“I actually think they’ve got a great chance of winning this competition”
pk luck 777Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to break down the four FA Cup quarter-final clashes this weekend.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace – Saturday 12:15
pk luck 777This will be a tight game – both these teams have a good chance of going through. I think Fulham will have a slight edge being at home – they’re organised, and Marco Silva will set his team up well and could frustrate Crystal Palace.
pk luck 777Palace are having a great season, though. Jean-Philippe Mateta will be cleared to play in the game – albeit with a mask on – and Eberechi Eze has also been in good form, scoring for England this week. They could definitely threaten Fulham at the Cottage.
I think Fulham’s home form will get them through this game though, I’m going for a narrow home victory.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace (15/2)
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest – Saturday 17:15
This is another great game – both sides are having really good seasons. Brighton have had a few up and downs but have steadied the ship recently, but I’m not sure whether they can match the quality Nottingham Forest have had this year.
pk luck 777Forest are such a good side, especially away from home. What a season it would be for them if they won a trophy and finished in the top four! Nuno Espirito Santo looks like he’s found his home there and is exceeding expectations.
I’m going with a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Forest to go through. I think they’ll edge Brighton.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Nottingham Forest (23/4)
Preston vs Aston Villa – Sunday 13:30
Unfortunately for Preston fans, I think Aston Villa will win comfortably. I can’t see them slipping up at Deepdale, they’ve got an experienced manager and squad to rely on. I actually think they’ve got a great chance of winning this competition and I think they’ll play a strong side.
Fair play to Preston – they’ve had a great run – but I think they’re out of their depth against Aston Villa here, irrelevant if they’re at home. It’ll be a great game for them and there will be a great atmosphere, but no ‘cupset’ for me in this match.
pk luck 777Prediction: Preston 0-2 Aston Villa (27/5)
Bournemouth vs Manchester City – Sunday 16:30
This is a huge game for both teams. Bournemouth are a really tough team to beat, especially at home. They’ve got some top players, Antoine Semenyo has been brilliant this season, as well as Milos Kerkez.
Manchester City need to win a trophy. I think they’d be happy with top four in the league and a major trophy for this season, considering the run they went on midway through. I’m still not convinced by them though.
pk luck 777I’m going with Bournemouth to beat City – I think they’re strong enough at home to exploit the weaknesses in this City side.