With 16 matches remaining of the current season, it is still a long way to go, but City showed they could let it slip when they lost 0-2 at home to fifth-placed Arsenal last weekend. Chelsea, their next opponents, had just strolled to a ruthless 5-0 demolition of hosts Swansea City when City huffed and puffed, giving Jose Mourinho’s side a five-point gap as they head for what promises to be a humdinger of a tie.
However, before they can think of the Blues, City would have to convince their supporters that they are in it with a FA Cup win over seconds-tier side, Middlesbrough on Saturday. On the same day, Jose Mourinho’s side will take on League One side, Bradford in the same tournament, as the league takes a back seat to accommodate the Barclays Premiership’s flagship knockout competition.
Revived Liverpool are also tipped to have it easy in the knockout competition with a date against Championship mid-table side, Bolton wanderers, while Sunderland will have a similar proposition when they host Fulham.
In the battle of Premiership sides, Tottenham Hotspur will host Leicester City, while Southampton come up against Crystal Palace.
Other FA Cup fixtures:
Saturday: Blackburn Rovers vs Swansea City; Preston North End vs Sheffield United; Birmingham City vs West Bromwich Albion; Cardiff City vs Reading FC; Derby County vs Chesterfield
Post published in: Football