As the FA Cup quarter-finals approach, football fans are eagerly anticipating the outcomes of these high-stakes encounters. The FA Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious club competitions in the world, offers an opportunity for underdogs to shine and for top teams to assert their dominance.
BBC Sport’s football expert Chris Sutton has shared his predictions for the upcoming ties, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team. Alongside him, Brit-nominated DJ and lifelong Aston Villa fan Nathan Dawe also provides his perspectives on the matches and his team’s aspirations.
Here’s a detailed look at each quarter-final match, including team form, history, and Sutton’s predictions.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Coventry City
Date & Time: Saturday, 29 March, 12:15 GMT
Venue: Molineux Stadium
League Positions: Wolves – 9th in Premier League; Coventry – 7th in Championship
League Gap: 13 places
Last Major Trophy: Wolves – 1980 League Cup; Coventry – 1987 FA Cup
Best FA Cup Performance: Wolves – Winners (1893, 1908, 1949, 1960); Coventry – Winners (1987)
Coventry City has made impressive strides under manager Mark Robins, rising from League Two to now being contenders for Premier League promotion. The Sky Blues are known for their resilient approach and tactical discipline. However, facing Wolves at Molineux is a daunting challenge.
Wolves have been in solid form this season, sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premier League. With home advantage and a stronger squad on paper, they are the favorites for this match. Manager Gary O’Neil will likely field a strong side, especially with an international break coming up, giving players time to rest afterward.
Sutton expects a competitive encounter but predicts a 2-1 win for Wolves, citing their greater experience and quality in key positions.
Fulham vs. Crystal Palace
Date & Time: Saturday, 29 March, 15:00 GMT
Venue: Craven Cottage
League Positions: Fulham – 8th in Premier League; Crystal Palace – 12th in Premier League
League Gap: 4 places
Last Major Trophy: Neither club has won a major domestic trophy
Best FA Cup Performance: Fulham – Runners-up (1975); Crystal Palace – Runners-up (1990, 2016)
Crystal Palace has an excellent recent record at Craven Cottage, remaining unbeaten there since 2005. They come into this match with renewed confidence, especially with key forward Jean-Philippe Mateta returning, albeit wearing protective gear after a facial injury. Under new manager Oliver Glasner, Palace has been defensively solid, losing only two of their past 14 matches across all competitions.
Fulham, on the other hand, has been inconsistent but still holds a strong position in the league. Marco Silva’s men are eyeing a potential European spot, making this a crucial game for their momentum. They will look to Aleksandar Mitrović and Willian to create scoring opportunities.
Sutton anticipates a tight and intense match but predicts a 2-1 win for Fulham, believing their attacking options and home advantage will be decisive.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest
Date & Time: Saturday, 29 March, 17:15 GMT
Venue: Amex Stadium
League Positions: Brighton – 7th in Premier League; Nottingham Forest – 3rd in Premier League
League Gap: 4 places
Last Major Trophy: Brighton – None; Nottingham Forest – 1990 League Cup
Best FA Cup Performance: Brighton – Runners-up (1983); Nottingham Forest – Winners (1898, 1959)
Brighton will be looking for revenge after suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier in the season. However, since that loss, the Seagulls have responded with an impressive seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Roberto De Zerbi’s side has shown resilience, improving their defensive structure while maintaining their attacking flair.
Nottingham Forest has been one of the surprise teams in the Premier League this season, currently sitting in third place. They have their sights set on Champions League qualification but must balance their focus between league commitments and this crucial FA Cup tie.
With star striker Chris Wood facing injury concerns, Forest may struggle to break down Brighton’s disciplined defense. Sutton predicts a 2-0 win for Brighton, believing that their recent form and desire to make amends for their previous defeat will give them the upper hand.
Preston North End vs. Aston Villa
Date & Time: Sunday, 30 March, 13:30 BST
Venue: Deepdale Stadium
League Positions: Preston – 14th in Championship; Aston Villa – 9th in Premier League
League Gap: 25 places
Last Major Trophy: Preston – 1938 FA Cup; Aston Villa – 1996 League Cup
Best FA Cup Performance: Preston – Winners (1889, 1938); Aston Villa – Winners (1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920, 1957)
Preston North End has turned Deepdale into a fortress, going unbeaten at home since early November. Manager Ryan Lowe has implemented a disciplined 3-5-2 formation, making them a difficult team to break down.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has shown attacking prowess but also some defensive vulnerabilities. With an important Premier League match against Brighton coming up, Emery may rotate his squad, which could give Preston a slight edge.
However, Sutton still believes Villa’s superior firepower will prove too much for the Championship side. He predicts a 2-0 win for Aston Villa, with their quality in attack making the difference.
AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
Date & Time: Sunday, 30 March, 16:30 BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium
League Positions: Bournemouth – 10th in Premier League; Manchester City – 5th in Premier League
League Gap: 5 places
Last Major Trophy: Bournemouth – None; Manchester City – 2023 FA Cup
Best FA Cup Performance: Bournemouth – Quarter-finals (1956, 2020); Manchester City – Winners (1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011, 2019, 2023)
Manchester City remains a formidable force in the FA Cup, having won the trophy last season. Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to add another piece of silverware to their collection.
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, has been a revelation this season, playing exciting football and pulling off some impressive results against top teams. However, they face an uphill battle against a City team that boasts world-class talents like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden.
Sutton predicts a comfortable 3-0 victory for Manchester City, as their depth and quality should see them through to the semi-finals.
These FA Cup quarter-finals promise to deliver thrilling action, with teams fighting for a place at Wembley. Whether it’s underdogs aiming for an upset or top teams showcasing their dominance, football fans are in for an exciting weekend of cup action.
What are your predictions for the FA Cup quarter-finals?
