Manchester City and Manchester United are turning to the FA Cup as their last hope for silverware this season. With both teams facing challenges in their campaigns, a successful run in the competition could be their saving grace.
Manchester City, who host second-tier Plymouth on Saturday, have seen their trophy ambitions shrink as they now rely solely on the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Manchester United, the current holders of the title, are also in desperate need of a victory to salvage what has been a difficult season.
With top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham already out, the path to Wembley on May 17 appears more open for both Manchester clubs. However, they still face competition from teams like Brighton, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace, who also have their sights set on FA Cup glory.
Crystal Palace vs. Millwall (Saturday, 12:15 GMT)
Crystal Palace, twice runners-up in the FA Cup, have never won a major trophy. However, they are hitting form at just the right time. Oliver Glasner’s side has won seven of their last nine matches, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Aston Villa in midweek.
Jean-Phillippe Mateta has been key to Palace’s success, scoring eight goals in his last nine appearances. Now, they face a local derby against Championship side Millwall, who are eager to derail their south London rivals’ Wembley dreams.
Manchester City vs. Plymouth (Saturday, 17:30 GMT)
Plymouth pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the fourth round by defeating Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Their reward is a challenging trip to the Etihad, where they will attempt another upset against the reigning Premier League champions.
Plymouth’s manager, Miron Muslic, has gained online fame for his passionate team talks and is relishing the chance to meet his coaching idol, Pep Guardiola.
“It’s the biggest honour in my life,” said Muslic. “I’m very much looking forward to shaking his hand and telling him that he’s a giant of our sport and a huge, huge role model for every single coach in the world.”
Newcastle vs. Brighton (Sunday, 13:45 GMT)
One of the standout fixtures of the round sees Newcastle, currently sixth in the Premier League, take on eighth-placed Brighton.
Newcastle have a League Cup final against Liverpool next month, but they are also determined to break their 56-year wait for a major trophy. Brighton, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, have bounced back from a difficult spell with four straight wins and will be confident, having already beaten Newcastle at St. James’ Park earlier this season.
The outcome of the match may depend on the availability of Newcastle’s top scorer, Alexander Isak, who missed their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool due to a groin injury.
Manchester United vs. Fulham (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
Manchester United rescued a disappointing season last year by winning the FA Cup against City, but few believe they can repeat that feat this time around.
The Red Devils did show determination in their recent 3-2 victory over Ipswich, despite going down to 10 men after Patrick Dorgu’s red card. However, they have only won three of their last 11 league matches, raising doubts about their ability to go all the way in the competition.
Fulham, who currently sit five places and nine points above United in the league, have lost both meetings against them this season by a 1-0 margin. However, they will also have revenge on their minds from an FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford two years ago, where they led 1-0 with 15 minutes left before a dramatic series of red cards saw them lose 3-1.
