F.A cup preview...

WHETHER THE F.A CUP has lost its glamour and respect over the last few years has yet to be seen, but with the Quarter Finals of this prestigious event looming, spectators and supporters alike will be screaming for an upset.

The weekend’s activities begin with a double header of viewing. Championship side Coventry will be up for the challenge against Chelsea’s billionaires in the earlier kick-off on Saturday afternoon. Having already defeated Premier League strugglers Blackburn in the last round, will have given Chris Coleman’s side a huge boost and this cup test will come as a welcome relief from the league. Effectively rooted to a mid-table finish, Coventry’s only aspirations this season will arrive from the F.A cup. However a more favourable draw could have been handy for the Sky Blues who shouldn’t expect much from the visiting Londoners. Gus Hiddink has pulled his lacklustre side back into the title race (if only just) and a single goal against Juventus has given them the edge in their Champions league tie. Leapfrogging Liverpool in the league and now only seven points behind leaders Manchester United, Chelsea are back on track and challenging on three fronts. I wouldn’t expect the Dutchman to produce his strongest team for his trip to the midlands, however, surely with the main focus on the trip to Turin.

Fulham vs. Manchester United. An all Premiership clash and one that COULD go right down to the wire. Fulham have been great at home but poor away (luckily the tie is at home then). The mid-week loss to Hull was a surprising result, given the two team’s recent form and one that the squad will want to bounce back from, quickly. Hodgson has done at remarkable job at Craven Cottage and with limited resources too. The board received a lot of slack when he was appointed and his hiring was a surprise to most. However, he kept the London side up and has taken them to the top 10 of the Premiership. Manchester United on the other hand are in sensational form and how they didn’t score against Inter Milan in anyone’s guess. Top of the league and aiming for an amazing quintuple, United are playing well and getting the right results. A top defence and creative midfield has made their season and the early poor form is well and truly in the past. Like Chelsea, I can’t see the strongest of teams played in this tie, with Fergusons mind surely set on the return visit of Milan.

Turn the clock back 12 years. The F.A cup final is competed between Middlesbrough and Chelsea. 90 minutes later and Chelsea have secured a 2-0 victory sealing Middlesbrough’s fate, with no cup success and relegation from the top flight. Back to present time – could history be repeated? Middlesbrough are having a seemingly decent cup run, but remain in relegation worry. Knocking out in-form West Ham in the previous round, Gareth Southgate’s side have a genuine chance of reaching the semi’s – if only a trip to Goodison wasn’t standing in their way. The Toffee’s take up 6^th place in the league and sit only four points off Arsenal. A conundrum and a half for David Moyes. Should he focus on cup success or on knocking Arsenal out of the final European spot? This all Premier League clash should be quite a contest and I would expect a few younger players to be given a chance. A narrow win either way.

The last Quarter Final tie to be discussed is between Arsenal and Burnley. Injuries have dominated the news from The Emirates, especially in the attacking department. Fabregas, Adebayor and Rosicky are all definitely out, while doubts remain over Eduardo. The only positive is the return of Theo Walcott. Arsene Wenger admitted recently that Arsenal’s goal scoring problems will need to be put to an end if they are to overhaul Villa in the league. The Villains remain six points ahead with 10 games remaining, so expect the battle to be fierce. Championship side Burnley on the other hand are in a rich vein of form and are just outside of the play-off positions. The team has improved as the season has progressed losing only one in eight. Taking points off league giants Wolverhampton and Birmingham has boosted their promotion bid and maybe the F.A cup tie can provide some light before the following hectic weeks.

F.A Cup predictions:

1- Coventry vs. Chelsea -3

Chelsea should take the win here and progress at Coventry’s expense. Maybe a consolation goal for the Sky Blues but nothing more.

0- Fulham vs. Manchester United -2

United’s form will continue this weekend and even with a weakened starting eleven, they should overcome Fulham and maintain their quintuple hopes.

2- Arsenal vs. Burnley -1

Arsenals slump has to end sometime. They won in mid-week comfortably against West Brom but Burnley will tougher.

1- Everton vs. Middlesbrough -1

A tricky tie but I’m going with a draw. Neither side will field their strongest team. I expect a game with few chances.