ClapJust as soon as the third round comes to an end, the FA Cup fourth round is upon us as teams up and down the country attempt to progress and become one of the final 16 teams remaining in the competition.
There’s an awful lot at stake this weekend regardless of whether or not teams are playing in the Premier League or below the Football League, and today, we’re going to try and unpick a few of the games that have the potential to see an upset take place.
Some are far more likely than others, but such is the magic of the FA Cup.
P.S: We know Chelsea are hosting Luton Town but, based on their current run of form, we don’t actually think a win for the Blues is as likely as many seem to believe.
Chorley vs Wolves
Some Wolves fans will remember that infamous day back in November 1986 when Chorley beat them 3-0, and while many feel like revenge is a virtual guarantee, we wouldn’t suggest counting the non-leaguers out.
Wolves are on a bad run of form and, by contrast, Chorley have absolutely nothing to lose.
Brighton vs Blackpool
A few years ago the roles probably would’ve been reversed in this game but as it stands, Blackpool are the underdogs and Brighton are the ones riding high in the Premier League.
Even so, though, we don’t think it’s crazy to think Blackpool will fancy their chances.
Sheffield United vs Plymouth
Plymouth Argyle aren’t blowing anyone away in League One this season, but one thing they do possess is an awful lot of heart. Sheffield United look dead and buried in the Premier League and with their confidence being so low, is it really that crazy to think they could lose this?
We don’t think so.
West Ham vs Doncaster
The Yorkshire boys will know that they are stepping into an unfavourable situation when they travel down to face West Ham United, but if the Hammers do choose to focus most of their attention on qualifying for Europe through the Premier League, they could open the door for an upset.
Rovers are better than most teams give them credit for, and we expect them to prove why they’re in the promotion hunt in the third tier.
Cheltenham vs Manchester City
Genuine hope is going to be in short supply at Whaddon Road with the fans not being present to cheer the Robins on, but this is exactly the sort of game that their players will be able to get up for.
Manchester City look unstoppable right now but if they take their eye off the ball, Cheltenham could make them pay.
Bournemouth vs Crawley
They’ve already beaten top flight Leeds United with ease – so why can’t Crawley keep the dream alive against Championship high-flyers Bournemouth?
This is going to be a fascinating game of football between two teams who will see this as a golden opportunity to make some significant noise in this competition with the winner going on to play either Fulham or Burnley in the fifth round.
