The fifth round of the FA Cup gets underway this midweek. Indeed, the previous round delivered goals, drama, and excitement—even the replays.
Manchester City edged out the Premier League leaders, Arsenal. And considering the trajectory of the last five seasons, it is fair to say that Pep Guardiola’s men are favourites to win it now.
Yet, the only English club still in line to win every competition they are in is Manchester United. The Red Devils will look to add this to the Carabao Cup title they won last Sunday. Of course, they face a tough test against another top-division team tomorrow.
Leicester City and Brighton are dark horses who will take one opponent at a time and hope to somehow replicate Newcastle’s feat in the Carabao Cup.
Still, the fixture line-up for this round is fascinating, and as is synonymous with the FA Cup, we can expect a few upsets.
Review of Round 4
The previous round produced some outstanding underdog performances.
Manchester City managed a slim but vital one-nil win against Arsenal thanks to a fine right-footed finish from Nathan Ake.
Kelechi Iheanacho, as we have come to expect in this competition, inspired Leicester City to a 1-0 win against Walsall.
Leeds United made easy work of Accrington Stanley 3-0, as Fleetwood needed a second leg to eliminate Sheffield Wednesday after a 1-1 draw.
Blackburn Rovers finished the job in the return game after playing a 2-2 draw with Birmingham.
Southampton earned a hard-fought 2-1 win against Blackpool, while Burnley progressed to the next round following a second-leg win against Ipswich.
Bristol City defeated West Brom 3-0, as Grimsby secured a fifth-round place a week later against Luton Town.
Sunderland went all the way with Fulham but lost narrowly in the replay, as Tottenham finished off Preston thanks to a Heung-Min Son brace.
Casemiro was the star of the show in Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Reading, as Kaoru Maitoma scored a last-gasp goal to defeat Liverpool.
Stoke City got the better of Stevenage 3-1, as Sheffield United did the business against Wrexham in the replay.
West Ham earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Derby County.
Preview of round 5
There is plenty of excitement to come with this fixture line-up.
Brighton travel to the Bet365 Stadium to face a resilient Stoke City tonight.
Leicester City welcome in-form Blackburn Rovers to the King Power Stadium, as Fulham and Leeds will face off in one of the biggest battles of this round.
Bristol City will be hopeful when Manchester City make their way to Ashton Gate.
Southampton, who are on the rise in the EPL, will be confident against Grimsby Town.
Burnley take on Fleetwood, as Manchester United host West Ham in another all Premier League affair.
Tottenham will be keen to finish off Sheffield United in one leg when they meet tomorrow night.
Predictions for FA Cup Round 5
BetBiga booking code: m5cj5
Stoke City vs Brighton (over 1.5 goals)
Leicester City vs Blackburn Rovers (1)
Fulham vs Leeds United (1X)
Bristol City vs Manchester City (2)
Southampton vs Grimsby Town (1)
Burnley vs Fleetwood (goal/goal)
Manchester United vs West Ham (under 3.5 goals)
Sheffield United vs Tottenham (2)