FA Cup now wide open this season

Liverpool defeated Manchester United 2-1 at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup earlier today and the Reds will now believe that they can go on to win the competition.

However there will be lots of other clubs with exactly the same idea.

Out

The Premier League’s top two teams Manchester City and Manchester United have now both exited the FA Cup. This will no doubt be greeted with delight by the managers of the clubs still in the competition.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will all now see winning the competition as a realistic aim. They may not win the Premier League title but this is a chance for them to win silverware.

Everton

As I wrote yesterday about Everton it’s the last chance for a lot of clubs to claim a trophy. Everton are one of those clubs who will now be more hopeful of a trophy after the Toffee’s overcame Fulham 2-1 last night.

Everton may not go on to win the FA Cup but the competition gives David Moyes men hope of a bit of glory this season.

Liverpool

It’s been a great week for Liverpool and their fans. The Reds followed up their progression into the Carling Cup final by beating arch-rivals Manchester United. It wasn’t the best performance from Kenny Dalglish’s side this season but they kept going and got their reward with a goal from substitute Dirk Kuyt.

During the eighties the Scot inspired numerous cup victories, as both player and manager. It looks like he could carry on that tradition in his second spell at the club.

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is in dire need of a trophy. The club has gone six years without claiming a trophy and there are question marks over the Frenchman’s future at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners face Aston Villa tomorrow afternoon in the fourth round.

The FA Cup is Arsenal’s only realistic chance of winning a trophy this season. Wenger’s men are still in the Champions League but will face far stiffer opposition in Europe’s elite competition than in the FA Cup.

Chelsea

Chelsea are also still in the Champions League but are currently a team in transition. The FA Cup has to be a more realistic aim for Andre Villas-Boas men this season. The Blues got through to the fifth round with a 1-0 victory over QPR at Loftus Road.

A penalty from Juan Mata was enough to ensure safe progression into the fifth round for the Blues. Chelsea will now have to be considered one of the favourites for the competition.

Tottenham

Tottenham are having a fantastic season and a 1-0 win at Championship Watford ensured that Harry Redknapp’s men progressed into the fifth round. The Spurs boss has endured a difficult time of late with a trial for tax evasion currently on-going.

The victory would have given the 64 year-old something to cheer anyway. Redknapp is expected to take over the reigns of the England team this summer and a FA Cup final victory in May would be a very welcome leaving present.

Open

With the top two teams in the country out of the FA Cup early this season the competition could be very interesting. Just like the Carling Cup we could see some of the smaller sides make the advanced stages and I believe that can only b good for the competition.

Who will win this seasons FA Cup?