Well another FA Cup weekend is upon us, so it’s time for me (and you) to post thoughts on a selection of games for the forthcoming round. Feel free to add your own previews, thoughts, predictions and reviews of the games over the course of the weekend.
Luton vs. Blackburn
Kenilworth Road… not the best places to visit (or so I’ve been told). Blackburn will be without their highly influential midfielder Robbie Savage after he broke his leg midweek, which will be a huge blow. Luton boss Mike Newall will have his side pumped up as he looks to put his former club out of the competition. I can see this being a tight match, which will probably end up going to a replay.
Phantoms Prediction: 1-1
Birmingham vs. Reading
Birmingham showed they are no push overs by putting 5 past Newcastle in their 3rd Round Replay. Reading normally field a slightly weakened side in the Cup competitions, and this could be to Birmingham’s advantage. I can see Birmingham claming another Premiership scalp, meaning The Royals can concentrate on the Premiership.
Phantoms Prediction: 2-1
Ipswich vs. Swansea
The Swans had hoped for a bigger tie after dumping Sheffield United out in the last round, but a trip to Ipswich will not be any easier. I doubt Ipswich will field a weakened side, so this match will be a lot tougher for the Swans. However on the day, I think the Tractor Boys will have too much power for the Swans.
Phantoms Prediction: 2-0
Tottenham vs. Southend
Spurs will have learnt a hard lesson this past week… you can’t hand onto a 2-0 lead. Southend have spent most of the season at the bottom of the Championship, but can look upon a favourable result against Manchester United in the Carling Cup to boost their confidence. Ultimately Martin Jols’ side should run out easy winners.
Phantoms Prediction: 3-0
Man Utd vs. Portsmouth
Another tough draw for Sir Alex’s Red Devils, but home advantage should see United though to the 5th round. I can see this game going much like the last round tie, with United grabbing a late winner.
Phantoms Prediction: 2-1
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest
Chelsea bounced back from their loss at Anfield to bypass Wycombe en route to the Carling Cup final. With Andriy Shevchenko poised to start another game, he’ll be looking to add to his mid week brace in order to kick start his season. This would have been a much more interesting match had it been played at the City Ground, however I’m sure the result would have been the same.
Phantoms Prediction: 3-1
Arsenal vs. Bolton
The Gunners have been on a roll as of late, and with many of their stars having had a rest midweek there’ll be no excuse of tiredness. Arsenals youngsters have put the pressure on the big guns, so they can not afford any slip ups. If this game were at the Reebok Stadium it would be a lot closer, but unfortunately I can’t see Big Sams side getting anything from this one.
Phantoms Prediction: 2-0
Agree? Disagree? I wanna hear what you guys think?
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