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This weekend the FA Cup fourth round ties take place, as a number of clubs look to write their names in the history and folklore of the oldest acknowledged cup competition in the world. Here are some of the ties taking place on Friday and Saturday:
Friday
Yeovil v Manchester United (7.55PM)
The fourth round kicks off on Friday night with a typical David versus Goliath tie, as League Two strugglers Yeovil Town host Premier League giants Manchester United at Huish Park.
The home side currently finds themselves in 21st position in the fourth tier of English football, which is a far cry from United’s position of second in the top-flight table. In many ways, the FA Cup has been a good escape from the Glovers league woes of late. The minnows have beaten Southend United, Port Vale and Bradford City to set-up this contest.
United head into this clash in high spirits following a winning run of four games in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat of Championship Derby in the last round of this competition. Jose Mourinho’s side have claimed five wins in seven away games in all competitions and United head into this clash as massive favourites for victory.
Saturday
Peterborough United v Leicester City (12:30 PM)
League One Peterborough host Premier League Leicester at the ABAX Stadium in the early kick-off in a huge banana skin for the Foxes.
The Posh are in the play-off mix in the third tier after a decent campaign under Grant McCann. Their recent form has been inconsistent, although the home side have won three of their last five games in all competitions. They have also won five of their last home games in all competitions. The visitors will need to keep it tight at the back, as the Posh have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven home games.
Leicester are on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, having recorded three wins and two draws. A key to that run has been their defensive displays, as the Foxes have kept clean sheets in their last five games in all competitions. However, Claude Puel’s side did need a replay to get the better of lower league Fleetwood Town in the third round, so the home side will fancy their chances of a positive result.
A game that has major potential for a giant killing is at the DW Stadium, where high flying League One outfit Wigan host injury-hit West Ham.
The home side are currently top of the third tier table and look to set to win promotion back to the Championship. Paul Cook’s Latics are 14 games unbeaten in all competitions. Last time out in this competition, the home side defeated Premier League Bournemouth 3-0 at the DW Stadium after a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium.
West Ham are currently seven games unbeaten in all competitions. However, the Irons have drawn five of those games. They also needed a replay and extra-time to see-off League One Shrewsbury in the last round. David Moyes has had to cope with a number of injury blows, including Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll all being ruled out of action for at least a month due to injury.
Friday and Saturday’s other FA Cup fourth round matches (3 PM kick-offs unless stated)
Friday
Sheffield Wednesday v Reading (7.45PM)
Saturday
Notts County v Swansea
Millwall v Rochdale
Southampton v Watford
Hull v Nottingham Forest
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Sheffield United v Preston
MK Dons v Coventry
Middlesbrough v Brighton
Newport County v Tottenham (5:30)
Liverpool v West Brom (7:45)
Will there be any shock results in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round games?
