Five Things to Watch Out for in the FA Cup’s Fourth Round
The FA Cup’s fourth round promises some intriguing matchups, including a potentially fiery clash at The Den, the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Manchester United, and a big-spending Birmingham City side looking to cause an upset.
### Leeds Look to Continue Momentum at Millwall
Leeds United have been chugging along nicely in their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. Daniel Farke’s side thrashed Cardiff City 7-0 last weekend before beating Coventry City in midweek. The Whites are unbeaten in 14 games across all competitions and have now recorded six straight clean sheets.
This weekend, Leeds will be targeting revenge against a Millwall side who won 1-0 in the league fixture between the sides in November. There’s no love lost when these two teams meet, and Millwall – on a run of three straight wins – will be out to repeat the feat at The Den.
### Van Nistelrooy Makes Manchester United Return
Ruud van Nistelrooy is likely to receive a rapturous welcome when he returns to Manchester United with Leicester this evening. The Dutchman was a firm favorite during his time as a player, and his reputation was only enhanced with a short spell as interim manager earlier this season.
His four-game unbeaten run was enough to convince Leicester to take a chance on him. Things have been a whole lot tougher at the King Power Stadium, though the Foxes remain just two points from safety in the Premier League. A cup clash against his old employers might be the perfect distraction for Leicester.
### Big-Spending Blues ‘Craving’ Cup Upset
Birmingham City made headlines in the summer with a remarkable recruitment drive. Despite relegation to League One, optimism surrounded St. Andrews as the club’s American investment invested heavily. Birmingham broke the League One transfer record three times and set a new club record for investment in a single window (£30m).
The headline arrival, Jay Stansfield, has scored 17 goals in 25 games and will be the player Newcastle United must watch carefully to avoid a giant-killing. Birmingham boss Chris Davies is relishing the chance of taking on the Carabao Cup finalists in the sort of fixture the Blues hope is a regular occasion in upcoming campaigns.
### Can Plymouth Stop Arne Slot’s Machine?
It’s bottom of the Championship against top of the Premier League on Sunday, as Plymouth Argyle host Liverpool. The former upset the odds to eliminate Brentford in round three, but have since seen match-winner Morgan Whittaker move on to Middlesbrough. Liverpool, meanwhile, pose an altogether tougher test.
Arne Slot’s side are cruising this season and progressed to the Carabao Cup final with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham on Thursday night. That win followed an impressive 2-0 victory at Bournemouth to tighten their grip on top spot in the Premier League. The Reds have been arguably Europe’s best side this season and, with a full-strength squad available, should have enough even if wholesale changes are made. The magic of the FA Cup, however, is in the unexpected. Home Park will be dreaming of a famous afternoon.
### Rashford Has a Point to Prove at Aston Villa
Could we see an Aston Villa debut for Marcus Rashford this weekend? The forward’s loan move from Manchester United was completed late in the window, following his fallout at Old Trafford. Rashford has not featured since December but could be handed an opportunity when Villa host Tottenham in the fourth round on Sunday.
His career is at a crossroads after an underwhelming 18 months at Manchester United, and the 27-year-old certainly has a point to prove. The move to Villa Park was perhaps not the change expected when Rashford announced his intention to leave United, but it’s the move that he will hope can kickstart a renaissance.
Stay tuned for an exciting fourth round of the FA Cup!
