FA Cup Quarter Final Predictions

SATURDAY:

FULHAM V CRYSTAL PALACE

Fulham have never won the FA Cup and this season is probably their best opportunity to do so due to the season they're having in the Premier League.

With most of the big six out of the competition, they will never have a better opportunity than this season.

The same applies to Crystal Palace who have also never won the FA Cup. But they have reached the final twice in 1990 and 2016.

The Eagles won this fixture in the Premier League last month which started off a four game winning streak in all competitions.

I don't see a repeat of that here though as I fancy Fulham to just edge this one and book their place in the semi finals.

The Eagles could have Mateta back which will definitely be a big boost for them, but I still think Fulham will be the side that come out on top here.

PREDICTION: 2-1

BRIGHTON V NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Brighton lost 7-0 the last time these two teams met over a month ago and they haven't lost a game since.

That result has proved itself to be a turning point in their season as they're now pushing for European football and a game away from Wembley.

They reached the semi finals a couple of seasons ago under Roberto De Zerbi and they might fancy themselves to go one better this season due to most of the big teams already out of the cup.

Nottingham Forest have had to work for their wins in the FA Cup with their 3rd Round win over Luton being the only game they've won in 90 minutes.

They'll still fancy themselves to reach the final though as they're having a brilliant season in the Premier League, and most of the big six are out of the cup.

Nuno will definitely play a stronger team than he did in the last two rounds but I don't think Brighton will make it easy for them here.

The Seagulls have had a decent record at home this season and with the form they're in, I actually fancy them to get their revenge on Forest for their 7-0 defeat.

PREDICTION: 2-1

SUNDAY:

PRESTON V ASTON VILLA

Preston are the only non-Premier League side left in the competition and they'll just go out and enjoy the occasion.

But they might as well go for the upset as they have nothing to play for in the Championship. They currently sit in 14th place and are unlikely to get dragged into a relegation battle or play off push.

Aston Villa for me are arguably the second favourites to win this competition behind Man City because of the manager and quality of squad they have.

Unai Emery said in his first press conference as Villa boss that he would like to win a trophy at Villa and this season has to be his best chance of achieving that.

Most of the big six are out of the competition and with the quality of squad they have, they should definitely look to win this competition.

But they'll need to get past Preston first and I think they should do that reasonably comfortably.

PREDICTION: 0-2

BOURNEMOUTH V MAN CITY

Bournemouth won this fixture in the Premier League back in November in what was their first ever win over Man City.

They'll fancy themselves to get another win against them in this one as they'll believe that they can beat City again.

But it will be more challenging this time round because the Cherries are not in the best of form at the moment, and the City side they'll be facing will be stronger than the one they beat back in November, which had a lot of injuries.

The FA Cup is City's last chance to end the season with a trophy and the pressure will be on them to win it because of the rest of the big six all being out of the competition.

City do have a number of players out injured coming into this game, but not as many as they did the last time they faced Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola usually plays a strong team in the cup competitions and I expect him to that in this one because they're up against Premier League opposition, and they have no other trophies to play for this season.

Bournemouth will definitely score as City do have a softness about them defensively. But I think City will have enough quality going forward and to see themselves through to the next round.

PREDICTION: 1-3