The FA Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in the sport and eight teams from the premier league are closing in on a chance to win the coveted cup. Many of the top clubs in the premier league remain in the final eight, but a few bottom table teams have managed to survive to this point. It will be exciting to see if thee clubs can continue to upset these top clubs or if the top clubs will cement themselves in the semifinals or the tournament and, eventually, the final. Here is my FA Cup quarterfinals preview.
FA Cup Quarterfinals Preview
1. Norwich Vs Manchester United
The first match if the quarterfinals of the FA Cup will see Manchester United travel to Norwich. Norwich has been a surprise team to reach the quarterfinals since they are currently last in the premier league table. They will have a big challenge when they face Manchester. Norwich has played well throughout the FA Cup and managed to get passed the Tottenham Hotspurs via penalties after a close 1-1 draw. United has had a much easier time getting to this point in the Cup.
They have beaten their last three opponents a combined 10-0 including a 3-0 victory over Derby County in their fifth-round matchup. Manchester United is currently fifth in the premier league table and looking to move into the top four. While United are the favorites to move on to the semifinals with stars like Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and Anthony Martial leading the way, Norwich and their star Teemu Pukki will look to continue their unexpected run towards the FA Cup final.
2. Sheffield United Vs Arsenal
The second FA Cup matchup is Sheffield United and Arsenal. Sheffield United has had a good run through the FA Cup winning their last three matches outright. They are currently ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table and have a better goal difference by two goals. Sheffield is led by their top players such as John Fleck and Lys Mousset. Arsenal is right behind Sheffield United on the Premier League table and has some talented young players.
Their top goal scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is second in the Premier Leauge in goals with 17. He along with other talented forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pépé make up an impressive offensive front for Arsenal. Arsenal has seen scoring from some unexpected areas throughout the FA Cup which has helped them make the quarterfinals. If they hope to reach the cup finals; they will need to have their stars step up in these upcoming matches.
3. Leicester City Vs Chelsea
The third FA Cup match of the quarterfinals is Leicester City and Chelsea. Both clubs are in the top four of the premier league table with Leicester slightly above Chelsea. Leicester hasn’t allowed a goal in their last three FA Cup matches which will be needed when going up against Chelsea’s offense. Leicester has the top goal scorer in the Premier League Jamie Vardy. Vardy has 19 goals this season and will need to be on his game if Leicester wants to get past Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Chelsea has their own goal scorer in Tammy Abraham who has 13 goals this season. Chelsea has had a tough road to the quarterfinals including a match against top club Liverpool. They managed to eliminate Liverpool with a 2-0 victory setting them up as potential favorites the rest of the way. Chelsea will look to make a habit out of beating top premier league clubs on their road to the FA Cup final.
4. Newcastle United Vs Manchester City
The last quarterfinal match of the FA Cup has Newcastle United going against Manchester City. Newcastle is the only other team in the quarterfinals to be in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Newcastle has had some high scoring matches in their run for the cup. They scored three goals against Oxford United and West Bromwich as well as four goals against Rochdale. Forward Miguel Almirón is currently third in goals in the FA Cup with four. He will look to increase his total against Manchester City. For Manchester City, their all-time leader in goals Sergio Aguero will miss the match after an injury has caused him to undergo surgery. Despite Aguero’s injury, Manchester is confident they can move past Newcastle in the quarterfinals.
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