a back seat to the world’s oldest club competition. Teams line up for the fourth round of the FA Cup with a few minnows eyeing a major scalp.
In the early Saturday morning kick-offs, Villa and Chelsea played out a scoreless draw, necessitating a replay. Bristol will also get a second chance at creating an upset after holding Nottingham Forest to a nil-nil.
Meanwhile, the clash between Spurs and Manchester City saw the North Londoners succumb to a solitary goal by Nathan Ake. FocusM take a look at the other cup ties lined up for the weekend.
Ipswich Town v Maidstone (Sat, 8.30pm)
This season’s “magic of the FA Cup” is being provided by non-league Maidstone who disposed of higher-up Stevenage in the last round. They now get a chance at even bigger fish in the shape of Ipswich Town who currently sit second in the championship and are poised for a return to the Premiership.
Maidstone players and fans will be hoping that the promotion chase will distract the Tractor Boys and allow them to create an upset.
Everton v Luton (Sat, 11pm)
With both sides mired in a relegation scrap, the FA Cup can provide a useful distraction as well as act as a much-needed confidence booster. Ross Barkley returns to his boyhood club and is finally showing signs of form that eluded him during spells at Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nice.
But belatedly, at the age of 30, the Merseysider is finally living up to the hype. It would be incredible irony if it was he who knocked the Toffees out of the FA Cup.
Sheffield United v Brighton & Hove Albion (Sat, 11pm)
Sheffield United are propping up the Premier League table at the moment and are seven points adrift of safety. The Blades also face relegation-threatened Crystal Palace next weekend. The issue is whether Chris Wilder will rotate to keep his players fresh for that relegation six-pointer or if he will try to build momentum with a decent cup run.
Brighton have ambitions further up the table and are eyeing a European place again, meaning Roberto De Zerbi might also rotate to keep his squad fresh.
Fulham v Newcastle (Sun, 3am)
Marco Silva will be hoping his players take the pain of the League Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool in midweek and turn it into something positive in the FA Cup. He will expect better application and better finishing to avoid another disappointing cup exit in a week.
After a bright start, Newcastle’s season is floundering, slipping down the table, and getting dumped out of Europe. The Magpies desperately need a trophy, and the FA Cup is their last chance of one this campaign.
West Bromwich Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Sun, 7.45pm)
Nothing quite like a derby to further spice up a cup tie. Sparks have flown in the Black Country derby and the Baggies will be hoping home advantage will allow them to beat the odds against their premiership neighbours. Albion are chasing promotion in the Championship and Wolves have an outside chance of a European spot, so both teams are in decent form.
Both sets of supporters will demand 100% commitment from the players. Expect a blood and thunder cup tie.
Liverpool v Norwich (Sun, 10.30pm)
Liverpool supporters are still coming to terms with Jurgen Klopp’s sudden announcement that he was stepping down at the end of the season. The German implored fans and players to “try squeeze everything out of the season” which means the Canaries can expect a totally fired-up Anfield for this one.
It will be an emotional affair as the campaign now becomes one long farewell to the hugely popular Klopp, with Liverpool still in the hunt for four trophies this season.
Newport County v Manchester United (Mon, 12.30am)
Banana skin time as Newport County look to upset a premiership giant in the FA Cup. Newport is in financial difficulty and this tie alone has brought in a healthy amount of funds. A decent cup run will go a long way towards alleviating their money woes and a handsome win bonus will hopefully inspire the home side.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s only realistic chance of silverware is the FA Cup which should be enough to motivate the players, but it’s hard to predict which team will show up. – Jan 27, 2023
Main photo credit: The FA of England
