FA Cup Fifth Round Predictions and Preview

This coming weekend sees the FA Cup Fifth Round taking place in England and with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal out of this year’s competition, there is a real chance for another team to claim this famous piece of silverware.

Let’s take a closer look at the Fifth Round ties and give you a quick preview and our tip for how the game will turn out.

FA Cup Fifth Round Previews

Friday 28th February

Aston Villa v Cardiff City (8.00 pm)

Villa have eliminated both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspurs to get this far. A home tie against a Cardiff City team in 20th in the Championship table should not pose too much of a problem for Unai Emery’s team. 

Tip – A straightforward win for the Villains, even with a few players rested.

Saturday 1st March

Crystal Palace v Millwall (12.15 pm)

Palace have had their struggles at home this season in the league and face a Millwall side that sits in mid-table in the Championship. Both sides look solid defensively but it looks likely that home advantage may just be enough to decide this in Palace’s favour.

Tip – A game of few chances and fewer goals, but Palace edge the win.

Preston North End v Burnley (12.15 pm)

An all-Championship clash means at least one team from outside the Premier League will be in the quarterfinals. 15th placed Preston have home advantage but face a stern test against a Burnlsy side who have conceded just nine goals in 33 league games. Burnley should take the win here.

Tip – Expert a narrow win for Burnley.

Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers (3.00 pm)

In-form Bournemouth occupy fifth spot in the Premier League and face a Wolves side in 17th in the table. Vitor Pereira has improved things for Wolves, but Andoni Iraola’s team are flying at the moment and it is hard to see them losing this one.

Tip – A comfortable win for the Cherries sees them into the quarterfinals.

Manchester City v Plymouth Argyle (5.45 pm)

Plymouth provided the shock of the tournament so far in the last round by beating Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Now they face a daunting trip to Manchester City who after being dumped out of Europe in midweek, will be keen to keep up their only realistic chance of silverware open. 

Tip – This should be a comfortable win for City,.

Sunday 2nd March

Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion (1.45 pm)

Perhaps the best game of the Fifth Round. Newcastle have been excellent at home in recent weeks, but Brighton have shown that they are more than capable of upsetting any of the big teams on their day. This could be a game with plenty of goals and it should be a fabulous game to watch. It will be close but I am backing Newcastle to just about clinch the win.

Tip – We may be forced into extra time here, but I back Newcastle for a narrow win.

Manchester United v Fulham (4.30 pm)

United’s best performances in the past couple of years have come in the FA Cup where they have beaten Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal in the past two years alone. Fulham don’t have the best of records against United and despite being in better form, I think the home side will do enough to claim the win.

Tip – Expect plenty of drama, but United to prevail in front of their home fans.

Monday 3rd March

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town (7.30 pm)

The final Fifth Round tie sees Forest and Ipswich meet. Ipswich have their minds set on avoiding relegation whereas Forest may have an eye on cup glory. Both teams can score goals but with home advantage, the City Ground faithful should be happy at the end of the game.

Tip – Ipswich battle hard but ultimately are chopped down by Forest.