As the Premier League pauses after the international break, the FA Cup takes center stage in England. The remaining eight teams are vying for a coveted spot in the semifinals at Wembley Stadium in London.
This quarterfinal round is particularly intriguing as Manchester City, the reigning 2022-23 champions, are the sole representative from the traditional “top six” Premier League clubs still in contention. This makes Pep Guardiola`s team the clear favorite to lift the trophy, especially given it might be their best chance for silverware this season. However, considering Manchester City`s inconsistent form this year, other teams may fancy their chances. Six other Premier League teams – Fulham, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth – are still in the FA Cup and hope to emulate Newcastle United`s success as an unexpected cup winner. Preston North End, a Championship side currently in 14th place, adds another layer of excitement as the last lower-league team remaining, making their own Cinderella story.
Here’s a preview of what to expect from this weekend’s FA Cup action.
FA Cup Quarterfinal Schedule
All times Eastern
- Crystal Palace 3, Fulham 0
- Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest, 1:15 PM
Sunday, March 30
- Preston North End vs. Aston Villa, 8:30 AM
- Bournemouth vs. Manchester City, 11:30 AM
Featured Matchup
It`s always exciting to see an underdog progress far in a cup competition. Preston North End`s match against Aston Villa on Sunday is definitely one to watch. While Aston Villa are the favorites and have had a strong season, including reaching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, they haven`t been flawless. Currently sitting ninth in the Premier League with only two wins in their last eight games, they might show vulnerabilities that Preston could exploit for an upset. If Aston Villa secures the expected victory, they will become a strong contender for the FA Cup title, building on their positive momentum under manager Unai Emery.
Upset Potential
Manchester City might be the obvious choice to win the FA Cup, but their season has been far from straightforward. Their quarterfinal match against Bournemouth adds to the uncertainty, as Bournemouth is having a strong season themselves. Bournemouth defeated City 2-1 in November, during City`s fall winless streak, and will be motivated to repeat that performance. A strong showing from Bournemouth could also be seen as an audition for their manager, Andoni Iraola, who is reportedly being considered for the Tottenham Hotspur job as Ange Postecoglou faces pressure after a disappointing domestic season that sees them in 14th place in the Premier League.
