FA CUP 4th Round: 10 Games to Watch

The 4th Round of the FA Cup begins tomorrow and we can be sure to look forward to some exciting games.

Last year's winners, Manchester City, are already out of the competition but the other finalist, Stoke City, has been able to keep its head above water.

The FA Cup always provides the fans with entertainment due to the knockout nature of the competition. There are still a good amount of lower league clubs involved in the tournament, and who knows if an upset will happen this round.

Here's a list of 10 games to keep an eye on this weekend.

Queens Park Rangers vs. Chelsea

Queens Park Rangers showed that they can beat Chelsea earlier in the season and they will feel confident going into this game.

QPR did struggle with Milton Keyes Dons in the last round, but with new boss Mark Hughes making the tactical plan, they will make it tough for Chelsea.

Just as with last time, home advantage goes to QPR and that may be the bonus they need to get something from the game.

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Here is a quick preview of the game. The FA Cup will provide these two rivals with another stage for what should be a great battle.

Liverpool should be pretty confident right now after booking a place in the Carling Cup final, and Manchester United has had some time to help key players recuperate.

Bolton Wanderers vs. Swansea City

Bolton doesn’t seem to be missing its recently departed captain, Gary Cahill. The Trotters put in a very solid performance against Liverpool last weekend and may feel that they can begin to turn things around.

Swansea has had a good start to life in the Premier League and the team is in a decent run of form. 

The Swans are a pleasure to watch and this knockout game may bring out some good attacking stuff from the Welsh side.

Derby County vs. Stoke City

Stoke City were finalists last year, but they will have to get through a Derby County team that is solid at home.

You would think the gulf in playing level may have a huge effect but Derby has the advantage of playing at home.

If the Rams can stand up to the physicality of the Potters they will have a very good chance of doing well.

Brighton Hove & Albion vs. Newcastle

Both teams have been in solid form over the last couple games but that may not end up being the deciding factor.

Newcastle has shown some qualities this year but they have fallen off just a little without star striker Demba Ba. Brighton has proven to be a very capable home team in the Championship and that shouldn't change with this competition.

After beating Sunderland and then giving Liverpool a scare in the Carling Cup, Brighton may not fear facing its third Premier League team this season.

West Bromwich vs. Norwich City

These two teams have already played twice in the league with both teams winning the away games. If that continues then Norwich has the upper hand.

A total of four goals in two games isn't the best show of attacking play, but this is a knockout competition.

Premier League matchups in the FA Cup can be quite intriguing as there are no points to be dropped but only a winner and a loser. Considering these two teams' recent game history, things may get exciting.

Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough

Sunderland is currently in a very good run of form very much unlike their opponents. Still, Middlesbrough is a team that is capable of coming in and winning this game.

Middlesbrough have actually won more times away from home than at home in the Championship, and that's an interesting note to remember for the game ahead.

Everton vs. Fulham

Everton defeated Fulham in the these teams' last encounter. They are both in a somewhat similar run of form but, as is the case with most knockout ties such as this, form sometimes goes out the window.

Fulham's Clint Dempsey may be keen to continue scoring for fun and he will be one to watch for this game. David Moyes always does a great job with Everton and will certainly send his team out to what could be a great FA Cup game.

Millwall vs. Southampton

Millwall made things very hard for Southampton in both teams' last encounter. Southampton hasn't had the greatest run in the last five games, two wins and three losses and that may work against them.

They are also playing a tough opponent at their home ground. Should be an interesting game between these two championship teams

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

The last time these two teams met we saw the 20,000^th Premier League goal being scored by Aston Villa’s Marc Albrighton. Arsenal was able to squeak out a 2-1 win in a game where they weren’t necessarily on top throughout.

The Gunners are generally tougher at the Emirates, and the team would want to put in a good performance considering the team’s recent form.

This game should be a good FA Cup tie between two teams who like to attack.