ClapAfter another string of entertaining midweek fixtures, the FA Cup quarter-final line-up has been set in stone with eight clubs now being just one step away from the FA Cup semi-finals – which, as we know, will take place at Wembley Stadium.
The fact that fans aren’t going to be in attendance between now and the end of the season – if the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic continues in the way it has been – is upsetting. Still, the show must go on, and the FA Cup will still continue to be one of the focal points of this campaign for better or worse.
We’re going to take a look at all four fixtures to try and figure out what’s going to happen, and which four teams we can expect to see at the home of English football later on this year.
Everton vs Manchester City
Everton are going to serve as tricky opponents for Manchester City as they have done for most teams in the league and cup this season, but right now, it’s hard to imagine anyone beating Pep Guardiola’s side.
They’re just so strong in pretty much every department and their insane depth means they’re more than capable of edging past just about any other club.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester City
Leicester vs Manchester United
Leicester City’s priority needs to be on finishing in the top four this season, as much as some fans may choose to believe that isn’t the case. They want Champions League football and while winning the FA Cup would be a fantastic achievement, we tend to think United are going to want that piece of silverware just a little bit more.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants and needs something that is going to validate his tenure as manager at Old Trafford, and if they can beat the Foxes to reach the final four, that’d be a huge sign of their intentions in this competition.
Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Manchester United
Bournemouth vs Southampton
The south coast derby between Bournemouth and Southampton would be so much more intriguing if fans were given a chance to be in attendance, but alas, that isn’t going to be the case.
The Cherries have already proven their ability to beat Premier League teams on their run to the last eight, but this one should be a step too far with Southampton gritting out the sort of win that won’t be pretty, but will certainly hand them the bragging rights.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-1 Southampton
Chelsea vs Sheffield United
Thomas Tuchel probably doesn’t know a whole lot about English football at this moment in time, but you can bet he knows how important it is to make an instant impact with a new club.
Winning the league is almost certainly out of the question for the Blues, but if they want to go after the FA Cup, we’d argue that they’ve got a wonderful chance of going all the way – especially against a Sheffield United side who need to prioritize their survival push.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Sheffield United
