Top Premier League clubs avoid tricky FA Cup fourth round ties
FA Cup joint-record title holders Manchester United (11/2 third-favourites) have been given another favourable draw in this year’s competition, as they travel to League Two mid-table side Cambridge United in the fourth round.
It comes after the Red Devils’ unconvincing 2-0 win over League One basement club Yeovil Town, where a stunning volley from Ander Herrera finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, before Angel Di Maria rounded off the scoring.
On the draw with Man Utd, Cambridge head coach Richard Maloney said: “It’s a game to look forward to. It is reward for everyone’s hard work at the club.
“Everyone’s suffered during nine years out of the Football League but a lot of people have worked hard and now we’ve got a draw like this. We’re delighted.”
Elsewhere, title holders Arsenal (7/1 to defend the FA Cup) have been given another home game, as they host Championship strugglers Brighton & Hove Albion, after the duo knocked out Hull City and Brentford respectively.
There is a potential fiery London derby on offer, as 9/2 favourites Chelsea could welcome Millwall to Stamford Bridge, a la Football Factory, but Ian Holloway’s Lions will have to see off Bradford City first in a replay.
The fourth round will feature just one other local derby for sure, as West Midlands sides Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion meet. There cold be a Derbyshire battle, though, if Chesterfield can beat Scunthorpe United. The winner will face Derby County away.
Other top Premier League clubs to look out for are Liverpool (9/1 chances), who recently knocked out a spirited AFC Wimbledon 2-1, as they next host Bolton Wanderers. Tottenham (16/1), meanwhile, need to see off fellow top-flight club Burnley, with Leicester City waiting to see where they’ll be playing next.
Manchester City (5/1 second-favourites) were the penultimate name to be drawn out the hat, and they will welcome Middlesbrough to the Etihad.
Full Draw:
Southampton/Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
Cambridge United v Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers v Swansea City
Chelsea v Millwall or Bradford City
Derby County v Scunthorpe United/Chesterfield
Preston North End v Sheffield United
Birmingham City v West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Cardiff City v Reading
Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers
Burnley/Tottenham v Leicester City
Brighton and Hove Albion v Arsenal
Rochdale v Stoke City
Sunderland v Fulham/Wolverhampton Wanderers
Doncaster/Bristol City v Everton/West Ham United
Manchester City v Middlesbrough