FA Cup fourth round predictions

Glory for Saints in 1976, but they can beat United again?

SATURDAY 29TH JANUARY

Aston Villa v Blackburn
These two teams have mid-table respectability to aim for at best so they know that the FA Cup is their only chance of getting a bit of glory.

Blackburn are on a half decent run and Villa are putting together a little unbeaten spell of games that is seeing them edge away to safety. Whilst the Premier League is the main business I am sure both managers will be dreaming of leading their side out at Wembley in May.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Birmingham v Coventry
Hot on the heels of booking their place in one Wembley final Birmingham have a chance to make it through to the last sixteen of another cup. That would be great for the club but another cup run might be a bit much for a team who are just a point above the drop zone. I’m not saying Birmingham will want to lose but they might not be too heartbroken if they do.

Having said that, Coventry are a mid table Championship side and have won only once in their last nine games. I don’t think they will be reducing the number of games that Alex McLeish and his men will have to play.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Bolton v Wigan
An all Premier League game that again sees two sides who might see this as a chance of glory.

Bolton’s Premier League season is beginning to fall apart a little at the moment and they be keen to get things back on track with a cup win. Wigan are in the bottom three and face a fight to the end of the season but would welcome the relief of success in the cup.

Only one team can go through and that team will be Bolton.

Soccernews prediction: 1-0

Everton v Chelsea
This competition is Everton’s one chance of success. Chelsea have bigger fish to fry. Having said that, Ancelotti will be keen to bring silverware back to Stamford Bridge again this season and this competition is, in reality, far more likely to achieve that aim than the Premier or Champions League.

It will be tight but Chelsea are getting things back together and they should make progress.

Soccernews prediction: 1-2

Southampton v Manchester United
This a great opportunity for Southampton to experience life back in the big time. Their young side under firstly Alan Pardew and now Nigel Adkins has climbed to fourth place in League One and look to be making a genuine attempt to get back up the leagues. They believe they can be a match for almost anyone at their St Mary’s ground.

Unfortunately for Saints, the almost anyone probably includes Manchester United. I have no doubt that success will return to Southampton, but it won’t happen today.

Soccernews prediction: 1-3

SUNDAY 30TH JANUARY

Arsenal v Huddersfield
Some people say that Arsenal tend to be a little lucky in the draws they get in the FA Cup. I think they have been this time.

Under former Newcastle man Lee Clarke, Huddersfield are a strong league one outfit who are third in the table and nettling for promotion to the championship. If they were at home the game would be a potential banana skin for Arsene Wenger. As it is, Arsenal will be far too good for the visitors.

Soccernews prediction: 3-0

Wolves v Stoke
Another all Premier League tie sees mid-table Stoke travel to struggling Wolves. I’m not sure either manager will see this game as a priority but Stoke will probably believe they more chance of success in the competition than their opponents.

You may see Mick McCarthy make some team changes as he has done in the past, whereas Tony Pulis may just see cup glory on the horizon.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Notts County v Manchester City
County are one of the League’s founder members and have a glorious tradition and past. Recent years, however, haven’t always been kind. They currently find themselves in the lowed reaches of League One having lost five of their twelve home games. None of those defeats have been against anyone like their opponents tomorrow.

Mancini will fancy a day out at Wembley and I however well Notts County play I don’t see them interfering with the Italian’s plans.

Soccernews prediction: 0-4

West Ham v Nottingham Forest
This may be Premier League against Championship but in reality only six league places separate the teams.

West Ham will be low after coming so close to a Wembley final in mid-week but missing out. They are also low because they still sit at the bottom of the Premier League. An exit from the FA Cup at the hands of supposedly inferior opponents would be a bitter pill to swallow at this time.

Under Billy Davies, Nottingham Forest are on the up and they are likely to be contesting the play-offs for the Premier League come the end of the season. They will fancy a win here but I’m backing Avram Grant to get a crucial win.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Fulham v Tottenham
An all Premier League London derby sees high flying Tottenham travel the short distance to improving Fulham.

Tottenham haven’t won since the third round whereas Fulham have only been neaten by Liverpool in a game they should never have lost. I think this will be tough for Tottenham but they will just about make it through.

Soccernews prediction: 1-2