Man City, Newcastle aim to dodge FA Cup shocks

English football teams edge closer to the dream of a Wembley appearance as the FA Cup returns for its fourth round this weekend.

From potential banana skins for Manchester City and Newcastle United to an all-Premier League clash between two clubs desperate to end long trophy droughts, Gulf News takes a closer look at the standout fixtures in the world’s oldest national football competition.

Leyton Orient host Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round, marking the first meeting between the sides since a 2-2 draw in the second tier back in May 1966. While City arrive as reigning English champions and heavy favorites, this tie offers League One outfit Leyton Orient a golden opportunity to make headlines both on and off the pitch.

Orient’s journey to this stage of the competition is their first fourth-round appearance since the 2010-11 season, when they famously defeated Swansea City 2-1 under Russell Slade, with a young Harry Kane on the bench as an unused substitute. The East London side are enjoying a strong campaign as they push for promotion from League One and will be full of confidence heading into this high-profile clash. 

City, meanwhile, are enduring an uncharacteristically rocky spell under Pep Guardiola. A 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal last weekend marked their 11th loss in their past 22 games in all competitions, the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career. Despite their struggles, the reigning champions have a formidable FA Cup record against lower-league opposition, winning their last 17 such ties by a combined score of 67-8. However, with recent vulnerabilities, this trip to Brisbane Road has the potential to be a banana skin.

For Orient chairman Nigel Travis, a lifelong fan and former CEO of Dunkin’ Donuts, the clash is about more than just football. It’s a chance for the club to shine on a national stage and attract investment that could secure their long-term future. With the home crowd roaring them on and City searching for consistency, could we witness one of the FA Cup’s great upsets?

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the FA Cup fourth round at Villa Park, a clash between two historic clubs desperate to end their respective trophy droughts. Villa haven’t lifted major silverware since their 1996 EFL Cup triumph, while Spurs’ last success came in the 2008 edition of the same competition, highlighting the importance of this season’s FA Cup for both sides.

Villa, aiming to reach the fifth round for the first time since their run to the 2015 final, have struggled historically against Spurs in this competition. They’ve progressed from just one of their last six FA Cup ties against the North Londoners, a victory at White Hart Lane in a third-round replay back in 1992. Adding to the challenge, Spurs have dominated recent visits to Villa Park, winning nine of their last ten games in all competitions, including consecutive 4-0 victories in April 2022 and March 2024.

This tie also marks a fresh start for Marcus Rashford, who is set to make his Aston Villa debut after joining on loan from Manchester United. The 27-year-old forward, out of favor under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, will be eager to make an instant impact and recapture his best form. Having scored on his debuts for both Manchester United and England, Rashford could once again rise to the occasion in front of a passionate Villa Park crowd.

Birmingham City host Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round at St. Andrew’s, with both clubs eyeing progression for contrasting reasons. Birmingham, rebounding from a tumultuous period, are aiming to reach the fifth round for the first time since 2019-20. Newcastle, meanwhile, seek back-to-back fifth-round appearances for the first time since the mid-2000s as part of their growing resurgence under Saudi ownership.

Historically, Birmingham have struggled against Newcastle, managing just one win in their last 15 encounters across all competitions—a memorable 5-1 triumph in a third-round replay back in 2007. The Magpies have advanced from two of their three FA Cup ties against the Blues, although all required replays, including their most recent meeting in 2017.

Birmingham, now under Knighthead Capital Management ownership, are rebuilding following a shock relegation to League One. After early setbacks, including Wayne Rooney’s brief managerial stint, the Blues have regained form and sit atop the League One table. Star striker Jay Stansfield, with 16 goals this season, provides the firepower needed for a potential upset.

Newcastle, fresh off a Carabao Cup semifinal clash with Arsenal, may be vulnerable to fatigue. However, Eddie Howe’s side are focused on maintaining momentum after last season’s FA Cup quarterfinal run. Their Premier League pedigree and depth make them strong favourites, but the intense atmosphere at St. Andrew’s could prove challenging.