The FA Cup quarter-final draw has offered up some huge Premier League battles, with Arsenal heading to Sheffield United and Leicester City hosting Chelsea.
Holders Manchester City face a trip to Newcastle, while Norwich – who won a penalty shootout at Tottenham – face the prospect of a home tie with Manchester United if the Red Devils can see off Wayne Rooney and Derby on Thursday night.
- Sheffield United vs Arsenal
- Newcastle United vs Man City
- Norwich vs Derby / Manchester United
- Leicester City vs Chelsea
Man City’s trip to St James’ Park is perhaps the most favorable of the fixtures. The champions look to add more silverware to the Carabao Cup they won after beating Aston Villa, having secured their place in the last eight with a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Leicester will welcome Chelsea to the King Power Stadium in an intriguing affair, arguably one both Brendan Rodgers and Frank Lampard would have liked to avoid.
Leicester overcame a stubborn Birmingham to reach the quarters, while Chelsea produced an outstanding display to knock out Liverpool.
Sheffield United and Arsenal – two teams competing for the Premier League top four – now take battle in another competition, the Blades hosting the Gunners in an impossible-to-pick cup tie.
The Blades were forced to extra-time against Reading, where a Billy Shard goal sent them through. Arsenal, on the other hand, had a more routine passage with a 2-0 win against Portsmouth.
Finally, Norwich will play either Derby or Manchester United – which will be decided on Thursday evening.
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So, the full FA Cup Quarter-final draw so far is as follows …
Sheffield United vs Arsenal Newcastle United vs Man City
Tottenham vs Norwich has gone to a penalty shootout …
Last but not least is Leicester vs Chelsea.
Brendan Rodgers and Frank Lampard would both dearly love a trophy in their first full seasons in charge at their respective clubs, and you wouldn’t bet against either going on to win it after the quarters.
Jose Mourinho faces a potential reunion with Manchester United if both the Red Devils and Tottenham progress.
Mourinho won the cup at United , and wants it again at Spurs – but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also needs silverware.
Holders Manchester City will feel they’ve got the pick of the draw with a trip to Newcastle – but St James’ Park will be rocking for that game.
Sheffield United will fancy their chances at home to Arsenal, but the Gunners are the record holders in this competition and will be thankful to have avoided a London derby as well as either Manchester club.
So, tough tests for every team there, you’d argue.
It’s a really strong quarter-final offering, and , forgive the cliche, it’s anybody’s cup at this point.
FA Cup quarter-final draw confirmed
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
Mark Chapman is presenting the draw, with Martin Keown and Chris Waddle to pick the teams …
1 Manchester City
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