We are all set for an action-packed FA Cup weekend as top teams strive to make it past the round of 16.
Holders Crystal Palace were knocked out by lowly Macclesfield in one of the biggest FA Cup upsets ever. So we are guaranteed to have a new winner come May.
Premier League leaders Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all still in contention. Only Liverpool face a fellow top tier side in Brighton on Saturday.
Arsenal will host Wigan while their PL title challengers City host Salford, with both teams tipped as favorites to win their respective games to qualify for the quarterfinals.
With a host of matches lined up, we have a look at some of the top games, analyze and offer our predicted outcomes.
Hull vs Chelsea – Friday, 10:45PM
The hosts will be hoping for their fortunes against Chelsea to finally turn around, after losing all of the last five games played against the London club. The most recent match between these two sides resulted in a 2-1 win for Chelsea.
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Hull are coming off a 3-2 home defeat to Bristol City in the Championship. This is their only defeat in their last eight games.
Meanwhile, Chelsea blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Leeds on Tuesday. Chelsea have also lost just once in their last eight games since Liam Rosenior took charge.
Despite Chelsea having a superior squad, Hull have been on a great run of form and will cause the visitors some problems.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Manchester City vs Salford – Saturday, 6PM
Seven-time winners Man City are seeking a first title since 2023 and need to get past League Two’s Salford.
City demolished Exeter 10-1 in the last round while Salford edged Swindon 3-2 to make into the round of 16.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last six games, winning five of them. City also come into the game on an 11-game unbeaten run at the Etihad.
Salford are coming off a 1-0 defeat against Accrington, a second loss in their last five games.
Prediction – Manchester City to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Saturday, 8:45PM
Villa were 2-0 winners at St. James’ Park in the league a couple weeks back and Newcastle are out for revenge here. This is one of the two matches pitting PL teams against each other in the round of 16.
Both teams are coming off slim league wins in midweek, with Villa beating Brighton 1-0 while Newcastle were 2-1 winners at Tottenham.
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In the last five head-to-head matches between these sides, each team has won twice with the other resulting in a draw. A barren stalemate in the league last year.
Neither side has any new injury concerns and are both expected to field their strongest XI here. However, home advantage for Villa may give them a slight edge against their opponents.
Prediction – Aston Villa to win or draw – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Liverpool vs Brighton – Saturday, 11PM
It’s desperate times for Brighton who are without a win in their last five games. They are coming off back-to-back defeats and need a miracle to upset Liverpool at Anfield.
The reds have only lost once at home in their last 11 matches and humiliated Barnsley 4-1 in the previous round. Brighton were also impressive, beating Manchester United 2-1 away from home to progress to the last 16.
Eight-time champions Liverpool last won the FA Cup in 2022, beating Chelsea in the final and are favorites to get past their opponents and into the quarters.
Liverpool have been superior in recent matches against Brighton, winning four of the last five matches – losing just once.
Prediction – Liverpool to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
