FA Cup Preview

This weekend sees the quarterfinals of the FA Cup take place. The top teams all avoided each other in the draw and should all proceed to the semifinals.

Here is a preview of this weekend's games.

Coventry v Chelsea 

I am a longtime Coventry City fan and when the draw was made I thought that the Sky Blues might be able to produce an upset against a faltering Chelsea team.

Well, all that has changed. 

Guus Hiddink has revitalised Chelsea and striker Didier Drogba in particular. Drogba is looking like one of the best strikers in the Premier League again and I think that Chelsea will have too much for the Coventry.

Prediction: 0-2

Fulham v Man Utd 

This will be the 13th meeting in the FA Cup between Fulham and Manchester United, with United winning six and drawing four of the ties.  

It is 45 years since Fulham beat Man United and I don’t expect that streak to end this weekend. 

This should be an exciting game as Fulham are a much better team at home than on the road, but I expect Man Utd to prevail in a close game.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Burnley 

Burnley’s record in both the Carling Cup and FA Cup has been fantastic this season.

Not just their record, but the way the team have played has been outstanding. They are a determined, hard-working football team.

The problem is that it has been an awfully long season for them. Also, Arsenal could be about to welcome back four or five players from injury and that will significantly boost their striking power.

I expect Arsenal to finally score some goals at home and win comfortably.

This is a fifth-round game as Arsenal's schedule was upset by the January snowstorm in London. The winner will host Hull City in a quarterfinal matchup later this month.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Middlesbrough 

Everton’s chances will be affected by whether or not Tim Cahill is fully fit. Cahill is more valuable to Everton than any other player in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough were terrible in their 4-0 thumping at Tottenham in midweek. The loss was unusual in that Boro's defence is usually adept at preventing goals; it is scoring them that has been their problem.

This game has a low-scoring draw written all over it and that is what I expect to see.

Prediction: 1-1

Bonus Game: Sunderland v Tottenham in the Premier League

Sunderland are another team struggling to score goals and I expect Spurs to pick up where they left off against Boro and play with enough confidence and swagger to edge it.

Prediction: 1-2