Check out expert predictions from Michael Owen, Paul Merson and Mark Lawrenson on the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final fixtures this weekend.
It’s time to delve into some FA Cup predictions as we move ever closer to the final itself.
While only eight teams remain, we still have some pretty exciting ties to relish from sides in the Championship and Premier League.
Will there be any more upsets? To find out, we turned to former Liverpool stars Mark Lawrenson on BBC and Michael Owen on BetVictor, as well as ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson on SportsKeeda, for some FA Cup predictions.
Saturday, March 19
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea
Pundits predictions
Michael Owen: 0-2
“I’m looking forward to this one, the atmosphere at the Riverside should be brilliant. Middlesbrough have done so well to get this far, but I think Chelsea will be a step too far. Chelsea are so strong in cup competitions, and they could well go on and win this. I’m going for a 2-0 win.”
Paul Merson: 1-3
“I’d be shocked if Chelsea don’t win this. Boro will make it hard for them like they did against Tottenham, but the Blues are spoilt for choice as their squad is so, so big.”
Mark Lawrenson: 1-2
“Everything that has happened to the club in the past couple of weeks has brought a reaction from the Chelsea players, and it circle the wagons time for them. That’s why I fancy Tuchel’s team to get through this tie, although it won’t be easy. Middlesbrough have had a brilliant time in the FA Cup so far, beating Manchester United and then Tottenham – but their run ends here.”
Sunday, March 20
Crystal Palace vs Everton
Pundits predictions
Michael Owen: 2-1
“Palace are just one game away from Wembley, and they deserve it after the season they’ve had. Vieira has done a great job, and this is a big opportunity for them. Everton got a huge win on Thursday, but they are really struggling and have obviously had issues on the road all season. I can only see a Palace win here.”
Paul Merson: 2-0
“Frank Lampard and co have much bigger problems right now, so I don’t give them a chance at all against an exciting Crystal Palace side under Patrick Vieira.”
Mark Lawrenson: 1-0
“Crystal Palace have lost only one of their past nine games in all competitions and we saw against Manchester City on Monday just how hard they are to beat. FA Cup runs are rare for the Eagles – they lost in the final in 2016 but before then 1995 was the last time they made the last four. With Everton so poor on their travels, this is a great chance for Patrick Vieira’s side to progress that far.”
Southampton vs Manchester City
Pundits predictions
Michael Owen: 0-2
“Southampton’s form has dipped in recent weeks, that’s now three defeats in a row. They’ve given City problems this season and have drawn both the Premier League games. I can’t see that here though. City will be desperate for more silverware, and I can see City winning this 2-0.”
Paul Merson: 0-3
“This is an interesting game, but when it comes to predictions, I can never go against Manchester City. They’ll probably have 75% of the ball, but can they score enough goals? Southampton’s league form has dipped a bit, so they will look to express themselves and make an impact against a side they’ve done well against over the years.”
Mark Lawrenson: 0-2
“Southampton have given Manchester City a good game twice already this season – drawing home and away in the league – but Saints have hit the buffers a little bit recently. Three successive defeats mean they won’t come into this game with quite the same confidence they had earlier in the year. City have got plenty to think about too, although I don’t think their draw at Crystal Palace on Monday was a terrible result, it’s really only made to look bad because Liverpool keep on winning.”
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool
Pundits predictions
Michael Owen: 1-3
“It’s great to see Forest in the latter stages, it’s been a great run for them. They’ve given teams problems at the City Ground, but Liverpool are looking too strong at the moment. I can’t think of a more form team in Europe than Liverpool. After that League Cup win, Klopp will be targeting another trip to Wembley. I’m predicting a 3-1 Liverpool win”
Paul Merson: 1-3
“Forest are doing really well at the moment, but Liverpool will have miles too much for them. It’ll be a great atmosphere at Forest, but I think Liverpool will win this one comfortably.”
Mark Lawrenson: 0-1
“Klopp’s squad has got him this far in all four major competitions, and I think he will rotate his team again. That will give Forest more hope, and they do have a clever manager in Steve Cooper plus some very talented players. It is going to be close, but with Liverpool in this kind of form it is hard to back anyone to beat them at the moment.”
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