The FA Cup is back, and the fourth round of ties include some belters between Premier League opposition.
Grosvenor Sport ambassador’s Jamie O’Hara and Jose Enrique put three of the fourth rounds key fixtures under the microscope, giving their insights on Tottenham versus Manchester City, Fulham against Newcastle United and Newport County versus Manchester United.
Watch the full episode of The Counter Attack with Jamie O’Hara and Jose Enrique.
Tottenham v Manchester City
Jamie:
This is a massive moment for Tottenham Hotspur to knock Manchester City out of the FA Cup. City have never scored at Tottenham’s new ground, let alone win a game there. I think Micky van de Ven is possibly the signing of the season in the Premier League – he’s been superb for Spurs this season. Likewise, Guglielmo Vicario in goal has made a massive impression on their defence and has a positive impact on the team. I think Tottenham will knock Manchester City out here.
Tottenham 2-1 13/1
Jose:
I think this is a big opportunity for both teams to make a big statement, but I think that Manchester City are just too good. I believe that football fans underestimate City in that we think they are going to stop at some point and they surely can’t keep winning and improving, but they just find a way to pull through. I think that Manchester City will probably go on to win the whole tournament too.
Manchester City 1-2 7.5/1
Fulham v Newcastle United
Jamie:
This is a massive game for both teams – Fulham have had a great season in both cups so far and will look to bounce back from falling just short of Wembley in the semi-final of the League Cup against Liverpool in the week.
I’m not convinced with Newcastle at all. The footballing world need to explain the Financial Fair Play rules properly because Newcastle have these new owners with money in their pockets, so there must be another reason as to why they haven’t strengthened their squad more yet.
Fulham 2-1 9/1
Jose:
It’s no secret, Newcastle are struggling with injuries this season and it is affecting how they’re playing. These are the games that Newcastle must win, to ensure the fans stay on-side with the team and manager. Moving forwards, I don’t understand why Newcastle can’t sign top players, the financial fair play rules confuse me, it seems Manchester City can sign whoever. Newcastle need to do business in this January transfer window, otherwise there is no chance that they will get into the top six this season.
Newcastle United 1-2 8/1
Newport County v Manchester United
Jamie:
This is a special day for Newport County, and a dream tie. They are obviously going to be up against it, but they are at home, and this is the FA Cup, so you never know what will happen. Obviously, Newport would’ve liked Manchester United away at Old Trafford for a few reasons, including getting the opportunity to play at a top ground and getting that extra ticket money.
However, the positive is that now they are playing at their own place they have a better chance of causing Manchester United difficulties, but they will just have too much quality.
Manchester United 0-2 6.5/1
Jose:
The way I see Manchester United at the moment, I actually believe Newport can get a result in this tie. I think they can get their home ground bouncing and make it difficult for the travelling Man Utd team. This is the Newport players’ cup final – they will be so up for it, they will be so motivated to fight for the shirt and each other, which is exactly what Manchester United don’t have within their squad. I think Newport win this.
Newport County 1-0 45/1
Predictions:
Bristol City v Nottingham Forest
Jamie: Bristol City 9/4
Jose: Nottingham Forest 11/10
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Jamie: Aston Villa 9/4
Jose: Aston Villa 9/4
Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry
Jamie: Coventry City 23/20
Jose: Sheffield Wednesday 21/10
Tottenham v Manchester City
Jamie: Tottenham 17/5
Jose: Manchester City 3/5
Ipswich Town v Maidstone United
Jamie: Ipswich Town 1/10
Jose: Ipswich Town 1/10
Everton v Luton
Jamie: Everton 12/25
Jose: Everton 12/25
Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle
Jamie: Leeds United 33/100
Jose: Leeds United 33/100
Leicester City v Birmingham
Jamie: Leicester City 2/5
Jose: Leicester City 2/5
Fulham v Newcastle United
Jamie: Fulham 37/20
Jose: Newcastle United 6/5
West Brom v Wolves
Jamie: Wolves 17/20
Jose: Wolves 17/20
Watford v Southampton
Jamie: Southampton 27/25
Jose: Southampton 27/25
Liverpool v Norwich
Jamie: Liverpool 1/10
Jose: Liverpool 1/10
Newport County v Manchester United
Jamie: Manchester United 1/18
Jose: Newport County 19/1
Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham
Jamie: Wrexham 19/5
Jose: Blackburn 11/20