The Last 16 of the FA Cup
Arsenal v Hull (12:45pm)
This one has just reached half time and is goalless, but overall, Arsenal are absolute favourites for this game, despite making nine changes from last Sunday's win against Leicester, ahead of their Champions League game against Barcelona. It's very much a strong Arsenal side, with Mertesacker, Koscielny, Flamini, Welbeck and Walcott all starting, and really, they should blow away Hull in the second half. That said, it's a case of so far, so good for Hull and they'll be very happy to have got through to half time at 0-0, especially considering Arsenal's dominance. They'll be thinking if they can just nick a goal, then they've got every chance of holding on and creating a massive shock. No prediction for this game, as it's a bit late for that, but Arsenal should win.
Reading v West Brom (3pm)
West Brom have gone to a replay in both the 3rd and 4th rounds of this competition against lower league opposition and my money would be on a similar result here, despite the fact that Reading are really struggling to make any sort of headway in the Championship. The Baggies are one of the Premier League's less predictable sides, but they have a solid defence at times and an ability to nick a goal. You'd have to put them down as favourites for this game, but I've got a good feeling that Reading, at home, can replicate their predecessors in this competition and take West Brom to a replay.
Prediction: 1-1
Watford v Leeds (3pm)
Leeds are in freefall, a mess of a football club, making headlines for their off the pitch madness and their inability to string together decent performances on it. With no disrespect to Watford, I wouldn't back Leeds away from home at any Premier League side right now. And it is Watford that they are going to, and Watford have shown themselves to be a top Premier League outfit. Their form in recent weeks has been slightly patchy, but they've had a tough run of games, losing twice to Tottenham, as well as Man City and a resurgent Southampton. And their home form isn't too bad either. So I'd expect a comfortable home win.
Prediction: 2-0 Watford
Bournemouth v Everton (5:15pm)
Everton looked to be picking up some real form before they were downed by West Brom last time out, and they remain an incredibly inconsistent outfit, impossible to call at the best of times. That said, on paper, they should have enough firepower to see off Bournemouth, who despite doing enough to keep themselves in the league, can't really aim for anything more than that, and simply put are an inferior side. That said, this is an opportunity for both sides to go all out for a cup run to bolster their seasons, so we could see two very strong line ups and a very good game of football. Just remember the 3-3.
Prediction: 3-1 Everton
Blackburn v West Ham (2pm Sunday)
This one is one that you'd think has to go to the Premier League side. As boring as it is to say that West Ham will win this game, I can't really see any other outcome. Granted West Ham are in mixed form, with their only win in the last five league games against Villa, but they should have more than enough about them to beat a Blackburn side that are comfortably in the bottom half of the Championship. The problem for sides like Blackburn at this stage is that West Ham are one win away from the quarters and for a Premier League side that isn't going to break the top four, this is a real opportunity for them to get some silverware, and I expect them to go all out for it.
Prediction: 2-1 West Ham
Spurs v Palace (3pm Sunday)
This is a potentially tasty one. Spurs are now fighting on three fronts, which means that they will almost certainly send out a mix of their strongest starting eleven and some reserve or youth players, so that they send out a strong enough team to win the game, but can also rest key individuals. With the league and Europa both real possibilities for Spurs, they will have to juggle this carefully. And this could well play into Palace's hands, as they will almost certainly send out a strong team as their season has descended into mid-table mediocrity and a cup run would certainly boost their season. That said, Spurs should have enough to win this one, but it will be close.
Prediction; 2-1 Spurs
Chelsea v City (4pm Sunday)
This could well end up being the tie of the round. City are a wounded animal, with back to back defeats in big league games against big opposition. And this is another big game, albeit in a different competition against opposition who aren't on the same level as Spurs and Leicester right now. City should be favourites for this one, as they have a stronger team, but Chelsea will probably go for this, in a way that City won't, as City have Champions League in midweek and Chelsea aren't fighting for anything in the league. I think a draw is probably on.
Prediction: 1-1
Shrewsbury v Man United (7:45 Monday)
Let's be real. As funny as it would be to see a below par, substandard United side slip up once again against appalling opposition, it just isn't going to happen. United are too strong for Shrewsbury and this should be a really easy away win.
Prediction: 3-0 United
The Hard and Fast Section
- Leamington are away at Slough today. COYB.
- Brendon McCullum ends with a flourish. Legend.
- "You cannot buy a World Cup". Okay Sepp.
- Jordan Speith missed the cut. Oops.
No comments:
Post a Comment