The FA Cup appears wide open as the competition reaches the final 16 with the likes of Newcastle United, Manchester City and Bournemouth dreaming of glory at Wembley in May
The FA Cup enters the last-16 this weekend as teams go in search of glory in world football’s most famous domestic cup competition.
Opportunity is in the air as teams dream of lifting a trophy at Wembley and there remains the chance of some magic as five Championship teams remain in the tournament. One team from the second tier is guaranteed to be in the hat for the quarter-finals with Preston welcoming Burnley to Deepdale.
The exits of once-fancied contenders Liverpool and Arsenal, the top two teams in the country according to league rankings, will see the remaining clubs salivating at their chances of success come May. Though, Manchester City will still stand in their way, and last year’s winners Manchester United are still in contention.
It’s all to play for as the teams get whittled down once again in the coming days. Mirror Football has ranked the chances of the side’s remaining in the competition.
16) Plymouth Argyle
The Pilgrims already overcame the odds by beating the best team in the country in Liverpool during the last round but face a stiff test once again. Plymouth face a trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City and the most disparate gap in league rankings.
If they can find success once again it will be the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, that is for a reason.
15) Cardiff City
The Bluebirds have the opportunity of becoming the first team through to the quarter-finals, but also face one of the more difficult tasks. Aston Villa have endured some difficulties in the Premier League but have shown in the Champions League that they can up their game for cup competition and it’s difficult not to back Unai Emery in a one-off game such is his pedigree.
14) Ipswich Town
The Tractor Boys could be forgiven for being more focused on Premier League survival, but have the opportunity to give their fans something to cheer about in the FA Cup. Unfortunately, their opposition in the competition – Nottingham Forest – are the highest placed team remaining.
13) Millwall
There is sure to be some added fire when the Lions face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. If Alex Neill’s side can draw the Eagles into a feisty affair and put the Premier League side under pressure an upset is possible but it will be no easy task.
12) Preston
Two goalless draws have come in Preston’s matches with Burnley this season, suggesting this weekend will see another tight clash. They may be second-favourites despite home advantage but the element of a Lancashire rivalry could add some surprise to the mix. It’s difficult to see North End progressing further, even if they navigate this round however.
11) Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Bournemouth away from home not even a week ago, so will fancy their chances of doing the same again. After opening a little gap from the relegation zone, Vitor Pereira wouldn’t say no to some cup success but going all the way may prove too far for the Midlands club.
10) Burnley
The Clarets have not conceded a goal in the Championship since December, and ensuring tightly contested matches would gave them a chance of nicking a goal. Scott Parker’s team will hope to progress past Preston and then give themselves the best possible chance to keep on going.
9) Manchester United
The Red Devils showed what they are capable of when they defeated Arsenal in the third round of the competition but have shown their lack of ability more often this season. United have struggled at home this season and though they have done the double over Fulham this season, a win won’t come easily.
The club’s best performances under Ruben Amorim have come against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, with few sides of that calibre remaining, it’s difficult to not anticipate a slip up preventing them defending their trophy.
8) Fulham
The Cottagers are enjoying a fine season under Marco Silva but have not found the back of the net in two attempts against United. A win at Old Trafford would put Fulham right in contention, but they must prove themselves capable against fallible opposition first.
7) Crystal Palace
Palace will be confident of progressing to the next round and given their midtable position will quickly be able to go all in on the FA Cup. Oliver Glasner’s side have achieved positive results against the Premier League sides still in the competition this season and will fancy their chances.
6) Brighton
The Seagulls have enjoyed plenty of ups and downs under Fabian Hurzeler, and the prospect of facing a Newcastle without Alexander Isak may just offer Brighton a boost. The Sussex side may prove too inconsistent to navigate all of the rounds but have plenty of potential to beat the teams remaining too.
5) Aston Villa
Unai Emery has proven himself a master of navigating knockout competition in Europe and there’s no doubt he will hope that can translate into FA Cup success. In Cardiff they face a side not only from a division lower, but one which looks set to rest players in order to prioritise their relegation battle.
Villa have already shown themselves capable against the likes of Bayern Munich this term, a busy end to the season on multiple fronts could hamper them however.
4) Bournemouth
The Cherries have enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 under Andoni Iraola and cup success would top things off nicely for the south coast side. The Spaniard will hope his team are better prepared for the challenge of Wolves and are one of few teams who have dispatched Newcastle, Bournemouth and Manchester City already this season. Perhaps they should be top of the list…
3) Nottingham Forest
Forest should maybe be favourites for the competition judging by their league position, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side certainly have the talent to keep a clean sheet or to claim a goal against the teams still in the hat. Manchester City’s pedigree perhaps edges them out however, and Forest have lost twice to Newcastle this season.
2) Newcastle
The Magpies have already reached the Carabao Cup final and are making a habit of progressing through cup competitions under Eddie Howe. Alexander Isak ensures Newcastle have a chance against anyone, though a recent humbling against City, dents their positions in the rankings.
1) Man City
The FA Cup is Pep Guardiola’s lone opportunity for a trophy this season and despite a surprising season, you can only doubt the Citizens so long. The Premier League champions have more experience than any other team in tasting success and will be driven to end the season on a high with probably the most talented squad.
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