What Twitter Is Saying Ahead of FA Cup 5th Round Matches

The FA Cup kicks back into action on February 14, with some of the Premier League's top clubs battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals alongside a handful of teams from the lower divisions. The hubbub surrounding England's oldest football competition has been intriguing, and we're here to break down exactly what Twitter is saying in the buildup.

Will all the big guns make it through? Or will we witness yet more shocks as the magic of the cup takes hold once again?

Some might argue that there are very clear favourites to advance, but if the FA Cup has ever taught us anything, it's that form and standing matter little once kick-off occurs. 

With both Chelsea and Manchester City now out of the competition, however, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United will all fancy their chances even more so than before. Whether or not they actually have things all their own way is a different story.

With excitement mounting heading into the weekend, the fans are starting their preparations early. And in a weekend that also plays host to Valentine's Day, it's the clear the romance of football is stronger than that of flowers and cards—as this fan's tweet suggests.

However, with three of the upcoming matches all-Premier League affairs, there's unlikely to be a huge amount of love lost. And it's West Bromwich Albion's clash with West Ham United that's set to take centre stage for the early kick-off on Saturday.

And the Hammers are keen to get in the mood for what's expected to be quite an exciting contest, as this video highlights.

Following on from that, Blackburn Rovers welcome Stoke City to Ewood Park, and the visitors were keen to remind Rovers of two recent meetings between the sides that ended in victory for the Potters.

But Rovers' Shane Duffy is eager to let us all know just how riled up his team are, especially considering they already dumped Swansea City out of the competition in January.

Also on at the same time, Derby County take on Reading. But it's Liverpool's journey to Selhurst Park that looks set to steal all the headlines. And Eagles custodian Wayne Hennessey is relishing the challenge of keeping Daniel Sturridge quiet.

And Alan Pardew's men also carry an offensive threat all of their own, something Squawka's Samuel Jordan believes could see them cause a shock.

Aston Villa's clash with Leicester City is also on this weekend, as well as Bradford City's duel with Sunderland. The Bantams possess one of the deadliest strikers in the competition in the shape of Jon Stead.

But it's likely Sunday's David-versus-Goliath showpiece between Middlesbrough and Arsenal will take centre stage. And Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already sent out a rallying call ahead of their encounter.

Rounding off the series of mouthwatering contests, Manchester United risk becoming the latest big-name casualty when they travel to face Preston North End at Deepdale Stadium. And with the oldest ground in world football history on their side, manager Simon Grayson will hope the footballing Gods smile kindly on them on Monday.

The magic of the cup always brings a whole host of big surprises with it, and although United, Liverpool and Arsenal will all look to escape unscathed as they bring their best players, it's easy to imagine there won't be too many walkovers on the horizon.

A place in the last eight awaits each victor and with it a chance to step closer to silverware. After all, despite past cynicism and criticism, the FA Cup remains a sought-after piece of silverware, particularly for the so-called weaker teams, as underlined by Bradford's giant-killing of Chelsea.

Driven on by an enthusiasm and a determination to upset the odds on a big stage, the competition has always played host to memorable matches between contrasting philosophies and strengths. 

Let's hope this round of games proves to be no different.