What an FA Cup Draw
The FA Cup is one of the oldest and greatest competitions in the world. It's random nature means anyone could face anyone, at any time in the draw. The problem with this is often the draw comes out fairly dull in nature, particularly at a stage like round 4. Not this year however.
First up is Manchester United at home to Tottenham. By the time they play this may already be a rehearsal for the Carling Cup Final provided no shocks take place in their respective Semi-Finals of that competition. Add to that the Harry Redknapp factor, last year his Portsmouth side went to Old Trafford, rode lots of luck, but then played a fantastic last half hour to land a huge 1-0 upset. This year Harry leads Tottenham into Old Trafford, can he do the same again with the old Harry magic? He was also manager of Bournemouth back in 1984 when they shocked Manchester United in the 3rd round. Harry and Man United have lots of history giving what would be a great tie anyway a huge extra edge.
Then there is the little matter of a Merseyside Derby at Anfield. For the first time in years Liverpool look to have a squad to at least launch a serious title challenge, if they come up short however, the FA Cup is a great bet for a trophey this season. You would think they would have too much for Everton, but the form book goes out of the window here and Everton have been playing well. The city of Liverpool, every home, shop, factory, store, office and anywehre else you care to name will doubtless be talking of little else for the next three weeks. With Liverpool currently top of the league once more, but playing better away from home than at home, there will be plenty of spice to this one.
It's been 14 years since Kidderminster got to the 5th round of the FA Cup as a non-league side. No other non league side has done it since, indeed only 5 non-league sides have reached that stage since the war. This year 2 non league sides go into round 4 with exciting home draws, and the chance to emulate Kidderminster and the rest. They are one upset away from round 5. Kettering Town face Fulham, a facinating draw with Kettering at home against a side who, while in the top league and will of course be favourites, have plenty of frailties Kettering might just fancy exploiting. Meanwhile in the South-West, Torquay face Coventry. There is form here of course, Coventry as reiging cup holders headed to Sutton United in the 3rd round 1988 and went out 2-1. Can Torquay repeat some history, and make some of their own at the same time?
And then there is a little local difficulty, if a Merseyside derby were not enough, of Nottingham Forest heading to Derby County. The recent league game on the same ground was a hugely contreversial 1-1 draw that included Derby havng a last minute penalty saved, then what looked a fair goal ruled out by the referee from the resulting corner. That game will be fresh in everyones minds, add to that former Derby manager Billy Davis now being the manager of Forest, I'm sure he will get a warm reception. There could be one other twist too, Derby are currently managerless and in talks to bring in son of the legenadary manager Brian Clough. Nigel Clough also as it happens used to play for Forest. Add all that into the pot, and we have quite a game in store.
These games will be played the weekend of the 23/24/25 of January. Enjoy, it is not often round 4 produces a draw quite like this.
Additional note - While I was writing this, it has been confirmed Nigel Clough is offically the new manager of Derby County.
