This seasons FA Cup is fast becoming one of the best ever. The 5th round of the FA cup had it all; thumping wins, narrow defeats and a huge upset. Only 3 Premiership sides are definitely through to the next round (quarter finals). Therefore, there is a big opportunity for lower league teams to reach Wembley.

The most anticipated match turned out to be a very one-sided affair. Manchester United thrashed Arsenal 4-0, outclassing the gunners in every department. Both Ferguson and Wenger fielded under-strength teams, but no one could have expected that the match would be such a no-contest. In the first half, United produced one of their best displays of the season as Rooney, Fletcher and Nani all scored to make the game safe. Anderson, Nani, Carrick and Fletcher had a memorable match, probably their best performance in United colours. In contrast, many Arsenal players were completely anonymous. Fletcher rounded off the rout ( in the second-half), but it was more about Arsenal displaying their trait of being a bad loser. First Eboue was sent off for a horrific challenge on Evra. Then Gallas took out his frustration by kicking Nani, an action which also deserved a red card. Lastly, Adebayor received a booking for an outrageous and badly-executed dive.

Undoubtedly, the most surprising result of the weekend was Liverpool's home defeat to Barnsley. Nobody was giving the Tykes a chance, but they had obviously not read the script. As expected, Kuyt gave Liverpool the lead. But they failed to put the game to bed despite having numerous opportunities to do so. Barnsley did not give up, and they were rewarded for their efforts when 2 goals in the last 20 minutes from Foster and captain Howard sealed a historic win at Anfield and secured their place in the quarter-finals.But Barnsley's real hero was Luke Steele. The goalie, making his debut,made several world-class saves to keep Liverpool at bay. This loss has put even more pressure on Benitez with many people calling for his head. Many feel he would have to land another Champions' League crown in order to secure his job.

Chelsea also made it through to the quarter-finals, courtesy of an easy win over Huddersfield. The League One side did equalise once to give Chelsea a scare, but Lampard and Kalou scored to restore normality at Stamford Bridge to ensure another victory for Avram Grant's men.

In other ties, Sheffield United continued their good cup run to earn a replay against Middlesborough. Bristol Rovers became the only League One side to advance as they overcame Southampton at home. Portsmouth performed another smash and grab, this time at Preston. Cardiff ere too good for Wolves at Ninian Park and West Brom ruthlessly demolished managerless Coventry City.

These are the complete 5th round results:

Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal
Liverpool 1-2 Barnsley
Chelsea 3-1 Huddersfield
Coventry 0-5 West Brom
Bristol Rovers 1-0 Southampton
Sheffield United 0-0 Middlesborough
Preston 0-1 Portsmouth
Cardiff 2-0 Wolves

And here is the quarter-final draw:

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Bristol Rovers v West Brom
Barnsley v Chelsea

As you can see, Manchester United and Chelsea have been kept apart in the draw.Manchester United will again meet Premiership opposition in Porsmouth whereas Chelsea face the prospect of a tricky trip to Barnsley. So a Man Utd v Chelsea final is on the cards again. If this would be the case, I do hope it would be very different from last year, when the two teams put Wembley to sleep.

The FA cup 5th round ties are going to be played this weekend, and most of the attention will be focused on Old Trafford, where Manchester United and Arsenal face-off for a place in the quarter-finals. Its always great when the two teams fighting it out for the league crown get to meet each other in the cup as well, because then there is much more at stake than just a spot in the next round.



Everyone knows that United are not top of thier game at the moment. They only managed to earn a point against Tottenham at White hart Lane. But the result that really hurt was the home defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Manchester City. The common thing between United's defeats this season has been Wayne Rooney's absence. The return of Rooney and Evra from suspension forthis matcha much-needed boost. Even when Rooney does not play well, he creates space for Ronaldo, Tevez and others to exploit. Saha might also return,but you can never be sure aboput this piece of news.

And everyone knows that Arsenal are on a roll. Top of the Pemier with a 5 point cushion, they have good chance of doing well n the Champions' league too.Adebayor has been their key man this season. The lanky striker has added another dimension to the Gunners' play; they can now play long-balls when their normal passing game does not work.

For United to have a decent chance of winning, it is imperative that Sir Alex gets his team selection right. Its a no-brainer that Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra will make up the defense, Rooney and tevez will play up-top and Ronaldo will marshall the right-wing. But the rest of the 3 midfield positions are centre of much debate. Sir Alex should go with Anderson and Hargreaves In the mid-field as I think that they are our best pairing. Giggs should take his customary position at the left-wing. He is no longer the Wing Wizard he once was, but United need his experience in this match.

Matches between te big-fours are not always classic, But games between Arsenal and Manchester are a general exception to this statement. I think the first-half is going to be a bit cagey, but the secnd is going to be more open and exciting. And if there is an early goal, we will be in for a real treat.

To put it simply, United need to win this match more than Arsenal to restore pride and momentum. And with Rooney, United are simply a different team. I feel the Red Devils will be too strong on tyhe day and will beat Arsenal by a narrow margin.

Prediction: 2-1

Let's not forget the other 5th round ties. These are my predictions for them.

Cardiff v Wolves 2-1
Chelsea v Huddersfield 4-0
Coventry v West Brom 1-1
Liverpool v Barnsley 4-0
Sheffield United v Middlesborough 1-1
Preston v Portsmouth 0-1

Here are all the results from an action-packed weekend of the FA cup. Unfortunately for the minnows, there were no major upsets and all the favourites came through unscathed. The closest we got to witnessing a giant-killing was at Anfield where the tiny Havant & Waterlooville managed to score 2 goals against Liverpool but failed to hold on to thier lead and went down 5-2. Arsenal defeated Newcastle thanks in no small part to Adebayor's brace. Anelka's fine finish and a great assist set up Chelsea's win over Wigan. Despite not playing at their best, Manchester United were able to defeat Tottenham Hotspur at old Trafford,making it to the fifth round as well. Only six Premiership sides are left in the competition,which bodes well for the chances of a team from the lower leagues to reach Wembley this year.

Sheff Utd 2-1 Man City
Man Utd 3-1 Tottenham
Liverpool 5-2 Havant & W'looville
Derby 1-4 Preston
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle
Portsmouth 2-1 Plymouth
Wigan 1-2 Chelsea
Mansfield 0-2 Middlesbrough
Watford 1-4 Wolves
Peterborough 0-3 West Brom
Southampton 2-0 Bury
Coventry 2-1 Millwall
Oldham 0-1 Huddersfield
Southend 0-1 Barnsley
Barnet 0-1 Bristol Rovers
Hereford 1-2 Cardiff


The draw for the fifth round is out,and undoubtedly,the tie of the round is Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. generally,Cup clashes between the top sides proove to be really boring affairs but this match could be an exception. Certainly,it has all th ingredients for a classic. Arsene Wenger has already began the mind games,and Sir Alex is sure to respond. Let's see which master tactician comes out on top his time to keep Their FA cup dream alive. In other notable ties, Chelsea face Huddersfield town at Stamford bridge. It's a wonder how Chelsea get so easy ties against smaller teams. Moreover,they play at home most of the time. Liverpool also have a quite an easy fixture. They take on Championship side Barnsley. Finally, Bryan Robson faces his former club Middlesborough with his current side Sheffield United. Boro are no longer a side to be feared,and therefore,he should fancy his chances against them


Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

The oldest and arguably the best cup competition , FA Cup, is back this weekend. Here are all my predictions for the fourth round matches being played this Sunday (I wanted to write about Saturday's matches as well, but due to a problem with my internet connection, I was unable to do so.)


MANCHESTER UNITED V TOTTENHAM

In terms of sides involved, this is the tie of the round. Many peolple are saying that United's trip to Saudi Arabia will harm thier chances against Spurs-but I don't think so. The friendly against Al-hilal was played on Monday and since then, United have had plenty of time to rest. If anything, the mini-tour should leave United in a better shape for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham will be very bouyant on thier way to Old Traffod after humiliating Arsenal in mid-week. What a story it will make if they manage to take anothe 'Big Four' scalp in space of a week. And Spurs have never had a better chance of doing so as Manager Juande Ramos's cup record is absolutely brilliant. He has not lost a cup game in years and he will be eager to keep it that way. The front four-Berbatov,Keane,Lennon and Malbranque are looking awesome and at the moment, are capable of scoring against anyone.

Having said that,United don't have the meanest defence in the Premier League for nothing. Ferdinand and Vidic should be able to keep Spurs' strikers quiet for most of the match. This match is going to be nice and entertaining one as both sides will go out for a win. But I feel that United will be too strong on the day, especially as they are at home.

Prediction: 2-0


SHEFFIELD UNITED V MANCHESTER CITY

Sheffield United were one of the start- of- the season promotion favourites. But now they are languishing in the mid-table of the Championship with demands for manager Bryan Robson's head growing everyday. Although they managed to beat Bolton in the previous round, their form in the Championship has remained indifferent.

Manchester City has fallen off the pace lately. their defence is very strong, but they seem to lack firepower upfront. Furthermore their away form is awful. Therefore, I think the Blades have a chance in this match and I see this match going to the replay.

Prediction: 1-1


HEREFORD V CARDIFF

Hereford are the other minnows left in this year's competition and they have not got the credit they deserved as all the media attention had been diverted towards Havant and Waterlooville. Hereford will do the best they can against Cardiff, but its not going to be enough, not even to earn themselves a replay.

Prediction: 1-3