FA Cup 5th round recap and quarter-final predictions
Teams shifted focus off of their league charge to the prestigious FA Cup. Teams all the way from the fourth division to the top flight were involved. The FA Cup is very famous for the upsets it causes. The straight knockout matches add to the excitement. Any team can beat any team in a one-off match.
Back in 2013 Wigan beat Manchester City to win the cup even though they got relegated that season. A stoppage-time winner saw the Latics their first ever major piece of silverware. The same year saw Sutton beat Norwich 1-0 and become the first Non-League team to beat a premier league side. This shows that emotion plays a huge role in these ties as a side full of confidence with their fans cheering them on can nick on off of any side in the competition.
The beauty of the competition is that teams often look to rotate the team and hence give the younger players the opportunity to showcase their skills. The likes of Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Oliver Skipp, Tahith Chong among others get a feel of the first team and gain much needed minutes to facilitate their growth.
5th Round Fixtures
- Queens Park Rangers 0-1 Watford
Watford just about edged past Championship side QPR as Capoue's stoppage-time volley was all that separated the two sides. QPR made a hash of their chances and was punished at the stroke of half time.
- Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Derby County
Lokadia and Knockaert gave Brighton a comfortable lead heading into half time. Ashley Cole pulled one back late on but wasn't enough. Lampard's men couldn't repeat their comeback against Southampton as Chris Hughton's men reach the quarterfinals for the second time on the bounce.
- AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall
Millwall beat their London neighbours following an early header from Murry Wallace. Millwall continued their great Cup run following their emphatic 4-2 victory over West Ham.Â
- Bristol City 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years following the strike from Cup hero Cavaleiro. Incidentally, it is his first goal since his winner in the replay of the previous round.
- Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crystal Palace
Palace eased into the next round with a dominant performance away at the Keepmoat Stadium. Shclupp and Mayer wrapped up the tie with their first-half goals. This ended Doncaster's best Cup run in 60 years.
- Swansea City 4-1 Brentford
Bersant Celina and Daniel James led the charge as the Welsh side pulled off a second-half masterclass. As the fans protested against the Club's board the, players put on a show as they came back from a goal down to win the tie.
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