Eight teams remain in football’s oldest cup competition after an engaging and entertaining fifth-round series of matches.
Manchester City ended Plymouth Argyle’s dream FA Cup run, which included a remarkable victory over current Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s team, already out of the title race and the Champions League following a surprisingly poor run, will face high-flying Bournemouth for a spot in the semi-finals. ..Continue Reading
Bournemouth have emerged as unexpected top-four contenders this season and overcame Wolves on penalties to secure a quarter-final matchup against Manchester City.
One London club is guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals as Fulham prepares to host Crystal Palace in the quarters, with Fulham having knocked out Manchester United and Palace overcoming Championship side Millwall.
Champions League club Aston Villa will travel to face Championship side Preston, who triumphed 3-0 over Lancashire rivals Burnley to continue their memorable FA Cup journey.
The final quarter-final tie sees Brighton taking on Nottingham Forest, who defeated Ipswich Town on penalties in the last fifth-round clash.
With Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea already out, Manchester City, seven-time winners, have a great opportunity to end a challenging season with another FA Cup trophy. However, Shearer believes Aston Villa are actually the ‘favourites’ to win the competition.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-England striker said: ‘Aston Villa have got really good attacking options, Unai Emery can swap them around like he has done.
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Preston vs Aston Villa
Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
‘I would perhaps have Aston Villa as favourites for this competition now. If they can get one or two defenders back from the treatment room then they will be hard to beat.
‘I know it’s away from home but their draw against Preston, they can’t really complain about that. I quite fancy Aston Villa. They could have an unbelievable season, one to really remember.
‘They’re going well in the Champions League and are close to that top-four in the Premier League. If they can just get one or two players back it could be a great finish to the season because those January signings have served them well and will do for the rest of the season.’
Responding to Shearer’s FA Cup claim, former Premier League defender Micah Richards added: ‘I totally agree.
‘I think Unai Emery is a genius. Tactically he knows exactly what he wants. It was a masterstroke getting in that calibre of players in January.
‘They’ve got quality all over. He’s doing a brilliant job, it could be a remarkable season for Aston Villa.
‘I will still go with Man City just because of their experience. In a one-off game they can still produce something special so I will go with Man City, just.’
Gary Lineker, meanwhile, is backing Bournemouth to produce a superb FA Cup win after their progress under the impressive Andoni Iraola.
‘I think Man City are most likely but I’m going to pluck out Bournemouth,’ Lineker said.
‘There’s one for you! I like Areola, I think he’s got something, and they’ve already beaten Man City this season. We shall see.’
