In this blog, I'll preview all of the FA Cup 4th round ties and what I think their outcomes will be.
Torquay vs Crawley- The Gulls are enjoying a good second season back in the Football League under Paul Buckle and have come through some tricky tests already in the cup this year. They have seen off two League One teams in the form of Walsall & Carlisle and are not to be underestimated. Crawley of course, the Manchester City of non league, flying high in the Blue Square and having defeated Derby at home in the last round will be buzzing, but they have just come off the back of a tough game at Grimsby.
My Prediction is Torquay United 2-1 Crawley Town.
Watford vs Brighton & Hove Albion - The Hornets are one of the form teams at the moment, having won 6 out of their last 7 games, but losing away to Cardiff 4-2 on Saturday. Watford came through the last round by winning 4-1 against Hartlepool after being a goal down. Brighton, the leaders of League One having a great season, but like Watford lost their last game, 1-0 away to Brighton, although they did defeat last years finalists Portsmouth in the previous round. The possible sale of star player Elliot Bennett this week, could make be a devastating blow to their cup campaign and the league.
My Prediction is Watford 3-1 Brighton, Watford will have too much class for Gus Poyets men.
Bolton vs Wigan - An all Premiership affair here with Bolton in mid table whilst Wigan are fighting against relegation, they are currently in 18th. In the last round Bolton came through a potential banana skin tie to defeat York City 2-0 at the Reebok, whilst the Latics won a tricky game against Hull 3-2. The league meeting between the two ended 1-1 earlier in the season, but this is the cup and i think Bolton will have this game for breakfast.
My Prediction, Bolton Wanderers 3-0 Wigan Athletic, Owen Coyles men will outplay the Latics.
Arsenal vs Huddersfield - Two sided that play good football will meet at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime, as the two meet for the first time. Arsenal had to come through a difficult reply at Elland Road to get the, whilst The Terriers edged past brave Dover Athletic at the Galpharm, 2-0. Arsenal come in on a good run of form, with Van Persie scoring at will, Huddersfield drew 0-0 against Colchester on Saturday, I don't think Lee Clarkes men will be able to withstand Arsenals possession and speed.
My Prediction, Arsenal 4-1 Huddersfield Town, but they will make it difficult for Wengers men.
Fulham vs Tottenham - A Premiership London derby for this one, both teams have something to play for in the league, but both in different respects. Spurs beat fellow Londoners Charlton comfortably in the last round, whilst Fulham hit sorry Peterborough for six, this may well prove to be an intriguing game.The added presence of TV coverage for this one, but Fulham have a pretty poor home record this term and may struggle depending on what side Spurs put out.
My Prediction, Fulham 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur, a reply needed for this one.
Everton vs Chelsea - Possibly the game of the round, although it may not seem like it. Both teams struggling in the league, Chelsea on a poor run of form and Everton to close to the bottom 3 for comfort. In the last round the Toffees overcame Scunthorpe 1-5 away from home with ease, Chelsea defeated managerless Ipswich 7-0 at Stamford Bridge. This one is a tough one to call, with Everton capable of being very good at times and yet so poor on others. If Chelseas big names come to the party this could be a long day for Everton, but I'm going on the assumption that they won't.
My Prediction, Everton 1-0 Chelsea.
Southampton vs Man Utd - This is one of the better ties of the round, with both teams capable of winning this I feel. Southampton are a great well organised side, I've seen them first hand, they have the ability to run teams ragged, if Oxlade Chamberlain & Lallana are on their game, United full backs could have a torrid time. In the last round Saints beat a reserve Blackpool team 2-0 at St Marys, United beat Liverpool courtesy of a controversial penalty in the opening seconds. The Red Devils are on a good run of form, but this result may well hinge on what sort of team Sir Alex puts out, make no mistake the atmosphere at St Mary's will be electric, I can see Southampton nicking a reply here.
My Prediction, Southampton 2-2 Manchester United
Swansea vs Leyton Orient - This game should really be a formality, but yet i sense an unlikely upset may be on the cards. Swansea have a great home record and destroyed Colchester 4-0 at home in the last round, they way they have been playing they should have too much class for the League One O's. This is the FA Cup remember and Orient have carved their way through playing 5 games along the way, the highlight beating Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road in the last round. They will come in off of a sensational 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, if Alex Revell is on form, this could be an interesting one. I still fancy the Jacks to win it, possibly at a canter, but anything is liable to happen.
The last 8 ties I'll post tomorrow
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