Features

FA Cup alive and kicking

Author: John Harris
Date: 27/01/2010
Football betting

After a weekend of FA Cup fourth round shocks, the historic competition has once again demonstrated that the romance of the cup isn't dead.

Only the FA Cup seems to throw up shocks like Wrexham's defeat of Arsenal back in 1992, Sutton's majestic success against Coventry in 1989 and Hereford's triumph over Newcastle United in 1972.

Although the weekend's shocks are not in the same league as the giant-killings of bygone years, they have offered less familiar clubs the chance to succeed this year.

Stoke City knocked Arsenal out of the competition on Sunday afternoon thanks to a double from Ricardo Fuller.

The significance of this result was massive, knowing that three of the traditional 'big four' are out of the reckoning before we have reached the last 16.

Manchester United fell to League One side Leeds United in round three and Liverpool were dumped out by Reading and they will now face West Bromwich Albion in an all-Championship clash.

Chelsea remain in the hunt, and although they are now the overwhelming sportsbook favourites to retain the trophy, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur may have something to say in the shake up.

League One side Southampton knocked Championship side Ipswich Town out on Saturday and Reading claimed another Premier League scalp by defeating Burnley.

The Saints' reward for their victory is a home clash against south coast rivals and 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, who disposed of Sunderland.

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Crystal Palace and Notts County came close to beating Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic respectively and they now face replays against their top flight opponents.

Palace or Wolves will entertain Aston Villa with Sven Goran-Eriksson's Notts County or Wigan travelling to Fulham.

Leeds' fantastic draw at Spurs will see them have the chance to win through at their Elland Road home for a potential showdown with Bolton Wanderers.

Premier League surprise package Birmingham City face Derby County in a game they should win.

Manchester City will welcome Stoke City to City of Manchester Stadium and they should be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Chelsea have been handed a favourable fifth round draw with Cardiff City making the trip to England's capital and although they are the justifiable favourites, the remaining teams should be optimistic.

Carlo Ancelotti's men are fighting on three fronts with the Premier League and Champions League at the forefront of their minds.

Don't be surprised to see more feathers being ruffled as the FA Cup continues to unfold and a further Chelsea success may not be the foregone conclusion media experts are predicting.

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