FA Cup Review and Preview

It’s been a classic FA Cup already this season; Three of the top four sides in the country are out of the competition; West Brom and Reading fly the flag for the lower leagues; and Chelsea are hoping to become only the fifth club post World War II to defend the Cup.

Portsmouth thrashed Southampton 4-1 in the South Coast derby thanks to three goals in the last 15 minutes from Aruna Dindane, Nadir Belhadj and Jamie O’Hara.

Joe Mattock proved the hero for West Brom as Roberto Di Mateo‘s side snatched a late equaliser at the Madejski Stadium to force a replay with Reading.

Rory Delap proved  Manchester City’s nemesis as Stoke earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Eastlands bringing the tie back to the Brittania.

Fulham and Chelsea notched four goals each as Notts County and Cardiff City were taught a lesson in top-flight football.

Stilian Petrov saved Aston Villa’s blushes with an 87th minute headed equaliser at Selhurst Park in a scintillating 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace to maintain Martin O’Neil‘s push for silverware.

Tottenham came from behind to secure a draw 1-1 at the Reebok and will fancy their chances of overcoming Bolton at White Hart Lane.

Quarter-final preview…

Assuming Manchester City overcome Stoke, Chelsea and Ancelotti await Roberto Mancini‘s struggling pretenders.

Fulham prepare for a London derby with Spurs, that’s assuming Tottenham can outwit Owen Coyle‘s side at home.

If West Brom and Villa win their home replays against Reading and Crystal Palace respectively, they’ll face off in a replay of last season’s Midland’s derby.

Portsmouth host Birmingham in the quarter-finals hoping a good cup run will rub off on their faltering league form.

Who's name is on the cup this season?