The 4th Round of the FA Cup kicks off this weekend, and with plenty to play for, potential upsets and history to be made, can one of the underdogs go on an unforgettable cup run?
Whether you’re on the training pitch or practising like the pro’s, make sure your game’s in check with this season’s FA Cup Delta ball from Mitre. Droppin’ in a white, red and black colourway, this size 5 ball is built with a 30-panel construction for consistent ball flight when switching the play or whippin’ in a freekick. It also has a durable outer casing and foam-backed lining for a super-smooth touch when controlling the game.
Stay locked in right here as we run through some of the big fixtures and how you can back your side!
Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough head to Old Trafford on Friday night to kick off this weekend’s ties as they look to cause a major upset to Ralf Ragnick’s rebuild since coming in as manager. Having been drawn with Man Utd for the 11th time in the FA Cup – more than any other opponent – The Boro will want to change their 13-game losing record against their opponents, having last beat them in 2005.
Sitting in 6th place in the Championship, Middlesbrough have strengthened their squad during the transfer window with the addition of four new players to bolster Chris Wilder’s attacking options. While Middlesbrough have looked to improve on their side, Ragnick has looked at stabilising his Utd squad, with only Donny van de Beek being a loaned out to Everton.
Will there be a change of fortune for this Boro side, or will United continue their progression under the new boss?
With the Red Devils making a switch from black socks to white in order to help prevent potential issues for colour-blind viewers, you can grab your home shirt right here and rep your badge with pride.
Kidderminster v West Ham
The game that everyone will have their eyes on comes in the lunch-time fixture on Saturday as non-league Kidderminster Harriers welcome Premier League high-flyers West Ham United.
The two sides have met once before in the FA Cup, when a Lee Chapman winner sealed the win for The Hammers back in the 1993/94 5th round. Now, with 5 leagues between the sides, the Kiddy faithful will be in full voice at a packed-out Aggborough Stadium this weekend.
Having dumped Reading out of the competition in the previous round with a stunning 2-1 win, the Harriers will want to prove that they’re not a one hit wonder with another impressive display.
On the other side, David Moyes’ West Ham team are proving a handful for any opposition this campaign. Sitting 5th in the league and knocking out Leeds United with a simple 2-0 win in the previous round, The Hammers fans have plenty to be happy about. Eyeing up the FA Cup as potential silverware to round off a much-improved year for his side, Moyes won’t be looking to drop the ball against Kidderminster by fielding a weakened team.
With the legendary West Ham United 1980 FA Cup final shirt from Score Draw available right here at JD, can they do it all over again, or will Kidderminster produce more FA Cup magic?
Chelsea v Plymouth Argyle
The other 12:30 kick-off this Saturday features eight-time FA Cup winners Chelsea hosting League One challengers Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge. This will be the first meeting between the two sides in all competitions since 1989.
Chelsea have won their last 10 out of their last 11 FA Cup matches at home, with the one loss coming against Man Utd in 2019. Having already booked themselves into the EFL Cup final this season, Thomas Tuchel would want to see his side take another step towards a trophy this year.
Plymouth come into the game off the back of a comfortable 3-1 win over Doncaster in the league last weekend. After edging out Birmingham 1-0 in the 3rd round, the stats don’t stack in the Argyle’s favour, having not reached the fifth round in 15 years.
With plenty of fixtures this weekend, including Man City v Fulham, Everton v Brentford and Spurs v Brighton, make sure you’re following @jdfootball for all the latest news!
