Emirates FA Cup 5th round Predictions

Burnley v Bournemouth

This is a tie that both of these teams will rightly fancy winning. Burnley's improved form in the Premier League has started to move them clear of the drop, while despite a recent blip, the Cherries are still very much in the hunt for a Championship play-off place. Bournemouth will probably have more possession, but when Burnley do get their chances, I fancy them to have enough quality to finish them.

Prediction 2-0

Manchester United v West Ham

This for me is the most tasty tie on paper. United were excellent against Liverpool in the last round, then hit 9 past Southampton the following week. However, poor performances in between have been an issue for them all season - they can't put a run of wins together. West Ham are notoriously a poor cup team, but they will fancy their chances at Old Trafford.

Prediction 2-1 

Swansea v Manchester City

This is a tie between second in the Championship and the Premier League leaders. Swansea very much remind me of how Manchester City play - they keep the ball on the ground and pass it round teams. They will have to do a lot more defending here compared to what they are used to. As if City needed any more confidence, their 4-1 demolition of the Champions at Anfield at the weekend was arguably their best performance of the season. I think the Swans will be competitive, but I expect City to have too much.

Prediction 0-2

Leicester v Brighton

Brendan Rodgers is still waiting for his first trophy in English football - he might just fancy the cup this season. They are still looking good for a Champions League place despite a recent run of mixed results. Brighton have played their way well out of a relegation fight and should travel to the King Power with belief they can spring what would be a mini shock.

Prediction 2-0

Sheffield United v Bristol City

Sheffield United are surely too far adrift to survive the drop this season, but I expect them to reach the quarter finals for the second season in a row. They had another good performance against Chelsea at the weekend, but a moment of madness from Aaron Ramsdale cost them a point. Bristol City will be more focused on forcing themselves into the Championship play off places, so I expect them to make some changes here.

Prediction 2-0

Everton v Tottenham

This should be a very interesting cup tie. Both managers will have an eye on the battle for the top four and both managers are likely to make changes. Everton will believe that this is a competition that they could win this season, while Mourinho already has a cup final to look forward to this season. The return of Harry Kane should be a massive lift for Spurs, but it is the Toffees I am backing to reach the next round.

Prediction 2-1 AET

Wolves v Southampton

Both of these teams have been performing much better in the cup this calendar year than in the league, where they have both dipped recently in form. The Saints have yet to recover from shipping 9 at Old Trafford, whereas Wolves' only win in their last ten league games was against 9 men. I can not see anything to split these two, except maybe a shootout.

Prediction 1-1 (Southampton to win on penalties)

Barnsley v Chelsea 

Barnsley are sitting comfortably in the middle of the Championship which gives them the luxury of having a free hit here with their first team. Chelsea are unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel, and their performances have been improving game by game too. The only thing that could slip the Blues up here is if he does not yet understand the meaning of the FA Cup and fields a weakened team. Hopefully for Chelsea fans someone will have told him the significance of the competition in England. Unless he makes wholesale changes, I expect Chelsea to go through.

Prediction 0-3

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