There’s plenty to look forward to this weekend, including a few potential giant-killings and some of the most historic English football clubs in action. Take a look at our FA Cup predictions to see how our experts think each club will get on.
Manchester United vs Leicester City
Manchester United and Leicester City kick off the FA Cup 4th round games, and it could be a welcome break from league action for both. Man Utd and Leicester have both endured disappointing Premier League campaigns so far, so this could be the perfect escape. Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford with the Foxes after a spell in caretaker charge of his former employers earlier this season. But it will be United who fancy their chances in this one.
- Manchester United to Win 2-0 – 13/2*
Leeds United vs Millwall
From an all-Premier League clash to an all-Championship game, Leeds United vs Millwall is an excellent chance for the winner to go on and net a tie against a top-flight outfit. Leeds have been flying in the league, and Millwall are adjusting to life under new manager Alex Neil, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Leeds are favourites, but Millwall have recruited well in the window, and Neil has plenty of know-how.
- Leeds to Win and BTTS – 11/4*
Leyton Orient vs Manchester City
It’s League One vs Premier League in Leyton Orient vs Manchester City, and while there’s never really a good time to play the reigning Premier League champions, this could be an opportunity for Orient. City, fresh off the back of a 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Arsenal, will be fragile, and all the pressure will be on them to right the wrong at the earliest opportunity, which happens to be against Richie Wellens’ team. There’s no pressure on the home team.
- Manchester City to Win and BTTS – 15/8*
Coventry City vs Ipswich Town
The result of Coventry City vs Ipswich Town will likely depend on the priorities of both teams. Coventry are quickly improving under new manager Frank Lampard and will fancy their chances of taking a Premier League scalp. Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich team are struggling in the top flight, and if they prioritise their relegation scrap, it could see them make a raft of changes, and this will play into Coventry’s hands if they go with a strong starting XI.
- Coventry City to Win in Extra Time – 21/2*
Everton vs Bournemouth
Another all-Premier League clash sees two in-form teams meet at Goodison Park. Everton vs Bournemouth is a mouth-watering tie because of how well both teams have been performing in recent weeks. They’ve both been picking up impressive wins and scoring plenty of goals, too, so neutrals will be hoping this continues in the FA Cup. You can expect David Moyes and Andoni Iraola to go strong with their lineups, as they will both fancy their chances of progressing.
- Bournemouth to Win and BTTS – 18/5*
Preston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers
Preston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers is Championship vs League One, and more importantly, second in League One. While North End are currently a midtable second-tier side, Wycombe continue to enjoy an excellent campaign in the third tier, and they will head to Deepdale confident of securing a result against a higher-division opponent. However, Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom has spoken of his love for the FA Cup, and will be out to make the next round.
- Wycombe Wanderers in Extra Time – 11/1*
Southampton vs Burnley
The tie between Southampton and Burnley in the FA Cup is highly likely to be a match between two teams who will be swapping divisions come the end of the season. Southampton need a miracle to survive in the top flight, while Burnley are looking good for promotion from the Championship. Southampton vs Burnley could be an opportunity for the Saints to make it two wins from two in all competitions and to build confidence, while Burnley will see this as a game they can win against Premier League opposition.
- Burnley to Win – 17/5*
Stoke City vs Cardiff City
Another all-Championship clash is Stoke City vs Cardiff City. Stoke and Cardiff aren’t enjoying the best of seasons in the second tier, which applies more so to the latter, who were on the end of a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Leeds United last time out. The FA Cup could be the break both teams need from their league campaigns, with the fixture providing the opportunity to progress to the next round and restore some good feeling.
- Stoke to Win and BTTS – 7/2*
Wigan Athletic vs Fulham
There are two divisions between Wigan Athletic and Fulham, and it’s fixtures like this that help keep the magic of the FA Cup alive. There won’t be many tipping the home team in Wigan vs Fulham to win. But as we’ve seen so many times before, anything can happen in the FA Cup. Fulham will be confident based on how well they’re performing in the Premier League this season. League One Wigan will give it all they’ve got, though.
- Fulham to Win 3-0 – 6/1*
Birmingham City vs Newcastle United
Birmingham City vs Newcastle United is another fixture between a League One outfit and a Premier League team, but with Birmingham sitting pretty at the top of the table and the confidence flowing, they will believe they’ve got what it takes to shoot down the Magpies, who are having a fantastic league campaign in their own right. The onus will be on Newcastle, who are seeking to win their first piece of silverware in decades.
- Half Time Draw/Full Time Newcastle – 10/3*
Brighton vs Chelsea
Brighton vs Chelsea in the FA Cup could prove to be the perfect warm-up for the two teams meeting in the Premier League the following week. Fixtures don’t often fall like this, but Brighton vs Chelsea will be a back-to-back game, and both matches will mean a lot to both teams. Brighton need to find their feet again after a 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out. And Chelsea are keen to prove they’re the real deal under Enzo Maresca.
- Brighton to Win 1-0 – 14/1
Blackburn Rovers vs Wolves
Ewood Park sees Premier League opposition visit on FA Cup weekend, with Blackburn Rovers vs Wolves likely to be a tight affair. John Eustace’s team are looking good for the playoffs in the Championship, and their manager was a target for Wolves once upon a time. Wolves have been one of the sides to struggle in the top flight this season, but they will feel they’ve got enough quality to see off the threat of Rovers.
- Matheus Cunha to score 2 or more – 18/5*
Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool
Plymouth Argyle will have to hope the magic of the FA Cup is real if they’re to be the winner in Plymouth vs Liverpool this weekend. Argyle have endured a torrid season in the Championship, while visitors Liverpool are looking like Premier League champions in waiting under manager Arne Slot. Argyle will be hoping to face a weakened team at Home Park, or it could prove to be a very long afternoon.
- Liverpool to Win 4-0 – 8/1*
Aston Villa vs Spurs
Aston Villa vs Spurs is an all-Premier League clash, and both teams won’t only fancy their chances of progressing but they will believe they can win the whole thing. Villa have flattered to deceive at times this season, especially on the back of Champions League games, while an injury crisis has ravaged Spurs’ campaign. However, both Unai Emery and Ange Postecoglu are proven trophy winners, and this will be an opportunity for both of them to move towards adding silverware to the trophy cabinet.
- Under 2.5 Goals – 13/8*
Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace
It’s League Two vs Premier League in Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace, a real FA Cup clash and what the competition is all about. Rovers are starting to purr under Grant McCann, and promotion to League One is on the cards. But they face very tough opposition in Palace, who will see advancing to the next round as a realistic prospect here, even if Oliver Glasner makes some changes to the starting XI. Could the magic of the cup play a part in this one?
- Eberechi Eze First Goal Scorer – 17/4*
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest will be an FA Cup battle between two teams in very different places right now. The Grecians are fighting to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap at the wrong end of League One, while Forest are surprisingly, and comfortably, positioned in the Premier League’s top four. You’d naturally expect Forest to run out winners, but could the long travel to Exeter and likely changes to the team have an impact?
- Nottingham Forest to Win 3-0 – 7/1*
