The fourth round of the FA Cup goes this weekend and it features five all Premiership match-ups. There are also six games where both teams are from outside the top tier, assuring a significant Football League presence in the fifth round.
Here is a brief preview of each game.
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Torquay United v Crawley Town
On the surface it’s not the sexiest of match-ups, but for the FA Cup idealist this is what the magic is all about. Crawley looks to become just the sixth non-League club to make the fifth round since the end of the Second World War and first since 1994. The others were: Colchester United (1948), Yeovil Town (1949), Blyth Spartans (1978), Telford United (1985) and Kidderminster Harriers (1994). If they can’t get it done? Well, League Two Torquay United isn’t a bad story either.
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
The Championship versus League One – Brighton is on top of the third tier and Watford is right in the think of the playoff battle in the Championship. The question here will be whether either club really fancies winning with promotion prizes to chase.
Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Bolton has cooled off after finding itself in European positions earlier in the year. Wigan has looked good for the drop all season and will likely be happy to focus on survival rather than hopeless cup chases.
Everton v Chelsea
The most intriguing match-up of the weekend and a repeat of the final from two years ago. Chelsea seems to have turned it around after its Christmastime freefall, but it’s hard to say. Everton, as well, seems to have separated itself from the drop zone. Both clubs should have a good go at it.
Southampton v Manchester United
United isn’t unbeaten this year, it should be noted. They lost in the League Cup. However, it seems unlikely that Southampton will have what it takes to hand the Red Devils a second loss on the year.
Swansea City v Leyton Orient
The forgotten team in Wales is having every bit as good a season as Cardiff and finds itself right in the thick of the promotion battle in the Championship. League One Leyton Orient is not in the same class and is a little too close to the drop zone for comfort.
Burnley v Burton Albion
It’s not a bad draw for Paul Peschisolido’s Burton Albion – Burnley isn’t untouchable, but still offers some excitement for a club that was non-League just two years ago. However, it doesn’t seem likely that a second upset is in the cards. Of note, it’s been nearly three weeks since Burton Albion last played.
Birmingham City v Coventry City
The biggest question here is whether Birmingham City will have a League Cup hangover. Coventry is comfortably mid-table in the Championship. This will likely be a priority for them.
Stevenage v Reading
Reading is just on the cusp of (sort of) being in the playoff race and Stevenage is mid-table in League Two. It seems likely that Reading will take it seriously and therefore make this one a mismatch.
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
It would make for a somewhat forgettable Premiership match-up. Factor in that both sides are likely to entertain some squad rotation and proceed accordingly.
Sheffield Wednesday v Hereford United
Not exactly a pulse racing match-up, but at least these guys are excited
Arsenal v Huddersfield Town
Arsenal, at home, against Huddersfield Town. An upset doesn’t seem likely, does it?
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
A London derby and likely the second best match-up of the round. Spurs might see the FA Cup as its most likely domestic crown this season. As we saw with the Europa League last season, Fulham is a club that can perform in cup play. It should be a good one.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City
See Villa-Rovers
Notts County v Manchester City
On the surface a kind draw for City, who, like Spurs, likely see the FA Cup as the best hope for silverware in 2011. The Citizens have a history of losing in bizarre ways to unexpected teams in cup play though.
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
Can West Ham overcome the disappointment of losing the League Cup semi? Should they even want to win this game with a relegation battle ahead? If you were going to pick one Premiership side to go down to a lower league club this round look no further than this game.