FA Cup quarter-finals: overview
Most teams are now only three wins away from lifting the FA Cup. We look at an exciting fifth round, quarter-finals, and replays
The FA Cup fifth round has almost concluded. The biggest shock of the season Monday night: Wigan beat Manchester City. That was not the only beating as Sergio Aguero clashed with some home ‘supporters’.
A Will Grigg goal late-on was enough to quell the Premier League title favourites. There was more controversy post-game as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola argued with Wigan manager Paul Cook. Their confrontation seemed to stem from Fabian Delph’s red card.
Elsewhere in the latest FA Cup game-week, Leicester City progressed to the quarter-finals. They beat Sheffield United fairly comfortably one-nil. Reliable duo Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy provided a typical cross-finish for the winner. Willian’s brace of goals lead Chelsea to a four-nil victory at Stamford Bridge versus Hull.
An all Premiership battle between Southampton and troubled West Brom saw the Saints triumph two-one. Brighton brushed aside League Two side Coventry, three-one. And two goals from struggling Romelu Lukaku were enough for Jose Mourinho’s men to beat Premier League outfit Huddersfield.
This leaves two replays, firstly between Spurs and League One Rochdale. As well as Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea: as both games ended draws.
The 6th round draw
We look ahead now to the all important sixth round or quarter-finals. Some truly mouth-watering ties to played on Saturday March 17. First of all 2013 winners Wigan and Southampton. This fixture is due to be held at the Latics’ DW Stadium.
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Saints’ top goalscorer this season is Charlie Austin with six. Grigg leads the Wigan ‘giant-killers’ with 16. Pundits or fans alike will probably fancy Mauricio Pellegrino’s men to make the semi-finals. This will consequently stoke Cook’s men’s flames.
Claude Puel’s inconsistent Foxes welcome Chelsea. Leicester media has recycled the travesty of 1997’s war with the Blues as inspiration. Jamie Vardy leads scoring with 16 in all competitions. Yet closest to this tally from either club is Eden Hazard with an impressive 15 goals.
Leicester’s odds of winning the cup have reduced to 9/1. With Chelsea’s at 4/1. Seems like we’ll be enjoying a competitive match at he King Power Stadium.
Manchester United will be hoping to ease past Brighton and make another Semi-final. Despite Lukaku’s dismal form against elite opposition, he does score past the minnows. He has still notched an impressive 20 this campaign.
Glenn Murray’s 10 goals in addition to Pascal Gross’ six assists have helped the Seagulls’ stability. Fourteenth in the league and not to mention a quarter-final appearance is a splendid return from Chris Hughton’s team.
Either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea City, Rochdale or Spurs complete the quarter-finals lineup. Which sides do you expect to advance to the semis?
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