Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to break down the four FA Cup quarter-final clashes this weekend.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace – Saturday 12:15Â
This will be a tight game – both these teams have a good chance of going through. I think Fulham will have a slight edge being at home – they’re organised, and Marco Silva will set his team up well and could frustrate Crystal Palace.
Palace are having a great season, though. Jean-Philippe Mateta will be cleared to play in the game – albeit with a mask on – and Eberechi Eze has also been in good form, scoring for England this week. They could definitely threaten Fulham at the Cottage.
I think Fulham’s home form will get them through this game though, I’m going for a narrow home victory.
Prediction: Â Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace (15/2)
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest – Saturday 17:15
This is another great game – both sides are having really good seasons. Brighton have had a few up and downs but have steadied the ship recently, but I’m not sure whether they can match the quality Nottingham Forest have had this year.
Forest are such a good side, especially away from home. What a season it would be for them if they won a trophy and finished in the top four! Nuno Espirito Santo looks like he’s found his home there and is exceeding expectations.
I’m going with a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Forest to go through. I think they’ll edge Brighton.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Nottingham Forest (23/4)
Preston vs Aston Villa – Sunday 13:30
Unfortunately for Preston fans, I think Aston Villa will win comfortably. I can’t see them slipping up at Deepdale, they’ve got an experienced manager and squad to rely on. I actually think they’ve got a great chance of winning this competition and I think they’ll play a strong side.
Fair play to Preston – they’ve had a great run – but I think they’re out of their depth against Aston Villa here, irrelevant if they’re at home. It’ll be a great game for them and there will be a great atmosphere, but no ‘cupset’ for me in this match.
Prediction: Preston 0-2 Aston Villa (27/5)
Bournemouth vs Manchester City – Sunday 16:30
This is a huge game for both teams. Bournemouth are a really tough team to beat, especially at home. They’ve got some top players, Antoine Semenyo has been brilliant this season, as well as Milos Kerkez.
Manchester City need to win a trophy. I think they’d be happy with top four in the league and a major trophy for this season, considering the run they went on midway through. I’m still not convinced by them though.
I’m going with Bournemouth to beat City – I think they’re strong enough at home to exploit the weaknesses in this City side.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City (17/2)
Have a great weekend,
Jamie
