FA Cup predictions: Fourth round

After two weeks of drip-fed Premier League football, the FA Cup returns as top-flight teams look to capitalise on their well-earned winter breaks.

Few heavy-hitters were eliminated in the third round earlier in January, with Arsenal the only giants to see their domestic cup hopes shattered after Liverpool won at the Emirates.

The Reds will be banking on victory at home to Norwich City to reach the fifth round, while the tie of the weekend sees Manchester City visit Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night hoping to finally end their curse in north London.

As teams look to secure their spots in the draw for the next stage, here are 90min’s predictions for the fourth round of the 2023/24 FA Cup.

Thursday 25 January

Two towns on the coast of the United Kingdom collide in the first fixture of the fourth round when Bournemouth host Swansea City.

The Cherries’ booming run of form has been halted by consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool but Andoni Iraola will still be confident of progressing past a Swans outfit currently scrapping away in 16th in the Championship.

Friday 26 January

Chelsea, fresh from reaching their first domestic cup final under Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday, are back under the Stamford Bridge lights on Friday night in one of three 19:45 kick-offs. They entertain Aston Villa, who won on their last visit to west London in September but haven’t reached the fifth round since they went all the way to the final in 2014/15.

Coventry City could pip Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, having won the last three games between the Championship outfits, while Nottingham Forest will also fancy an away win at Bristol City, who dumped West Ham United out of the competition in a replay.

Kicking off at 20:00, Manchester City‘s trip to Tottenham is arguably the tie of the round. Pep Guardiola’s side are the reigning holders but must overcome a ridiculously poor run of results at Spurs’ home ground to keep their defence alive.

Saturday 27 January

Saturday’s FA Cup…