Soccer
FA Cup Fourth Round: 5 things to look out for
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The FA Cup returns this weekend as 32 teams get set to compete in the competition's Fourth Round.
It all begins on Thursday evening when Bournemouth host Championship side Swansea and spreads all over the weekend, culminating in Monday night's clash between Blackburn and Wrexham.
Here are five things to look out for in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Man City's bogey team
Last season saw Man City scoop the FA Cup as part of their historic treble, but if they are to retain the trophy, then they must prevail against a team they often come unstuck by. Pep Guardiola's side hasn't won away at Spurs since 2018, the season that also saw Tottenham dump them out of the Champions League, and so they head to North London on Friday with a little trepidation about getting through to the fifth round.
A proper ding-dong derby
This season's competition has already thrown up a Tyne-Wear derby, and in round four, we're being treated to the first Black Country derby in front of fans since 2012. That day, West Brom thrashed rivals Wolves 5-1, ending Mick McCarthy's reign in charge, and the fans have waited a long time to get revenge on their neighbours. Throw in a nostalgic reference to cult hero Steve Bull, and you've got yourself perhaps the tastiest FA Cup game of the weekend.
A trip to Newport
One of the great aspects of the FA Cup is how it can be a great leveller, and none more so than Manchester United's trip to League 2 Newport on Monday. The superstars of United will be in for a culture shock as they head to Rodney Parade - and its tiny changing rooms - and it's just the game the FA Cup became famous for. How the Welsh side would love to add their name to the famous giant killers of the past by grounding Erik ten Hag's side and piling on more problems for the Dutch boss.
Non-league dreams
Maidstone United are the competition's last remaining non-league team as they enjoy their best-ever season in the FA Cup. The Kent side didn't quite get the Premier League big boy they were hoping for in round four, but probably the next thing in high-flying Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys are battling Leicester at the top of the Championship, and they won't want to get too distracted by a Maidstone team visiting Portman Road, daring to cause another upset.
The quadruple quest
No team in English football has scooped four major trophies in the same season, but having booked their place in the Carabao Cup Final, Liverpool will look to progress in the FA Cup when they entertain Championship outfit Norwich. The Canaries shouldn't be too much of an obstacle for Jurgen Klopp and could become a footnote in a historic season for the Reds, if they continue to lead the Premier League and nab the Europa League trophy, too.
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