FA Cup Quarter Final Predictions
- Chris Stott
- Jun 26, 2020
- 4 min read
The Premier League is back, and so is the FA Cup!
The road to Wembley may be a little different this season, but all eight of the remaining sides will be desperate to add their name to the history books.
Matchday FM pundits Kieran Makin, Chris Stott and Joe Richardson give their thoughts ahead of the Quarter Final ties taking place this weekend.
NORWICH CITY VS MANCHESTER UNITED
Saturday 27th June, 5:30 Kick Off
Match Facts:
This is a first Quarter Final since 1991-92 for the Canaries, while United are looking to equal Arsenal's record of 13 cup triumphs.
Norwich have won 3 of their 5 FA Cup meetings with United.
Kieran
"I think Norwich in the situation that they're in, obviously in the Premier League as well, they needed the fans really. I think the same would apply to this FA Cup Quarter Final because I think it'll be a formality for United.
The only thing I could see, maybe sparing them on is if they go, you know what? Sod it! But to be honest, I can't look past a Manchester United win in that one."
Joe
"I find them such an open team, Norwich. When they played Southampton the other day they could have scored about seven. But, they never score more than enough to equalise how many they've been shipping in. So, yeah, it's pretty hard to look beyond Man United with their attacking options."
Chris
"United looked very good going forward against Sheffield United, and given the way Norwich defend, that could spell trouble for the Canaries. If Norwich go for it, United do have frailties. They need the first goal otherwise I think the Red Devils will go through comfortably."
SHEFFIELD UNITED VS ARSENAL
Sunday 28th June, 1:00 Kick Off
Match Facts:
These side met in the 2003 Semi Finals, a game made famous by David Seaman's save in a 1-0 win for the Gunners.
Arsenal are the record holders with 13, and won 3 in 4 years between 2013 and 2017.
Kieran
"For Arsenal, it's their only chance to get anywhere near any kind of silverware this season. And, boy, could they do with it really. Before the lockdown, you'd have probably said Sheffield United. They've had a bit of a tough start since the restart, but I still think they're in better shape than Arsenal."
Joe
"I'm going to stay cool and not say that the bubble has burst for Sheffield United because it has only been two games since the lockdown. It's a tough one. Sheffield United to win after extra time. Although I'll say that I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal won this one."
Chris
"I really do fancy Sheffield United in that one. I think they'll really go for this. I just just think somethings not quite right at Arsenal, and it would not be a surprise to see them dumped out."
LEICESTER CITY VS CHELSEA
Sunday 28th June, 4:00 Kick Off
Match Facts:
Leicester last reached the Cup Final in 1960/61 season.
Chelsea have the best record at the new Wembley, winning there on 5 occasions.
Kieran
"Leicester started like a house on fire and have just lost momentum. I think they play some decent stuff, but they just seem to have lost that spark a little bit. Chelsea, they do have lots of options, midfield is strong, the forward line is strong. I think I'm just gonna go with Chelsea. I think they've just got that extra momentum."
Joe
"I haven't been impressed with Leicester's two games since the restart. I would side with Chelsea, to be honest. I think they've got enough big players to come through this one. You just have to look at their midfield options and the guys they're leaving out. I think Leicester have hit a wall really."
Chris
"I would just about go Leicester. I just get the feeling that this could be a real good opportunity for Leicester to go on and win another trophy after winning the League a few seasons ago. Vardy and Co are bound to hit form soon."
NEWCASTLE UNITED VS MANCHESTER CITY
Sunday 28th June, 6:30 Kick Off
Match Facts:
City are the current holders after a 6-0 win over Watford last May, while Newcastle haven't made the semi's since 2005.
The sides have been paired together in the FA Cup eight times, with Newcastle winning on six occasions.
Kieran
"This is a formality, I think City win this comfortably. If St James's Park is packed, it would be a real opportunity for Newcastle to get to an FA Cup Semi Final. But without the fans, I'm afraid I can't see nothing more than a City win really, especially with the way City have started off since the restart."
Joe
"Newcastle's record in cup competitions is absolutely wretched. I can't see anything but a Man City win."
Chris
"I just can't see past City. They have been one of the stand out sides since the resumption despite defeat at Chelsea. I'd love Newcastle to do it for their fans, but I think Pep's side will have to much quality with no fans."
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