FA Cup Fourth Round: 10 Key Storylines and Potential Upsets to Watch This Weekend
As the FA Cup fourth round kicks off, Burnley eye a Cup run to salvage their season, Leicester face a daunting repeat of midweek misery, and Brighton fans endure scheduling frustrations. This weekend promises drama across multiple fixtures, with teams battling for glory, survival, or redemption.
Rosenior Demands Defensive Consistency from Chelsea
Chelsea have struggled defensively since appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach, keeping only two clean sheets in ten games. Costly lapses have seen them squander leads against Charlton, Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Leeds, including a 2-0 advantage in Tuesday's draw with Leeds. Rosenior expressed frustration post-match, urging his team to deliver a consistent performance. As Chelsea travel to Hull, Rosenior's former club, on Friday night, they are expected to advance against Championship opponents, but their approach will be scrutinized. It is a critical moment for Chelsea to demonstrate seriousness and tighten up at the back.
West Ham Seek Momentum Boost Against Burton Albion
West Ham's nervy third-round victory over QPR sparked a mini-revival, with ten points from five league games boosting their survival hopes. While the FA Cup is not their top priority, it offers a chance to build momentum. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo may rotate the squad, possibly resting Jarrod Bowen, but should not dismiss the Cup as an inconvenience. Facing League One's Burton Albion, West Ham aim to continue their upward trajectory and secure another morale-boosting win.
Burnley Dream of Wigan-Style Cup Glory
Despite a unlikely comeback at Crystal Palace, Burnley's Premier League survival hopes are slim. However, their competitiveness, evidenced by that result, fuels dreams of an FA Cup run reminiscent of Wigan's 2013 triumph. With a kind draw so far, including a win over in-form Millwall, Burnley face Mansfield with confidence. Overcoming this hurdle could shorten the odds of becoming only the second club to win the Cup while being relegated, keeping their season alive and offering fans a reason to dream big.
Southampton Aim to Compound Leicester's Woes
Southampton's stunning 4-3 comeback at Leicester on Tuesday, after trailing 3-0 at half-time, has set the stage for a thrilling Cup rematch. Under Tonda Eckert, Saints have improved by reverting to a back four, and with Ross Stewart potentially leading the line, they enter with confidence. Leicester, still reeling from the collapse, see their 2021 FA Cup triumph feeling distant. Southampton, the last-but-one second-tier club to lift the Cup in 1976, now have renewed hopes of replicating that success.
Salford Hope to Avoid Another Etihad Thrashing
Thirteen months after an 8-0 drubbing by Manchester City, Salford return to the Etihad Stadium. Under manager Karl Robinson, they sit sixth in League Two but face a daunting task against a City side fresh from wins over Liverpool and Fulham. With City's 10-1 evisceration of Exeter in the previous round, a shock seems unlikely, but Salford will aim to show resilience and avoid another heavy defeat.
Newcastle's Attack Seeks Solution Against Aston Villa
Newcastle have struggled to breach Aston Villa's defence this season, failing to score in both league meetings. With strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, signed for £125m, often on the bench, Eddie Howe's tactical choices will be telling. After a winless run ended by a midweek victory at Tottenham, where Anthony Gordon led the line, Newcastle need to find attacking fluency. This Cup tie could reveal whether Howe trusts his big-money signings or opts for a more fluid approach.
Brighton Fans Endure Scheduling Disrespect at Liverpool
Brighton fans face a raw deal with their trip to Liverpool scheduled for 8pm on Saturday on TNT Sports, complicating travel home if the tie goes to extra time. Amid one win in 13 league games and growing skepticism over manager Fabian Hürzeler, a repeat of their third-round win at Manchester United would boost morale. However, Liverpool, out of the title race but chasing Champions League qualification, are unlikely to offer favours, with Arne Slot expected to field a strong side to build on their midweek win at Sunderland.
Birmingham Eye Upset Against Leeds
With chair Tom Wagner recovering from a stroke, Birmingham, thriving under Chris Davies in the Championship, sense an opportunity against Leeds. Leeds, focused on Premier League survival, may rest key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making a minor upset plausible. Birmingham's playoff push and intelligent management could see them capitalize on Leeds' potential lack of emphasis on the Cup.
Sunderland to Rotate Squad at Oxford United
Virtually assured of Premier League survival, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris may use the Cup to give fringe players starts. Melker Ellborg could make his debut in goal, while Luke O'Nien, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Chris Rigg might feature. Rigg, once hyped as a top prospect, could benefit from a rare start, and O'Nien's leadership shone in the third-round win at Everton. This match offers a chance to rest key players and build depth.
Lewis-Skelly Eyes Midfield Chance for Arsenal
With Mikel Merino injured and Ethan Nwaneri on loan, Arsenal are short in midfield, potentially opening a door for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old, known for his energy, could thrive in Declan Rice's box-to-box role against League One's Wigan. Having burst onto the scene at left-back last season, Lewis-Skelly seeks to reclaim his midfield roots and impress for a World Cup squad spot, making this Cup tie a crucial opportunity.
