FA Cup preview: Crawley aim for biggest scalp yet

Manchester United take on non-league Crawley Town in the pick of the FA Cup fifth round matches on Saturday.

No non-league side have ever been beyond this stage of the competition, and if Crawley progress to the last eight at Old Trafford, it would be a shock of seismic proportions.

Crawley, who have been in existence since 1896, are, like United, nicknamed the Red Devils and doing well in their league, the Blue Square Premier.

They have already beaten Swindon Town, Derby County and Torquay United in the FA Cup, but even if Sir Alex Ferguson sends out an under-strength side, his team should have more than enough firepower.

United, who have lifted the trophy 11 times and currently sit on top of the English Premier League, beat Liverpool in the third round, came from behind to defeat Southampton 2-1 last time out, and will be buoyed by last Saturday’s derby defeat of Manchester City.

There could be more realistic chances of a giant-killing in Saturday’s two other Fifth Round ties.

Birmingham City, who have already reached the Carling Cup final, host League One strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrews.

But with that Carling Cup final just a week away, and Birmingham looking over their shoulders in the league, they could easily become distracted.

The FA Cup has certainly given Wednesday fans something to cheer about of late – the Owls have not won in the league in 2011, but have knockout wins over Bristol City and Hereford United.

League One leaders Brighton, flying high under former Chelsea player Gus Poyet, travel to Stoke City.

They have already caused two upsets this season, knocking out Championship sides Portsmouth and Watford, and will be hoping to spring another surprise at the Britannia Stadium.

Tony Pulis’ Stoke lie 10th in the EPL and with top flight football almost guaranteed next season, they can turn their full attention to the Cup.

A fixture pile up means that Chelsea and Everton will play their fourth round replay on Saturday, with a trip to Reading awaiting the winners.

Back in January, Everton led through a Louis Saha strike before Salomon Kalou salvaged a 1-1 draw for Chelsea.

Last year’s winners will be without cup-tied Fernando Torres, so Didier Drogba will return to the starting line-up.

Chelsea have only won five of their last 15 fixtures in all competitions, and were held to a 1-1 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge in December in the league.

Everton’s form is patchy as well – they sit just three points above the relegation zone, and Saha could miss out after pulling a hamstring in training.