FA Cup Predictions

FA Cup 5 round Predictions
SATURDAY

Chelsea v Cardiff

John Terry's absence apart, it is difficult to bet against Chelsea with their home form and a number of fringe players will probably have a chance to show they are worthy of a place.

Cardiff are one of my tips for a play-off place and I suspect the league is more important to them.

Verdict: 2-0


Derby v Birmingham

I'm going to go for a draw here because Derby have been on a good run, beating Forest and Newcastle, and Birmingham have had an iffy period.

Verdict: 1-1


Manchester City v Stoke

City have excellent strength in depth up front.

Stoke are another team on a good run, unbeaten for a while, but it's City at home and difficult to predict anything other than a City win.

Verdict: 2-1


Reading v West Brom

I'm going to go for Reading based on their form in the Cup - they knocked out Burnley and, of course, Liverpool.

Defeat for West Brom would not be the end of the world as they are very much in pole position along with Newcastle for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Verdict: 2-1


Southampton v Portsmouth

Everybody knows there is absolutely no love lost between these two.

For Portsmouth, with all their financial problems, to get another game out of this tie would be more use to them than to Southampton.

Verdict: 2-2


SUNDAY

Bolton v Tottenham

I think if you asked the Bolton chairman Phil Gartside if he'd prefer a Cup run or to stay in the top flight he would say the league every time.

As for Tottenham, just as you think they are getting somewhere and in with a chance of finishing in the top four, they get some poor results.

But they are a fantastic cup side and always have been, and with some decent draws I think they could reach the final.

Verdict: 1-2


Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

As well as Palace have done since going into administration, I just think with Villa they can sit back and break with their pace and that will suit them.

Verdict: 0-2


Fulham v Notts County

Fulham seem to have put their inconsistent run behind them and have got some form back.

We read day in and day out about County's financial problems - a new consortium has just taken over - but they have got nothing to lose in this one.

Verdict: 2-1

Mark Lawrenson