Manchester City’s hopes for silverware this season now hinge entirely on the FA Cup, with their fifth-round match against second-tier Plymouth on Saturday. Meanwhile, defending champions Manchester United also desperately need a cup win to rescue a disappointing campaign.
With Premier League leaders Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham already out of the competition, the path to glory has been cleared for the Manchester clubs, who have faced off in the last two FA Cup finals.
Other teams such as Brighton, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace are also aiming for a trip to Wembley on May 17.
Here’s a look at some of the key FA Cup ties this weekend:
Crystal Palace vs. Millwall (Saturday 12:15 GMT)
Palace, two-time FA Cup runners-up, are looking to reach Wembley for the first time in their history. They’ve been in solid form recently, winning seven of their last nine matches. Jean-Phillippe Mateta’s scoring run has helped lift them to 12th in the Premier League. Millwall, however, will be eager to upset their south London rivals.
Man City vs. Plymouth (Saturday 17:30 GMT)
Plymouth’s surprise 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the fourth round has earned them a trip to the Etihad, where they’ll face Man City in hopes of another giant-killing performance. Plymouth’s manager, Miron Muslic, has become a viral sensation for his passionate team talks and is excited to face his idol, Pep Guardiola.
Newcastle vs. Brighton (Sunday 13:45 GMT)
This sixth vs. eighth Premier League clash promises to be one of the most exciting ties of the round. Newcastle, who have not won a major trophy in 56 years, are aiming to build on their League Cup final appearance next month. Brighton have been in fine form, winning four in a row, and are capable of beating any team on their day. Newcastle’s hopes may hinge on the fitness of striker Alexander Isak.
Man Utd vs. Fulham (Sunday 16:30 GMT)
United will be hoping the FA Cup can provide a much-needed lifeline after a lackluster season. They managed to beat Ipswich 3-2 midweek despite a red card to Patrick Dorgu, but it remains to be seen if they can replicate their cup-winning form from last season. Fulham, sitting above United in the Premier League, are aiming for revenge after two narrow 1-0 defeats to United this season and their controversial FA Cup quarter-final loss at Old Trafford two years ago.
