After the thrilling FA Cup Third Round ties we covered in this article, the glorious cup is back soon! We’ll be taking a look at those EFL clubs who will face the cameras!
It was recently announced that sports broadcasting company TNT Sports, formally BT Sports, have gained the rights to even more coverage of the FA Cup. This was much to the disappointment of fans, who are seemingly begrudged by the move.
On Friday 16th January, the games set to face the cameras were announced by the English FA, and TNT Sports.
Starting us off, is Hull City vs, Premier League giants, Chelsea!
Chelsea have recently undergone a change of manager, after the board faced an alleged falling out with ex-boss Enzo Maresca. They’ve been off to a flying start in the top flight, and currently sit eighth, just four points off of fourth!
The blues faced Charlton Athletic away from home in the third round, facing a huge upset. Fortunately for them, they came away with a 5-1 win, with goals thanks to the likes of Neto and Fernandez.
Hull City have had an equally flying start to the season, with the Tigers sitting seventh. They are just five points away from second place Middlesbrough.
The Tigers eventually brushed off fellow championship side Blackburn Rovers on penalties, after a stalemate 120 minutes. A fairly simple match for them.
However, the game at home to Chelsea will be huge. A chance for the fans to back their side and knock out a giant.
The home sides will have every ounce of belief, but who will prevail?
Secondly, we have Burton vs, Premier League relegation battlers, West Ham United!
The Brewers, who currently sits 21st in League one will have a huge Valentines day present at the Pirelli Stadium. A Premier League team at home.
This current cup run could be striking a stride into their step, as they are just three points away from the relegation zone.
This would be huge to the club, not just in a team bonding way, but financially too!
The TV money is starting to get bigger per round, and could be a matter of life or death for a League One side as themselves.
West Ham themselves, haven’t had a great start to the season, changing managers and looking a really poor side.
They are currently 18th, and seven points away from safety. The fans are not happy, with protests and boycotts taking place regularly at the London Stadium.
The Hammers just about beat Championship outfit QPR in the third round, with a 2-1 victory.
The overall performance was really poor and not to be expected from a side who haven’t been relegated in 23 years. The Irons goals came from Summerville and Castellanos, winning it in the 8th minute of extra time.
This game will be much closer than the fans would hope, with a Burton win a true possibility.
Thirdly, we have Birmingham City vs, Premier League, Leeds United.
On paper, this tie seems like a prime Championship classic from 2018/19, but there are currently 19 places between them with Leeds making a name for themselves again in the top flight.
Blues have had a mediocre start to life back in the championship, spending very heavily in the summer.
They bought in the likes of Kyogo from Celtic, and are eyeing up youngster August Priske. Chris Davies is coming under heavy pressure with the side sitting 14th.
Blues took on Cambridge in the third round, handing the side a 3-2 defeat, which was closer than many fans wanted or expected.
Leeds United had an uncomfortable start to life after promotion, with a rocky start and not picking up many points.
The side are currently 16th, and eight points above relegation. Up until recently, the side went games games unbeaten in the league and even salvaged a point with Liverpool.
With the team looking upwards towards safety, Leeds took on Derby County in the 3rd round and with a decent second half display, went on to win 3-1 after conceding an early penalty. Goals from Gnonto, Tanaka and James led the team to the fourth round.
Leeds are undoubtedly the favourites to win this tie, but all could change with the magic of the FA Cup!
Next, we have Grimsby Town vs Premier League side, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Grimsby had a good start to the season, and had a great win in the EFL Cup against Manchester United. who were dumped from the third round by Brighton.
The side are 12th in League Two, and a comfortable midtable spot is keeping them going. This position is brilliant for a side of their caliper, and will eventually take them further.
In the third round, Grimsby faced Weston Super Mare, one of the lowest ranked side in the cup. it was not an easy game as the away side put up a fight ending the game at 3-2. Goals for the hosts from Kabia, and Green helped them squeeze through to round four.
WSM are sat 2nd in the National League South, just behind Worthing.
A superb start to the season has led the Seagulls storming the league, and likely for a promotion come May. They had reached the FA Cup Third Round full of confidence at a League Two side.
Despite their best efforts, Grimsby were victorious and progress.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, where do we start? They have had an awful start to the season, sitting rock bottom and have only just got above two points.
Currently on track to beat Derby’s worse ever points tally, the side traveled to local side Shrewsbury Town. Wolves, incredibly were not favourites for this clash due to their poor form.
Before their game at West Ham, Wolves hadn’t won a game all season. Hence the nervousness of the traveling fans.
The game got off to a quick start with Strand Larsen bagging within 10 minutes. This momentum carried Wolves forwards, and the side won 6-1.
Wolves should be favourites going into this, but with their form, who knows!
Then finally, we have a big one. Wigan Athletic vs Arsenal! Top of the Premier League vs 15th in League One!
The Latics have always floated around the lower tiers, after a major Premier Division stint in the early 2000s. They have been more consistent in League One and the Championship, and have found their stride.
Wigan have also had their fair share of financial troubles, which have definitely hindered their progression. With a steady start to the league, Wigan are not a promotion contender, but not at risk of relegation either.
Wigan faced Preston North End in the FA Cup Third Round, and led themselves to a scrappy 1-0 win. A win is a win, especially over a Championship side. The goal came from Harrison Bettoni.
Now to Arsenal, they have been absolutely menacing in the league. They are an incredibly strong side who show no signs of cracking. They sit top of the league with 49 points and 6 points clear from oncoming traffic.
The Gooners are also into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, and are looking likely to beat Chelsea. A strong side and equally strong title contenders.
They faced Portsmouth at Portman Road in the 3rd round and actually conceded first! They went 1-0 down within 3 minutes before equalizing.
Arsenal applied more and more pressure to the boys in blue, and managed to break them down. The game ended 4-1 with Martinelli getting a hat trick.
Arsenal are obviously favourites, but Wigan would fancy themselves too.
