2024/25 FA Cup predictions: Fourth round
The FA Cup makes its return this weekend as 32 clubs compete in 16 ties played over the course of five days, kicking of when Manchester United host Leicester City on Friday night.
Most of the rest of the games will take place on Saturday, with Liverpool among the handful of teams in action on Sunday, and further ties involving Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest to be played on Monday and Tuesday night respectively.
There should be plenty of drama in the FA Cup fourth round opener as Manchester United and Leicester City lock horns for the the third time this season at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy – who was in interim charge of the Red Devils for both victories over the Foxes this term – makes his return to Old Trafford looking to knock the holders out of the competition.
Having conceded eight across both fixtures with United this season, recent history suggests Leicester will leave Old Trafford with their tails between their legs. However, Ruben Amorim’s men have struggled on home soil this term, giving the Foxes at least a glimmer of hope.
|
Kick-off time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Man Utd vs Leicester |
3-1 |
There are two early kick-offs on Saturday as Leeds United host fellow Championship outfit Millwall and League One underdogs Leyton Orient welcome reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to the capital. The Cityzens were smashed by Arsenal last weekend and may take their anger out on Richie Wellens and his players.
Everton vs Bournemouth is the only all-Premier League affair in the 3pm blackout slots as the Cherries look for a third victory over the resurgent Merseysiders this season. Their last trip to Goodison Park saw them produce a historic comeback, scoring three goals in the 87th minute and beyond to beat the Toffees 3-2.
Ipswich Town visit Coventry City looking for reprieve from their woeful Premier League form, while Fulham are looking to topple Wigan Athletic in a battle reminiscent of the late noughties. If only Hugo Rodallega and Clint Dempsey were lining up on Saturday, eh?
Southampton could well be trading places with Burnley come the end of the current campaign and the Saints will be seeking an FA Cup fifth round berth that would somewhat appease supporters after a dreadful season.
High-flying League One toppers Birmingham City host Newcastle United, with the latter fresh from victory over Arsenal midweek that saw them secure their Carabao Cup final spot. The Blues are unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions but will be handed a challenging assignment by Eddie Howe’s side.
Brighton and Chelsea meet in the Premier League next Friday but must first compete in the FA Cup fourth round. The Seagulls will face several familiar faces on Saturday evening as the Blues aim to take a step towards a first piece of silverware under Enzo Maresca. It could be a fun affair on the south coast.
|
Kick-off time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
12:15 |
Leeds vs Millwall |
2-0 |
|
12:15 |
Leyton Orient vs Man City |
1-4 |
|
15:00 |
Coventry vs Ipswich |
1-2 (AET) |
|
15:00 |
Everton vs Bournemouth |
1-2 |
|
15:00 |
Preston vs Wycombe |
1-1 (Wycombe pens) |
|
15:00 |
Southampton vs Burnley |
1-0 |
|
15:00 |
Stoke vs Cardiff |
2-1 |
|
15:00 |
Wigan vs Fulham |
0-3 |
|
17:45 |
Birmingham vs Newcastle |
0-2 |
|
20:00 |
Brighton vs Chelsea |
2-3 (AET) |
Liverpool have only won the FA Cup once since 2006, arguably underachieving in a competition that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have dominated during that time. But the Reds will be heavy favourites to beat struggling Championship side Plymouth Argyle, now under the leadership of Miron Musilic following Wayne Rooney’s December departure.
There is an all-Premier League tie between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur that the former would be expected to win on current form, perhaps even handing Marcus Rashford and other late January window recruits a debut. The early kick-off on Sunday sees Wolves travel north to Blackburn Rovers, where a division advantage should be enough to progress.
|
Kick-off time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
12:30 |
Blackburn vs Wolves |
1-2 |
|
15:00 |
Plymouth vs Liverpool |
0-4 |
|
17:35 |
Aston Villa vs Tottenham |
3-2 |
It could be successive 2-0 away wins for Crystal Palace when they face Doncaster Rovers in the penultimate tie of the round, having won by that scoreline against Manchester Unted in the Premier League eight days earler. Doncaster are the lowest ranked team left in the competition.
|
Kick-off time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
19:45 |
Doncaster vs Crystal Palace |
0-2 |
This is 17th in League One against third in the Premier League. It will be the first time that Exeter City and Nottingham Forest will have met in more than 70 years, since Forest won 5-0 in 1951. It might not be as one-sided this time around if Forest lean on rotation to keep players fresh for their surprise Champions League charge, but it is unlikely to be close all the same.
|
Kick-off time (GMT) |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|
|
20:00 |
Exeter vs Nottingham Forest |
0-3 |
