I thought it might happen. Two Premiership teams getting put together was highly probable and is great news to lower level teams in their hopes to progress to the quarter-finals. But, Manchester United vs. Arsenal…this one’s going to be good. Yet another opportunity for the top two teams of this season to get another shot at each other. And neither of these teams is going to play their B squad for this match! Old Trafford should be raucous with the recent history between these two. There is a lot of respect for each other, but the competitiveness between them is razor sharp.
Middlesbrough will go to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. I don’t think the Boro supporters will be bringing balloons to the match, do you? If the Blades come out as fired up as they did against Manchester City they’ll take another Premiership scalp.
Liverpool host Barnsley which should be easy for the Reds, but the Tykes could catch them just right and add to the Anfield woes this season.
Huddersfield will make the pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge to take their shot at Chelsea. Good luck! Drogba will be back and Anelka will be even more comfortable. I’d like to see the Terriers knock off the Blues, I just think they’ll need a miracle to do it.
Deepdale will be host to Portsmouth when they head to Lancashire to face Preston North End. The Lilywhites are struggling to stay in the Championship next season. So they have something to prove to themselves and their supporters. Milan Baros will be available for Portsmouth, their African contingent will be back and Pompey are still in the running for a UEFA Cup slot. So PNE will face a monumental task to move on.
The Saints should have a new manager when they head to Bristol so there’s no telling how they might play. I would love to see Southampton in the finals. They haven’t been the same since Matt Le Tissier graced the Dell. Sorry Rovers, but the Saints will go marching through.
Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion may be at opposite ends of the Championship, the Cup is a different game though.
Finally, Cardiff City will play host to Wolverhampton. The Bluebirds and Wolves are as evenly matched as the Red Devils and Gunners so this match should be quite good.
