FA Cup: Fifth Round Preview

The magic of the FA Cup is truly alive this season, as the competition now has 16 clubs remaining. For the first time in the tournament’s storied history, two non-league sides will be taking part in the fifth round.

Sutton United and Lincoln City have both continued their astonishing runs, knocking off quality opposition along the way.

We highlight an exciting round of upcoming fixtures in the FA Cup.

Burnley vs. Lincoln City – 18 February

After an incredible third-round performance against Ipswich Town, National League side Lincoln City earned a 3-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion to reach the fifth round.

The Imps have displayed incredible determination and a disciplined approach in eliminating two consecutive Championship clubs.

Lincoln will now travel to Turf Moor and face Burnley, as Clarets manager Sean Dyche will certainly be prepared for his squad to control the tempo of the match.

After a 2-0 fourth-round victory over Bristol City, Burnley’s latest Premier League encounter was a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

A key for Lincoln will be their first away match of the FA Cup this season, as the tournament draw has been quite kind to manager Danny Cowley’s side.

How the club are able to perform away from Sincil Bank will be crucial in finding yet another famous victory.

Middlesbrough vs. Oxford United – 18 February

An inspired second half from Oxford United carried the League One side to an impressive 3-0 fourth-round victory against Newcastle United, and the U’s will be looking for a similar result Saturday at Middlesbrough.

Oxford goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was outstanding, recording six saves on the day.

Boro will certainly be a stern test, as manager Aitor Karanka’s midfield and defence have both been effective. Despite their own scoring difficulties, Middlesbrough have allowed only 27 goals in 25 Premier League matches this season.

Karanka will want to utilise his talented front-line of Alvaro Negredo, Adama Traore and Cristhian Stuani to stretch Oxford’s back-line.

Millwall vs. Leicester City – 18 February

Premier League title-holders Leicester City have endured an abysmal domestic campaign, but the Foxes continue to produce in their first UEFA Champions League appearance and in the FA Cup.

Among the final 16 clubs in both competitions, Saturday’s fifth-round match at Millwall will require a strong attack for Leicester to advance.

Outisde of FA Cup fixtures, Leicester have not scored a Premier League goal in their last six matches. Extra-time was needed in their fourth-round replay to bring a 3-1 victory against Derby County.

Millwall have been in fine form as of late, currently in a play-off position and defeating Premier League opposition in each of the last two rounds of the FA Cup (Watford & AFC Bournemouth).

The Lions will look to midfielders Shaun Williams and Ben Thompson to control possession and secure yet another clean sheet in the competition.

Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester City – 18 February

Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola travel to Championship side Huddersfield Town on Saturday, aiming for advancement to the quarter-final round after a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Huddersfield Town have won their last five matches across all competitions, including a 4-0 thrashing of Rochdale in the FA Cup fourth round.

Forwards Elias Kachunga and Nahki Wells have been spectacular throughout the campaign, and Terriers manager David Wagner will need his squad to be at their absolute best.

Expect Huddersfield to keep a solid defensive shape in an effort to contain Manchester City’s talented midfielders and striker Sergio Aguero.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea – 18 February

The final fifth-round match on Saturday sees Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to the Molineux and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves come off a 2-1 fourth-round victory at Liverpool.

The Blues have been an unstoppable force for much of the season, with manager Antonio Conte’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation producing fantastic results from the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa.

Chelsea dominated in a 4-0 fourth-round victory against Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Wolverhampton defender Richard Stearman scored in the very first minute against Liverpool, and manager Paul Lambert will be hoping for a similar start against Chelsea.

Fulham vs. Tottenham – 19 February

Tottenham and manager Mauricio Pochettino meet Fulham at Craven Cottage for the early match on Sunday, in the midst of heavy fixture congestion for Spurs.

After a loss at Liverpool on Saturday, Tottenham play Belgian side Gent in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening before the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

Fulham come off a strong 4-1 victory against Hull City, while Spurs required a dramatic winner from Son Heung-Min in the 90th minute to defeat Wycombe Wanderers 4-3.

Utilising pace and patience in the attack, the Cottagers may be able to exploit a fatigued side.

Pochettino will need to rotate his squad carefully this week ahead of Sunday’s match.

Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United – 19 February

Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho have enjoyed positive recent results, and will look to continue the trend Sunday at Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers enter after a 2-0 victory at Ewood Park against Blackpool, while the Red Devils earned a comfortable 4-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

United host Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in the Europa League on Thursday evening, but expect their skillful midfield to still make an impact at Blackburn.

Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have often been able to hold possession effectively and get forward in the attack.

Rovers manager Owen Coyle will need his midfield and central defence to clear out the opposition’s scoring chances efficiently, while focusing on accurate passing into the United half of the pitch.

Sutton United vs. Arsenal – 20 February

Perhaps the most anticipated match of the fifth round, Arsenal visit Gander Green Lane and National League side Sutton United on Monday.

Fourth-round fixtures saw the Gunners eliminate Southampton with relative ease, while Sutton edged Leeds United in a 1-0 triumph thanks to a Jamie Collins penalty early in the second half.

The evening will certainly be a wonderful moment for the non-league hosts and provide an electric atmosphere, regardless of the outcome. Sutton’s current FA Cup campaign is the club’s best-ever performance in the competition throughout their 118-year history.

Sutton will again require strong positioning and sharp defending, as their Premier League opposition bring immense quality.

Arsenal meet Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, and manager Arsene Wenger will certainly need to monitor fitness issues and injuries throughout the week.

The quarter-final round approaches and the magic of the FA Cup continues on the path to Wembley Stadium.