Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
1
FA Cup Quarter-finals: History Beckons at Wembley Stadium
For the majority of clubs remaining in the competition, this year’s FA Cup quarter-finals present a significant historical prospect. Seven of the remaining eight teams, including Fulham, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Brighton, have never secured the coveted trophy. Nottingham Forest’s triumph dates back to 1959, Aston Villa’s to 1957, and Preston’s to 1938, all predating the era of colour television. As the international break concludes and midweek league fixtures approach, managers might be tempted to rotate their lineups and provide respite to fatigued players. However, the exhilarating scenes witnessed at Wembley during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory should serve as a reminder of the immense reward on offer. With Manchester City, considered the marginal favourites, exhibiting unusual vulnerability, this FA Cup race appears to be the most unpredictable in recent memory, presenting a prize that should not be underestimated.
2
Crystal Palace Receive Mateta Injury Boost
Nearly a month has passed since Liam Roberts’s reckless, high challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta resulted in the Crystal Palace forward requiring 25 stitches for an injury to his left ear. The French international will utilise a protective mask as the healing process progresses, but has returned to training and is available for selection. Concerns were understandably elevated when he was receiving prolonged treatment on the Selhurst Park pitch; however, he has made a remarkably quick recovery. Palace supporters will be eager to witness his return as they pursue a fifth FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1990. The return of the influential Mateta will significantly uplift both teammates and fans. It could potentially provide Oliver Glasner’s squad – who secured a league victory at Craven Cottage last month – with a crucial advantage in their FA Cup quarter-final.
3
Awoniyi Primed to Lead Nottingham Forest’s Attack
A 48-hour round trip might not be ideal preparation for a pivotal match, but Chris Wood’s journey to Wellington, where he impressively scored a hat-trick for New Zealand against Fiji, followed by another goal in a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia, ultimately ended prematurely due to injury. Despite securing World Cup qualification for the All Whites, Wood’s subsequent substitution renders him unavailable for Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup quarter-final away fixture against Brighton. His absence presents Taiwo Awoniyi with a starting opportunity. Prior to Wood’s recent form, the Nigerian international was integral to Forest’s success. However, injuries and limited playing time have hampered his progress. Awoniyi still possesses the capacity to trouble opposing defences and could emerge as the decisive player to propel his team towards Wembley.
4
Kesler-Hayden to Miss Preston’s Quarter-Final Clash Due to Loan Rules
Aston Villa strategically loaned Kaine Kesler-Hayden to Preston last summer, marking his fifth loan spell. The 22-year-old defender has only featured in five senior matches for his parent club, necessitating Championship experience. Consequently, his ineligibility to participate against Aston Villa on Sunday seems particularly unfortunate. It deprives Preston of a player and denies Kesler-Hayden a potentially momentous occasion. It appears unlikely Unai Emery fears his third-choice right-back would outperform his current options, or is averse to assessing Kesler-Hayden’s potential for a long-term future at Villa Park. While facing his parent club would present a unique situation for Kesler-Hayden, the opportunity to compete at the highest level is undoubtedly his priority. An FA Cup quarter-final is an infrequent and invaluable experience in any player’s career.
5
Ederson Spearheads Manchester City’s FA Cup Ambitions
Ederson was absent from Manchester City’s previous fixture against Brighton due to an abdominal injury, which also led to his withdrawal from the Brazil national squad. Amidst anticipated summer changes at Manchester City, the goalkeeper’s future remains uncertain, with a potential sale to facilitate new signings. Having already secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League title with City, Ederson has established a remarkable legacy. However, following a less impressive season by his standards, the remaining fixtures may prove crucial for his standing at the club. The FA Cup represents City’s sole remaining chance for major domestic silverware before their Club World Cup campaign. If deemed fit, Ederson is expected to replace Stefan Ortega at the Vitality Stadium, the venue where City’s Premier League title aspirations first faltered in November. Pep Guardiola will rely on his goalkeeper to set a commanding tone for the team, who must overcome Bournemouth to reach Wembley and salvage some success from a thus far underwhelming season.
6
VAR Concerns Loom Over FA Cup Quarter-Finals
Regardless of the outcomes from this weekend’s four matches, the collective hope is that video assistant referee (VAR) technology does not dominate post-match discussions. The thrilling fifth-round witnessed an unprecedented VAR delay stretching eight minutes during Bournemouth’s game against Wolves. This extended interruption was partially attributed to malfunctions with semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). Despite its seamless operation in the Champions League and major international tournaments, SAOT appears to have encountered difficulties within the English officiating system at Stockley Park during its trial phase. Having already faced pushback from the Premier League, plans to implement SAOT in upcoming top-flight fixtures have been postponed. However, the experimental use of the technology will persist in three of the four FA Cup quarter-final ties. Preston’s Deepdale stadium, a Championship ground, lacks the infrastructure for SAOT, introducing an element of inequity. However, this technical limitation at least increases the likelihood of that particular fixture concluding within regulation time.