We’re now at the quarter-finals of the English FA Cup and the big guns of the Premier League look to fire their way to cup glory
While there are a number of lesser teams who’ve managed to reach the quarter-finals of the English FA Cup, the three Premier League giants – Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool – seem the stronger contenders by far.
The rest of the opposition appear significantly weaker, while these three stalwarts are in fighting form in the top portion of the Premier League table.
Which of these phoenixes will rise from their ashes and reclaim past glory?
Photo: Kostas Koutsaftikis / Shutterstock.com
Bradford City Vs Reading (SAT, 7 Mar, 8.45pm)
Hmm. Bradford City is loitering around mid-table in the English League 1 (3rd tier) while Reading is hovering just above the relegation zone of the League Championship (2nd tier).
Aside from being literally a league apart, Reading has the advantage of better players in its squad, including former Russian international Pavel Pogrebnyak and Australian international goalkeeper Adam Federici.
The FA Cup regularly surprises, so no result is certain until the final whistle. Still, one can’t help but feel that Reading will finally better its quarter-final showing of 2010 and 2011, in spite of its current league and position.
Prediction: Bradford 0-2 Reading
ASTON Villa vs west bromwich albion (SUN, 8 MAR, 1.30am)
With Aston Villa entrenched in the Premier League relegation zone and West Bromwich Albion flirting with danger, this is potentially the least interesting match to watch.
Do you think it would be worth it? Get some rest and catch the other matches.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-0 West Brom, replay
Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers (Mon, 9 Mar, 12am)
Those old enough will remember Blackburn being one of the top clubs in the Premier League, and winning the 1995 Premier League title after edging out Manchester United. Gone are the glory days for Blackburn, and it doesn’t bode well that it’s now in mid-table in the League Championship.
Liverpool has won the Cup seven times and looks good to at least secure a semi-final berth, even if it is unlikely that Liverpool will win the competition.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn
Manchester united vs Arsenal (TUE, 10 Mar, 3.45am)
Both sets of players must have groaned when this draw was read out.
Both teams are currently fighting for 3rd place in the Premier League, and automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Despite all its troubles and inconsistency, Arsenal is now doing well. The Gunners are also defending their Cup, which they won last season.
While Manchester United’s romance with the FA Cup seemed to have sputtered out since its last win in 2004 (a good 11 years), it has won the FA Cup the same number of times as Arsenal, a joint-record 11 times. The question is, which lucky XI will claim this quarter-final clash and likely go on to take the Cup?
The 1990 FA Cup win for United sparked the beginning of a glorious trophy-laden age for the Red Devils under Alex Ferguson. Will the 2015 FA Cup rekindle United’s romance with the Cup and finally fan the fire of a new age under Louis van Gaal?
This clash of the former titans is set to be the match of the season.
Prediction: Manchester Utd 1-0 Arsenal
By Lester J Wan
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