In a new feature for the blog, here's my predictions for the weekend's football (just like Lawro, you see?). Well this week sees the FA Cup roll back into town and it's fourth round weekend, here's what I think is going to happen:
Everton vs Chelsea : 1-2
A potentially tricky tie for Chelsea, especially considering their recent form. Everton have a chance with this one; they're at home and have the talent to beat the cup holders. But I think the 4-0 win over Bolton this week could be the turning point for Carlo Ancelotti's side and I think they will go further in this competition. I wouldn't rule out the Blues to win the trophy.
Swansea vs Leyton Orient : 1-1
The FA Cup romantics were treated to a Leyton Orient win at Championship side Norwich in the last round, and will be cheering them on this round aswell. It's the Cup so anything can happen but Swansea's passing football will mean the Orient will have to work hard for ninety minutes and take their chances when they come. I'm going for a draw and a win for Russell Slade's side on the replay.
Aston Villa vs Blackburn : 2-1
An interesting game this; with Villa's new investments and Blackburn's new owners these are two of the more forward-thinking sides in the Premier League. Both have decent sides but I think Villa just shave it with Darren Bent's proven goalscoring tipping the scales their way. I think it will be a tight match if both teams are going for it, but the home side to progress for me.
Birmingham vs Coventry : 1-1
Alex McLeish has done a fine job in getting the Brummies to the Carling Cup final, but I'm sure he would like to see his side continue winning games no matter what competition. Coventry will be sensing an upset here with the home side tired after midweek's extra-time antics, but I think the Premier League side will get to the Fifth Round, even if it does mean a trip to the Ricoh Arena to sort it out.
Bolton vs Wigan Athletic : 2-0
If Bolton can recreate some of their early season form, they can be considered contenders for this trophy and I believe they will get through this tie. Owen Coyle is a good manager, and has formed a good team and a great passing style, and they can score goals when confident. Roberto Martinez will be more concerned with Premier League survival and, although a win is a win to boost confidence, his side won't make it through this one I'm afraid.
Burnley vs Burton Albion : 3-1
I have been on the recieving end of Burnley's mini-rejuvination under new manager Eddie Howe; a young and ambitious manager; and that should continue at Turf Moor. Burton Albion will looking for an upset and have a chance, Middlesbrough from Round Three can vouch for that. Count on Paul Peschisolido's side going ahead or equalising, but Championship quality should come through in the end.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford : 2-0
Wednesday are a big club for League One but are slipping down the table and manager Alan Irvine is under pressure. And Hereford are in decent form at the moment despite being in 16th place in League Two. But I'm going for a fairly straight-forward home win in this one, boring for the romantics but a win to lift some of the criticism on the Owls boss.
Stevenage vs Reading : 1-0
The giantkillers of the last round now have another chance to cause an upset, but I think it will be a tougher task. Reading will have seen what happened to Newcastle in the Third Round and despite being a Championship team, they will be more prepared for the task. It will be a tight game but Stevenage will have the spirit of the FA Cup to push them forward and I'm going for them to keep progressing in this brilliant competition.
Torquay United vs Crawley Town : 0-1
Crawley are the Manchester City of the non-league arena; big spenders but probably more sensible than the Eastlands team. But they have bought the best team outside of league football and will be confident after beating Derby County in the last round. Torquay for once are the bigger side in the tie and have home advantage, but I'm going with the non-leaguers for this one.
Watford vs Brighton : 2-2
I'd love to say Brighton & Hove Albion are tumbling out of the FA Cup this round after knocking Pompey out last time, but I don't see it. Gus Poyet is a good manager and has a good thing going at the Withdean, and will take a confident side to Vicarage Road. Watford are a good side having a fine season in the Championship and that should make this an interesting tussle. Even stevens for me, then it gives the Seagulls the advantage in the replay.
Southampton vs Manchester United : 1-3
Nigel Adkins is rather regrettably doing a good job at Southampton, they should get promotion this season setting up a derby year next campaign. But thank God they won't be getting much further in this year's FA Cup. Manchester United are clicking into gear in the league and with their squad, I can see them going far in this competition, starting with a solid win at St. Mary's.
Arsenal vs Huddersfield Town : 3-0
The Gunners are another one like Man. United, they are clicking into gear at the moment and getting to the Carling Cup final could be a huge step for Wenger's growing side. This is a tie that for me, is only going to go one way. I really like Lee Clark and the job he has done at attacking Huddersfield, but they are in for a hiding if they don't start well at the Emirates.
Wolves vs Stoke City : 2-1
In the Premier League, I would go for Stoke, but Tony Pulis has already shown he isn't bothered with the FA Cup with the limp side he put out against Cardiff in the last round replay. I might not agree with him but it's his decision and Premier League survival is more important. Mick McCarthy will feel the same but he needs a win to boost his ailing side, and should get it from this tie.
Notts County vs Manchester City : 0-2
This is not as cut-and-dry as it seems. I still think City will win this one, but Notts County have the potential to make it very difficult for the ever-spending Premier League side. If Roberto Mancini is sensible, he will put out a strong side as City have a real chance of lifting the trophy which would be a big boost to his team. Paul Ince's team-talk writes itself, and they will be up for this, but the big guns should pull through this tricky little tie.
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest : 2-1
Avram Grant has a good record in English Cups; finals with Chelsea and Portsmouth aswell as getting the Hammers to the Carling Cup semis this season. His side will still be hurting from losing to Birmingham and that should be channeled into another supposedly morale-boosting victory for his ailing side. Billy Davies will see his young side give them a run for their money and will grab a goal at some point, but a lack of experience may just count against them in the end.
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur : 0-1
Spurs are another one who can look at this competition and think about winning it, but this tie could be tricky for them. Mark Hughes' side will give them a good game; they will battle and create chances, but a lack of firepower will go against them. Andy Johnson is out of form, Zamora is still injured and Gael Kakuta is untried, and that's where Tottenham will get their advantage. They will poke on through.
There we go, there's my predictions and let's see tomorrow if they come through.
NWR
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