Cattermole: set to face his former club on Wearside.
FA Cup bite-size
Our team of dedicated writers have packaged every one of this weekend's FA Cup matches into three bite-sized paragraphs and thrown in their own correct score predictions for good measure, so you can scroll through them at your leisure...
Watford v Tottenham (Friday 19:45)
Having beaten Bradford in the third round, Watford have subsequently gone on to lose their following two Championship outings to Reading and Birmingham. Since going on an eight-match unbeaten run, the Hornets have lost their last three league games. Their squad is almost fully fit after Jonathan Hogg’s return last week, leaving long-term absentees Martin Taylor and Stephen McGinn as Sean Dyche’s only injury worries.
Tottenham’s title challenge took a huge dent with a controversial 3-2 defeat to league leaders Manchester City last time out. Spurs had been unbeaten in nine outings in all competitions before Sunday’s defeat, including seeing off Cheltenham in the FA Cup third round. Emmanuel Adebayor is back after being ineligible against Manchester City, but Gareth Bale (thigh), Scott Parker (hamstring) and Younes Kaboul (groin) are all injury doubts, while William Gallas and Tom Huddlestone are definitely out.
Spurs are unbeaten in six meetings with the Hornets in all competitions and have won the last four in this competition. Harry Redknapp’s men should continue their recent dominance over their opponents as their strong start to the season continues to get better.
Verdict: Watford 0-4 Tottenham
Everton v Fulham (Friday 20:00)
Everton are going through a sticky patch in the Premier League having failed to win any of their last four. Their 2-0 victory over non-league Tamworth in the third round was the only time in 11 league and cup games since the end of November the Toffees have scored more than a single goal, netting exactly once in six of their last seven in the top flight. Full-back Tony Hibbert could return for the hosts after recovering from a groin injury.
Fulham have been amongst the goals lately, scoring 11 in their last three at Craven Cottage including four against Charlton in the last round. The Cottagers haven’t netted more than once in any of their last seven away games since their last win on the road in October, though they have drawn four of their last six. Midfielder Moussa Dembele misses the trip to Merseyside with a hip problem.
Both sides secured easy passages from the previous round but with the pair level on points in the league, Friday night’s clash promises to be a much more evenly contested affair. Three of their four previous FA Cup meetings have ended all square and a replay looks likely again if they are to be separated.
Verdict: Everton 1-1 Fulham
QPR edged past MK Dons at the second attempt in the last round to finally end their 16-game winless streak in the FA Cup but have lost 11 of their last 12 FA Cup meetings against top-flight sides. The R’s will be buoyed by their first league win in 10 games after victory over Wigan on Saturday, their first at home since beating Chelsea in October.
Chelsea cruised past Portsmouth at home in the third round but dropped points for the third time in four away games at Norwich on Saturday, as the Blues failed to score in a game for the first time since defeat at Loftus Road. They have only lost four of their last 35 FA Cup outings on the road and haven’t conceded more than once in any of their previous eight on their travels in the league.
The visitors will be seeking revenge after defeat in the corresponding league fixture, hoping to keep all 11 men on the pitch this time. None of the sides’ last nine meetings have been decided by more than a one-goal margin and there should be little, if nothing, to choose between them again.
Verdict: QPR 1-1 Chelsea
Liverpool soared into the fourth round after firing five past Oldham and should be buoyed by their midweek Carling Cup semi-final success against the blue half of Manchester. Captain Steven Gerrard scored from the spot in both legs and has netted three in his last four appearances against Saturday’s visitors. The Reds have stuttered in the league, though, taking just one point from their last three games.
Manchester United edged local rivals Manchester City in a five-goal thriller in the last round and built on success with successive victories in the league. Alex Ferguson’s side have lost just once away from home all season, keeping six clean sheets in the process. Patrice Evra is due a hot reception at Anfield but is expected to start while Nani misses out with a foot injury.
Liverpool will be in high spirits after booking their place at Wembley next month but have lost eight of their last nine meetings with United in the FA Cup. Evra and co face a test of character in what is bound to be a fiery atmosphere but the Red Devils, as so often down the years, have proven in recent weeks they can handle the pressure when it matters and should prevail once again.
Verdict: Liverpool 2-3 Man Utd
Blackpool are on a fine run of form at present, suffering just two defeats in their last 14 outings, including three wins in their last four attempts at Bloomfield Road. Ian Holloway’s men have won four of their last six home and away, and overcame local rivals Fleetwood 5-1 in the third round. Midfielder Keith Southern has returned to training and could use this clash to get some minutes under his belt, so Holloway has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Sheffield Wednesday moved level with second and third in the table with a 3-1 win at Scunthorpe in midweek, and that ended a mini-slump of two games without victory. Before that, they had won eight of ten outings, including a surprise home win over West Ham in their third round clash. Gary Megson is currently in the midst of a defensive crisis, with injuries to the likes of Julian Bennett, Reda Johnson and Rob Jones, and suspension for Miguel Llera, so is hoping Lewis Buxton is passed fit after a hamstring strain.
These sides actually met in the League Cup back in August, with the Owls progressing on penalties after a goalless draw in normal time. The recent record suggest Wednesday have the upper hand, with just one defeat in nine meetings, but the Seasiders are on form and should narrowly see off their opponents.
Verdict: Blackpool 3-2 Sheff Wed
Bolton needed a replay to progress past League Two outfit Macclesfield en route to the fourth round and will be in good spirits after recording just their second home league win of the season against Liverpool last time out. They have fared better at the Reebok Stadium in the FA Cup though, conceding just once in their last six matches at home.
Swansea hit four at Barnsley in the last round, netting on the road in the FA Cup for the eighth successive game. Their defeat at Sunderland last weekend was their first in five matches having won two on the bounce, including their first away from home in the league at Aston Villa. The Swans have been knocked out at this stage on seven of the last 11 occasions they have made it this far.
Bolton will be looking to use victory over Liverpool as a springboard to improve upon their home form. Their visitors are slowly rediscovering their touch on the road, however, and should force the Trotters to at least a replay.
Verdict: Bolton 1-1 Swansea
Derby’s impressive winning run came to an end when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Burnley last Saturday. Before that, the Rams had won five straight league and cup outings, including their 1-0 home victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round. Nathan Tyson remains on the sidelines through injury, but fellow striker Steven Davies made a comeback from a head injury this week and could be involved in the squad.
Stoke haven’t won in their last two Premier League outings, drawing with Liverpool before losing to West Brom. Before that they won 3-1 at Gillingham to knock them out of the FA Cup, and lost one of the previous six matches. Tony Pulis only has injury worries over Mamady Sidibe and Andy Wilkinson, but may choose to rest some first-team players as they’re in the middle of a hectic schedule.
The Rams won at the Brittania Stadium in the 2008/09 League Cup, although Stoke won the two meetings between the sides before that. There could be a upset on the cards as Derby continue their fine form against the inconsistent Potters.
Verdict: Derby 2-1 Stoke
Hull have got back on form, having won their last three, including a 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over fellow Championship outfit Ipswich. Prior to those victories, Nick Barmby’s Tigers suffered three consecutive 1-0 defeats but they remain in the play-off spots. Barmby has no injury or suspension worries ahead of this clash, but made seven changes to his starting XI in their third round clash at Ipswich so could rotate his squad again.
Crawley are flying towards promotion from League Two after a run of just one defeat from 18 league matches, including 11 victories. They have had to see off Bury, Redbridge, and the Championship’s Bristol City to reach this stage, winning all three without conceding a goal. Steve Evans also has a fully-fit squad to choose from for this cup tie, after Claude Davis recovered from the injury he sustained against Plymouth.
This will be the first meeting between Hull and Crawley, and with the Tigers building a head of steam in the league, they could take form and momentum into this cup clash.
Verdict: Hull 2-0 Crawley
Leicester have picked up consecutive victories for the first time since August, after following up a 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest in their round three replay with a league win at Southampton. Before that, the Foxes had won one of their last eight outings, and their replay victory was a first win at home for five games. Nigel Pearson is unable to call upon Danny Drinkwater or Liam Moore as they’ve featured for other sides in earlier rounds, while Andy King, Martyn Waghorn and Darius Vassell are all injured.
Swindon are in fine form under Paolo di Canio and have won their last four League Two outings, leaving them just three points behind the automatic promotion places. They have progressed to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern final, and seen off higher league opponents Huddersfield, Colchester and Wigan so far in the FA Cup. Di Canio is boosted by the availability of loanee Daniel Boateng, while Alan McCormack returns from suspension, but both Luke Rooney and Billy Bodin are cup-tied.
The last two meetings between the sides have ended level, meaning Swindon have won only one of the last seven clashes. Leicester look to have finally found form under Nigel Pearson and could put an end to Swindon’s run of FA cup upsets.
Verdict: Leicester 3-0 Swindon
Millwall v Southampton
Millwall have won their last two outings, including a 5-0 victory over Dagenham in a replay of their third round clash and a league win at Barnsley. Before those matches, Kenny Jackett’s men had won just one of their previous nine outings, and lost their last two league games at the New Den. Kenny Jackett is without left-backs Paul Robinson and Jordan Stewart who are still sidelined, along with long-term absentees Tamika Mkandawire and Therry Racon, while Alan Dunne is suspended.
Southampton lost at home to Leicester last time out, but won their last two before that, including a win over another Championship side Coventry in the previous round. After looking like running away with the Championship, they have won just three of their last nine league and cup outings, and have dropped to second in the league. Nigel Adkins will be delighted to welcome back top scorer Rickie Lambert after his three-match suspension, but loanee Yago Falque is cup-tied after featuring for Tottenham in round three.
The Saints are unbeaten in their last nine matches against Millwall, including a 1-0 league win in August at St Mary’s. Millwall are still in trouble in the Championship, and Jackett may be tempted to rest some players, allowing Southampton to come out on top.
Verdict: Millwall 1-3 Southampton
Sheff Utd v Birmingham
Sheffield United dropped out of the automatic promotion places on goal difference after a 1-0 defeat at Charlton last weekend. The Blades have been in fine form over the past few months, with just two losses in their last 13 outings, including wins over Oxford, Torquay and Salisbury in the FA Cup. Striker James Beattie begins a three-match suspension after his red card at Charlton, while centre-back Chris Morgan remains a long-term injury absentee.
Birmingham will be looking to carry on their form after winning their last four in all competitions, including their victory over Wolves in round three. Chris Hughton’s Blues are unbeaten in their last eight outings, and their last defeat was on their travels at Crystal Palace. Hughton will be able to call upon Liam Ridgewell and Pablo Ibanez after the pair recovered from injury, but Marlon King is a doubt with a groin complaint.
The home side have won in all but one of the last seven meetings between these sides, with the away win coming as Birmingham won a League Cup clash at Bramall Lane in 2006. United’s confidence will be sky-high after their recent league form, and with Birmingham also on form, a replay might be needed.
Verdict: Sheff Utd 1-1 Birmingham
Stevenage replaced Graham Westley this week, with former Colorado Rapids boss Gary Smith arriving to take the reins. Smith joins a Boro side in fine form, with just one defeat in their last 18 outings, including a surprise 1-0 victory at Championship Reading in the last round. New gaffer Smith should name a similar side to the side that won on Tuesday, but John Mousinho and Rob Sinclair are still out through injury.
Notts County have slipped away from the League One play-off places after a run of eight league matches without victory. They have, however, seen off Accrington, Sutton United and Championship side Doncaster to progress through to the fourth round. Martin Allen will be without left-back Kieron Freeman who is cup-tied after appearing for Nottingham Forest, with Stephen Hunt, Rob Burch and Sam Sodje all injured, but Julian Kelly should be fit to return.
County’s 2-0 victory at Broadhall Way in the league clash in September was the first-ever meeting between the sides. Smith joins his charges in super form, and they should carry that on into this clash against the struggling Magpies.
Verdict: Stevenage 2-0 Notts County
West Brom v Norwich
West Brom dumped out Championship side Cardiff in the third round but Saturday’s victory at Stoke was their first in five Premier League outings. The Baggies have lost four of their last five at the Hawthorns, including their 2-1 defeat to Norwich a fortnight ago. Albion have progressed at this stage on three of the last four occasions, though manager Roy Hodgson has hinted he may ring the changes with a busy midweek league schedule ahead.
Norwich also disposed of Championship opposition in the last round with victory over Burnley to progress to the fourth round for first time in five seasons. The Canaries remain unbeaten in their last five league and cup games and haven’t lost any of their previous four on the road, winning 2-1 in each of the last two. Paul Lambert brought in Leeds captain Jonny Howson this week but a knee injury could prevent him from making his debut on Saturday.
West Brom might have returned to winning ways on the road but their home form is cause for concern. The last three meetings between these two have ended in victory for the away side and given Norwich’s unbeaten streak, the visitors should be the ones toasting victory at the Hawthorns again.
Verdict: West Brom 1-2 Norwich
Brighton survived a major scare after prevailing in a penalty shootout against non-league Wrexham to reach the fourth round. The Seagulls’ league form has been impressive since the turn of the year, picking up three straight wins, conceding just once. Will Buckley is Albion’s man in form, netting three times in their last two outings including a double in their win at Peterborough last time out.
Newcastle needed a last-minute winner from Jonas Gutierrez to edge past Blackburn in the third round. The Magpies boast a top-six place in the Premier League but have lost four of their last six on the road following Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Fulham. Alan Pardew’s side have leaked 16 goals in the process while their four matches in cup competition this season have produced 20 in total.
The Toon Army’s indifferent form away from home makes this one hard to predict but goals should be guaranteed. Brighton are proving a tough nut to crack on the south coast and will be eyeing an upset on Saturday.
Verdict: Brighton 3-2 Newcastle
Sunderland v Middlesbrough (Sunday 13:30)
Sunderland eased past Championship opposition last time around in the form of Peterborough and have lost just once in their previous nine matches at the Stadium of Light, winning three of the last four. Skipper Lee Cattermole comes up against his former club and Fraizer Campbell is in contention for a return but Nicklas Bendtner faces a spell on the sidelines with a facial injury.
Middlesbrough needed just one goal to dispose of League Two side Shrewsbury in the third round but are without a win in their last four in the league, losing three on the trot. Tony Mowbray’s men have the second best away form in the Championship and could hand striker Lukas Jutkiewicz his Boro debut. Ex-Black Cats midfielder Julio Arca misses his return to his former club through suspension.
Sunderland face a tough test against one of their nearest rivals but head into the north-east derby in splendid form, still enjoying resurgence under their new manager. Middlesbrough’s lofty position in the Championship might suggest they can be a real threat but their recent barren patch suggests otherwise.
Verdict: Sunderland 3-1 Middlesbrough
Arsenal v Aston Villa (Sunday 16:00)
Arsenal had Thierry Henry to thank for their safe passage to the fourth round, scoring the winner on his Emirates return to dump out Championship side Leeds. The Gunners are enduring their worst form of the season, though, on the back of three straight defeats in the Premier League though Sunday’s loss at home to Manchester United was their first at home in 10 matches.
Aston Villa avoided an upset by winning 3-1 at League Two side Bristol Rovers in the last round and are unbeaten in their five on their travels, winning three. Robbie Keane’s first goals in a Villa shirt helped Alex McLeish’s side to victory at Wolves on Saturday and should be partnered up front again by Darren Bent, who netted a brace in their 2-1 victory on Villa’s last visit to the Emirates last May.
Despite their recent league woes, Arsenal will be looking to the FA Cup for a realistic chance of silverware this term. The Gunners prevailed 2-1 at Villa Park just over a month ago in the league and should just edge proceedings again in front of their own fans.
Verdict: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
For FA Cup betting analysis based on match odds, check out Mike Holden’s preview of the action.
