Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has been running the rule over this weekend’s FA Cup ties – and he thinks Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou could be in for another loss
Alan Shearer is predicting more misery for Tottenham and an early FA Cup exit for Chelsea ahead of this weekend’s fourth round ties.
Spurs were slammed by pundits in midweek for their meek surrender in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Liverpool, who thrashed them 4-0 at Anfield to book a date with Shearer’s beloved Newcastle in next month’s final.
That has only ramped up the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, whose side travel to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. And Shearer reckons Unai Emery and Co will inflict more cup pain on Spurs and Postecoglou, who has made no secret of his strong record of winning a trophy during his second season with clubs.
The Betfair ambassador said: “Spurs didn’t make it through to the League Cup final and now they have another huge, important cup game. They’re going to another tough ground which is tough to get a result from and with the new players that Aston Villa have signed, they’ll be looking to get off to a good start.
“With Villa getting into the top eight in the Champions League I think it will affect Emery’s thinking as they won’t have a game next week, so he’ll be able to put out a stronger side than perhaps he would’ve if they were having a play-off game.
“So, I’ll say Aston Villa will win here and get through to the next round.”
Spurs’ London neighbours, Chelsea, also have a tricky tie against Brighton. And Shearer reckons that Enzo Maresca’s side could also be up against it away from home.
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He said: “This is tough to call. Decisions went for Chelsea on Monday against West Ham whereas Brighton took an absolute beating last weekend so you’d hope they’ll bounce back from it. I think Brighton will go through here.”
In one of the most intriguing cup ties, Newcastle travel to League One table toppers Birmingham City – and Shearer reckons the Magpies will notch up their second big cup win in a week.
Shearer predicted: “This is absolutely a potential banana skin. It’ll be a tough game for Newcastle. I’ve not got good memories of Birmingham and St Andrews myself. I went there, never scored and missed a penalty so I’m hoping that Newcastle get better luck than the last time I was there.”
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