Holders Arsenal may have been convincing in the first half against Brighton on Sunday, but were given a real scare in the second half, and will need to do a whole lot better if they are to get past their fifth round opponents a Middlesbrough.
The Smoggies put in a stunning performance at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, knocking out Premier League champions Manchester City. The club are currently being managed by former Jose Mourinho assistant Aitor Karanka who has done quite a job, steering the team to second place in the Championship.
Karanka will now take his team to the Emirates Stadium, knowing that they will, once again, have nothing to lose.
With City and Chelsea both eliminated, Manchester United will know that winning the FA Cup may actually be a realistic possibility now. Nevertheless, they must do a whole lot better when they play Cambridge at home in the fourth round replay. Interestingly, the Red Devils are slated to play away from home yet once more, if they do manage to go through
A draw at Anfield is all that Brendon Rogersa Liverpool could manage on Saturday, which happened to be a particularly bad day for Premier League teams. Up against Bolton, the Reds dominated possession and created several chances, but failed to convert. Though, credit must be given to Bolton, who put in a solid defensive display and will be hoping they maintain those concentration levels when they welcome Liverpool to the Reebok Stadium. The winner of the match will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
After making Jose Mourinho and Chelsea taste the humble pie on Saturday, Bradford City will next face either Sunderland or Fulham. Bradford came back from two goals down to defeat the Premier Leaguea s runaway leaders at Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere, there will be a Midlands derby at Villa Park where Aston Villa will welcome Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers meet Stoke or Rochdale, who play on Monday, West Brom face West Ham and Derby host Reading.
A Midlands derby will decide who goes into the quarterfinals of the event, as Aston Villa prepare to host Leicester City.
Complete List of Fixtures
| Crystal Palace Arsenal Aston Villa West Brom Bradford Blackburn Derby Preston/Sheff U |
v v v v v v v v |
Liverpool/Bolton Middlesbrough Leicester West Ham Sunderland/Fulham Stoke/Rochdale Reading Man Utd/C’bridge |