The FA Cup action resumes tonight with Burnley hosting Bournemouth at Turf Moor. Only four clubs outside of the Premier League are still alive in the cup competition and all of them are plying their trade in the Championship. We preview how the four teams could fare in the FA Cup fifth round.
Burnley vs Bournemouth – Tuesday:
The Cherries recently went through a four-match winless league streak which led to the dismissal of manager Jason Tindall.
Under interim boss Jonathan Woodgate, they were able to return to winning ways with a 3-2 triumph over Birmingham City.
The club now have a five-point cushion for the final play-off spot and face Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Woodgate is likely to make changes to the side against the Clarets, but it could be a tight encounter with Sean Dyche’s side struggling in front of goal.
The Clarets have netted only 14 goals from 22 league games and the Cherries could fancy their chances of reaching the quarter finals.
Swansea City vs Manchester City – Wednesday:
Swansea have been excellent defensively in the Championship this term and they have conceded only 15 goals from 27 games.
That sees them in the third spot on the table and they are just two points behind leaders Norwich City with one match in hand.
They will be up against the in-form team in Europe in Manchester City, who are on a stunning 14-match winning run.
The Swans were unfortunate in the last meeting against the Cityzens in the 2019 FA Cup quarter-final (3-2 loss) after a few contentious decisions.
Pep Guardiola’s side were handed a penalty which seemed harsh while Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal from an offside position.
They will be aiming to avenge the result, but it will be difficult with the exceptional run of form of the Premier League leaders.
Sheffield United vs Bristol City – Wednesday:
Sheffield have recently turned the corner with three wins from six league games and they were good against Chelsea despite the 2-1 defeat.
Still, they are languishing right at the bottom of the standings and could be heading for relegation with the 12-point deficit to safety.
Despite this, Chris Wilder may pick a strong side tomorrow as a victory could provide momentum for the unlikely push for top-flight survival.
Bristol have been in a wretched run with a three-match losing streak and will need a huge improvement to get the better of Sheffield.
The Premier League side should once again be favourites, but recent history has favoured Bristol in this fixture.
Bristol have won in the previous three trips to Bramall Lane where they have scored two or more goals.
Barnsley vs Chelsea – Thursday:
Barnsley were right in the mix for promotion at the end of last year, but they have since dropped off with five winless matches.
They have picked up just two points from those games and on top of this, have been poor up front with only two goals scored.
Chelsea have been in fine form since the arrival of manager Thomas Tuchel and have won three and drawn one of the last four league games.
That has included three clean sheets and they should be fancied to progress. They beat the Tykes 6-0 in the Carabao Cup third round earlier this season.
However, Barnsley can take motivation from the previous FA Cup meeting between the sides in 2008 where they stunned the Blues.
The south Yorkshire outfit registered a shocking 1-0 win over the west London side in the 2007/08 quarter-final.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
