Giants geared up to punch their weight
Millwall 2 Leicester 2
Unless they intend to win this competition, the best thing that could happen to Leicester is to get eliminated so they can focus on Premier League survival. That will however be the last thing on manager Claudio Ranieri’s side. The Italian will ring changes and get a result. Replay on the cards.
Sutton Utd 1 Arsenal 3
Conference lightweights Sutton United have gone as far as they can. They are poised to make life uncomfortable for Arsene Wenger’s charges but I can see only one team winning this tie. Wenger will make some changes to keep the team fresh and the newcomers will provide the difference.
Boro 2 Oxford Utd 0
A home tie against opponents ranked over 50 places below is a dream tie for Aitor Karanka’s side. This game is a welcome escape from the relegation slugfest in which Boro are embroiled. I am backing Patrick Bamford, Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez to put Oxford United to the sword. Home win.
Wolves 1 Chelsea 2
Wolves caused a monumental upset by toppling Liverpool in the previous round. They will fancy their chances against Chelsea who I expect to give Kurt Zouma, Cesc Fabregas, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michy Batshuayi playing time. Chelsea boss will still field some first team regulars to guarantee a result. Away win.
Huddersfield 1 Man City 2
Pep Guardiola is taking the FA Cup very seriously and has been fielding his first choice side in the competition. Huddersfield Town are perhaps the form team of the Championship, having ploughed their way into play off places. However, Gabriel Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne are a different kettle of fish to anything they have come across.
Fulham 1 Tottenham 1
This is a potential banana skin for Mauricio Pochettino’s travel weary Tottenham Hotspur. Fulham are in good stead, and are within striking distance of a Championship play off position. Spurs must resist the temptation to make wholesale changes, lest they leave empty handed. The North Londoners survived a mighty scare at home to Wycombe Wanderers. Expect another tight affair.
Blackburn 0 Man United 2
Red Devils gaffer Jose Mourinho has prioritised winning silverware this season. He will view an away game at Championship strugglers Rovers as a perfect chance to book a slot in the last eight. Manchester United should field a different line up to Thursday’s Uefa Europa League tie but still have too much for the hosts.
Burnley 2 Lincoln City 0
No team takes advantage of home comforts better than Burnley. The Clarets have won seven consecutive competitive matches at Turf Moor. I expect more of the same when English Conference high fliers Lincoln visit. Joey Barton, Andy Gray and Vokes are salivating for goals.
