MX23RW : Tuesday, January 29 07:09:29

5 talking points ahead of the FA Cup fourth round

5 talking points ahead of the FA Cup fourth round
© Reuters
There are plenty of teams with an eye on another upset.

The FA Cup fourth round takes centre stage this weekend, with plenty of potential for some more high drama.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some talking points going into what could prove another memorable set of fixtures.

Stanley set for Rams raid

Sky Bet League One outfit Accrington Stanley were rewarded for their scalp of Ipswich with a home tie against another Championship side as promotion-hopefuls Derby head to the Wham Stadium, which will kick off Saturday's action. Owner Andy Holt knows just how vital an additional significant cash boost is to the third-tier club – where once the floodlights failed because a shower had been turned on. Another winning goal from Billy Kee to send the Rams home empty handed would give Holt the chance to finally get that drainage on the lower field sorted once and for all.

It's a squad game

Given what is at stake for Premier League sides at both ends of the table, player rotation is likely to be high on the agenda again across the FA Cup fourth round weekend. Saturday will see relegation-battlers Newcastle host Watford, while on Sunday, Crystal Palace tackle high-flying Tottenham at Selhurst Park. Expect plenty of changes from all the managers, but being a team game, it also gives some fringe players a chance to lay down a marker – or indeed not depending on how the 90 minutes pan out.

Can City slickers double up?

After Manchester City just about edged past Burton to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final, Pep Guardiola's men will look to stay on course for a potential knockout double when they host Burnley. With the Clarets most likely to have more than one eye on their own Premier League survival battle, you would expect City to have more than enough in reserve to book their safe passage into round five, whatever side is sent out at the Etihad Stadium. Then again, that is probably what Pep thought at Wigan last season...

Crazy Gang dream alive and kicking

Wimbledon FA Cup winners 227727-10
Wimbledon manager Bobby Gould guided his team to a famous FA Cup final success over Liverpool in 1988

With former midfielder Wally Downes back in charge at the Dons, the old 'Crazy Gang' spirit could go a long way to helping the League One bottom club pull off a shock when West Ham head to Kingsmeadow for Saturday's evening kick-off. The Irons are expected to follow several Premier League sides with plenty of changes, so the fixture has all the potential to provide another moment of FA Cup magic – just as Lawrie Sanchez's header and Dave Beasant's penalty save did at Wembley some 30 years ago.

It's Roy of the Rovers stuff

Following several high-profile FA Cup third-round upsets, a new limited-edition version of the Roy of the Rovers comic was launched. The comic strip features Barnet, Gillingham, Oldham and Newport overcoming Championship and Premier League opposition. With the Gills, who knocked out Cardiff, set to travel to Swansea while Newport, victors over Leicester, will take on Middlesbrough, there could just be some new material ready for the next print run after Barnet have hosted Brentford on Monday night.

Share this article now:
Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert on January 5, 2018
Read Next:
Lambert promises changes after Ipswich bow out to Accrington
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Luton TownLuton29178455253059
2Portsmouth28176547272057
3Barnsley28167549242555
4Charlton AthleticCharlton30166847311654
5Sunderland271411248262253
6Peterborough UnitedPeterborough2913974738948
7Doncaster RoversDoncaster28137851371446
8Blackpool2811982925442
9Wycombe WanderersWycombe29118103940-141
10Fleetwood Town30109114134739
11Coventry CityCoventry30116133136-539
12Southend UnitedSouthend29122153835338
13Burton Albion29107123939037
14Scunthorpe UnitedScunthorpe30107133854-1637
15Accrington StanleyAccrington2798102736-935
16Walsall2998123345-1235
17Plymouth ArgylePlymouth3096153852-1433
18Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury28710112935-631
19Gillingham2894153948-931
20Rochdale3087153661-2531
21Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2879123544-930
22Bristol Rovers2877142530-528
23Bradford CityBradford2984173248-1628
24AFC Wimbledon2965182245-2323

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account