This weekend is the quarter finals of the FA Cup. The four big guns all avoided each other in the draw and should all proceed to the semi-finals. Here is a preview of this weekends games.
Coventry v Chelsea
I am a long-time Coventry City fan, and when the draw was made I thought that the Sky Blues might be able to pull the upset on a Chelsea team that was not playing well.
Well all that has changed. Guus Hiddink has revitalised Chelsea and striker Didier Drogba in particular. Drogba is looking like one of the bets strikers in the Premier League again and I think that Chelsea will have too much for the Coventry.
Predictions:: 0-2
Fulham v Man Utd
This will be the 13th meeting in the F.A. Cup between Fulham and Manchester United with United winning 6 and drawing four of the ties. It is 45 years since Fulham beat Man United and I don’t expect that streak to end this weekend.
This should be an exciting game as Fulham are a much better team at home than on the road, and I expect Man Utd to win a close game.
Prediction:1-2
Arsenal v Burnley
Burnley’s record in both the Carling Cup and F.A. Cup has been fantastic this season. Not just their record, but the way they have played has been outstanding. They are a proper, hardworking football team.
The problem is that is has been an awfully long season for them. Also, Arsenal could be about to welcome back four or five players from injury and that will significantly boost their forward power. I expect arsenal to actually score some goals at home here are win this win comfortably.
Prediction: 2-0
Everton v Middlesbrough
Everton’s chances depend a lot on whether Tim Cahill is fully fit, he is more valuable to Everton than any other player in the Premier League.
Middlesbrough were just horrible in that 4-0 thrashing to Tottenham in midweek. The loss was unusual in that Boro are usually pretty good at stopping goals, it is scoring them that is their problem.
This game has a low scoring draw written all over it and that is what I expect to see.
Prediction: 1-1
Bonus Game: Sunderland v Tottenham in Premier League
Sunderland are another team struggling to score goals and I expect Spurs to pick up from where they left off against Boro and play with enough confidence and swagger here to edge it.
Prediction: 1-2
