FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
This coming weekend in England sees the Fourth Round of the FA Cup contested. 32 teams remain in the competition and will battle it out for a place in the fifth round.
The full set of fixtures, complete with dates and kick off times are outlined below. We have also given you a quick preview of the game and our tip for which team will progress.
Kick off time is 3pm unless otherwise stated.
FA Cup 4th Round Fixtures & Tips
Friday 13th February
- Hull City v Chelsea (7.45pm)
Liam Rosenior returns to one of his former clubs, where he featured as a player and a manager. He has made a good start as Chelsea boss and this will be a tough trip to a Hull side flying high in the Championship, but Chelsea should have enough quality to land the win.
Tip – Chelsea wins in the 90 minutes.
- Wrexham v Ipswich Town (7.45pm)
Both these teams may have promotion to the Premier League more as a target than FA Cup success, both have been in solid form of late so expect this to be a close one.
Tip – Draw at 90 minutes, Ipswich win in extra time.
Saturday 14th February
- Burton Albion v West Ham United (12.15pm)
This looks like a tricky game for West Ham on paper. Burton are improving after a poor start to the season, but so are West Ham and the weekend win at Burnley should give them the confidence to take the win here.
Tip – West Ham to win a close contest.
- Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich beat WBA 5-0 away from home just a few weeks back so this is a game they will expect to win against a West Brom side who are struggling badly at the present moment in time.
Tip – Back in-form Norwich for a comfortable win.
- Southampton v Leicester City
Two teams that look well-matched. Leicester have suffered a points deduction in the league so will want to do well here. This may be a closely fought contest with extra time and penalties needed to decide the winner.
Tip – Draw but Leicester to prevail on penalties.
- Burnley v Mansfield Town
Burnley’s poor league form means Mansfield may feel they have a chance here. However, the gulf in class between the two should be evident so I expect Burnley to move into the next round comfortably.
Tip – Burnley to progress comfortably after 90 minutes.
- Port Vale v Bristol City
League One Port Vale have struggled this season and it is a surprise to see them this deep in the competition. Bristol City’s form has improved of late, so back the Robins to take the win.
Tip – Bristol City to earn the victory.
- Manchester City v Salford City
Man City scored ten in the previous round of the competition against Exeter City. Salford are ranked even lower in the league, but this derby game will be fierce, but expect an easy win for the home side.
Tip – Man City to win comfortably.
- Aston Villa v Newcastle United (5.45pm)
Arguably the best tie of the round and neither team is in fabulous form heading into this game. However, with home advantage, Villa should be confident of securing a victory.
Tip – Aston Villa to take the win inside the 90 minutes.
- Liverpool v Brighton (8pm)
Much depends on the strength of the team Arne Slot picks for Liverpool here. He will rotate, the question is how much. Brighton are far less likely to and that means they stand a real chance here in what will be a very close contest.
Tip – A weakened Liverpool to scrape through on penalties.
Sunday 15th February
- Birmingham City v Leeds United (12pm)
Birmingham’s recent home form is excellent and they face a Leeds side who are markedly poorer on the road than at home. This is one of the fixtures where a potential upset is possible.
Tip – Birmingham City to snatch a narrow win.
- Grimsby Town v Wolves (1.30pm)
Wolves recent league form makes this another possible upset, especially seeing as Grimsby beat Man Utd in the League Cup already this season. However, I am backing Wolves to pick up the win here.
Tip – Wolves to win inside the 90 minutes.
- Stoke City v Fulham (2pm)
Stoke’s recent form hasn’t been great and Fulham will be itching to get back to winning ways after their surprise home defeat to Everton. This one may be closer than many expect.
Tip – Fulham to win inside the 90 minutes but by just the one goal.
- Oxford United v Sunderland (2pm)
Oxford have struggled in the Championship this season, whereas Sunderland have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League. The Black Cats won’t be fazed by this trip south and should progress.
Tip – Sunderland to win inside the 90 minutes.
- Arsenal v Wigan Athletic (4.30pm)
Arsenal will likely rotate their squad for this game but face a Wigan team who sacked manager Ryan Lowe last weekend after a 6-1 loss to Portsmouth. Even with a rotated team, Arsenal should take a comfortable win.
Tip – Arsenal to win comfortably.
Monday 16th February
- Macclesfield v Brentford (7.30pm)
The lowest ranked team left in the competition, Macclesfield, host Brentford. The Bees though have been in superb form of late and as such, I’d expect Keith Andrews team to land a straightforward win here.
Tip – Brentford to land a straightforward victory.
All matches will be played to a conclusion on the day shown with extra time and penalties used to decide the winner if required.
