Will it be the same again from Wolves?
Wolves vs. Liverpool, Friday, 8pm kick-off
Rob Edwards’ side celebrated Wolves’ comeback by taking on the Premier League champions, and now they have the chance to beat Liverpool again in the FA Cup rematch just four days later.
In isolation, Wolves’ performance in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool gave the Molineux crowd something to cheer about, but it was part of a wider run of form leading to suggestions that the once surely doomed Old Gold could pull off the miracle of remaining in the Premier League.
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Free to watch: Premier League Wolves vs Liverpool highlights
Wolves have only lost one of their last five games and have been in good form recently with a win over Aston Villa and a draw with league leaders Arsenal. Suddenly, Molineux becomes a tough place for any opponent.
With so few games left in the Premier League, Wolves’ survival is perhaps a little too far-fetched. However, the FA Cup remains a real opportunity for Wolves.
They won’t go down without a fight, but if they can take advantage of their ability to beat the top five in the league and translate that into cup competitions, they might be able to get something memorable out of this unforgettable game against Wolves.
William Bitibili
Do Arsenal’s marginal players have a chance?
Mansfield vs Arsenal, Saturday, 12.15pm kick-off
There are 54 positions in the league between Arsenal and Mansfield Town. If there’s ever a chance for Mikel Arteta to rotate his side, this is definitely it. The Gunners have four games remaining in the next 12 days, including the Carabao Cup final, after Saturday’s trip to Field Mill.
There is a long list of fringe players waiting for their chance. Miles Lewis-Skelly is suspended after picking up two cautions in the last round, but will fellow academy graduate Max Dowman return from injury and remind us of his thrilling qualities ahead of the run-in?
Max Dowman hopes to be available for this weekend’s game against Mansfield
There are also experienced players waiting on the side.
Christian Norgaard will be keen for the chance to start in place of Martin Zvimendi, who has played more minutes than any other player this season. Riccardo Calafioli is another player who needs rhythm and playing time.
Mr. Mansfield aims to punish complacency. However, the depth of quality available to Mikel Arteta will make him an overwhelming favorite to win even with a full rotation team. As the season enters a critical phase, don’t miss the chance to give your feet a break.
nick wright
Stars line up for a Hollywood-style upset at the racetrack
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Sky Sports’ Sunny Rudravajara summarizes the best lines from manager Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash with Chelsea.
Wrexham v Chelsea, Saturday, 5.45pm kick-off
Chelsea have given their all in the FA Cup since Liam Rosenior took over, but Saturday’s game against Wrexham will likely draw a neutral crowd as fans look for a Hollywood script-style twist, fueled by cup magic.
The Blues won both games by a combined score of 9-1 and have already dominated Charlton and Rosengher’s former team Hull, who sit one place above Wrexham in the Championship play-off places.
However, Wrexham showed they can compete with Premier League sides by defeating Nottingham Forest on penalties in the third round.
The talks with Chelsea will be another opportunity to showcase his potential top-level credentials.
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Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds was delighted with their side’s draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup. X Credit: @VancityReynolds
“Maximum effort” is a phrase that Marvel superhero Deadpool, played by Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, often uses during exciting moments when the odds are against him.
Chelsea should expect exactly that from Wrexham. The packed Racecourse ground was buzzing with hopes of an Oscar-worthy upset to reach the quarter-finals, knowing their Premier League opponents were battling against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Where Wrexham goes, stars tend to follow. They may adjust on Saturday.
Patrick Lowe
Fives live in Newcastle and Man City.
Newcastle vs Manchester City, Saturday, 8pm kick-off
Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola must be sick of seeing each other. Saturday’s match will be the fifth round of the season in the FA Cup, but which team will get the high five?
The two sides have already met twice in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with Manchester City leading head-to-head with 3 wins and 1 loss. The last time the two sides met was two weeks ago, when Nico O’Reilly scored two goals in a 2-1 win over the Etihad.
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Watch for free: Premier League highlights of Manchester City vs. Newcastle
The important thing for Newcastle this time is that they play at St James’ Park. It was the venue of their Premier League win in November, and the home crowd has proven their influence time and time again when they are at their loudest.
Man City may not be intimidated by that because of their experience, but it will definitely give Newcastle’s players a big boost.
Howe defended the importance he is placing on cup competitions this season in his pre-match press conference, and given the joy last season’s Carabao Cup brought to the city and the club, it’s easy to see why. The FA Cup winner will qualify for the Europa League, which could remain the only route to Europe next season.
Man City’s place in Europe next season is secured, but they have little hope of further trophies. The match against Newcastle will be a difficult task, but they have successfully overcome it three times this season already. They will be hoping for fourth place on Saturday.
charlotte marsh
The resurgent Saints are a tough task for Silva.
Fulham v Southampton, Sunday, 12pm kick-off
This year’s Championship is a disaster, but Southampton are living proof. The Saints were in 21st place when coach Tonda Eckert took over in early November following the firing of coach Will Still, but with six wins in eight games, they moved up one spot from the playoffs. look? Bonkers.
For Marco Silva, this match feels important. He has consistently said this season that he wants to take Fulham to the ‘next level’, but has not elaborated on what that next level will be. Does it mean European qualification? Does he have designs on silverware?
If the latter, then the FA Cup is his only option. Perhaps he even believes that both of the above feats are possible at the same time. If that happens, the key will be to stop a Southampton side who have scored 15 points in their last five games in all competitions. In fact, Saints are unbeaten in nine games since January and will no doubt be hoping for an upset if Fulham fail to reach the level Silva had hoped for.
laura hunter
Which Port Vale will appear at Vale Park?
Port Vale vs Sunderland, Sunday, 1.30pm kick-off
Port Vale need a strong performance to beat their Premier League opponents this weekend, but there were stark contrasts of form at Vale Park between league and cup competition.
Only 12 of League One’s 27 points have come at home, leaving them bottom of the table with just two wins, one of which came against fellow fifth-round hopefuls Mansfield.
However, all four of their FA Cup wins this season have come at Vale Park, with the last three coming on a 1-0 scoreline. This includes defeating Championship side Bristol City in extra time on Tuesday night.
They will be back to form quickly once again as they host Sunderland, managed by Regis Le Bris. Sunderland will be confident of facing all-comers in this season’s FA Cup. They have won both road games and will be hoping to avoid an upset on Sunday.
charlotte marsh
Leeds’ difficult juggling act gives Norwich a chance
Leeds vs Norwich, Sunday, 4.30pm kick-off
Leeds have lost just two of their last 15 meetings with Norwich, both of which came when Daniel Farke, currently stationed in the home dugout at Elland Road, was in charge of Sunday’s visitors.
Of course, Falke still holds a special place in the hearts of Canaries fans thanks to the joy of two promotion-winning campaigns between 2019 and 2021.
But Philippe Clément is a man with a mission of his own. Norwich were on the brink of relegation before the Belgian’s arrival and were desperate to prove themselves in the English league after struggling against Scotland and succumbing to Celtic’s relentless domination. Overseeing Rangers’ first home defeat to St Mirren since 1991 as his last manager was hardly the highlight of a tumultuous tenure at Ibrox.
Norwich are in good form under manager Philippe Clement.
A year later, the horizon looks much brighter. Clement’s style of football has been well-received at Norwich, where he has won eight of his last ten league and cup games, and some have matched that. He will be aware that Leeds have already beaten two teams in the Championship on their way to the fifth round, but will be hoping his team can nab Falke while juggling priorities.
Leeds face Crystal Palace and Brentford in their next two Premier League games and will need points from both games to avoid the threat of relegation again.
laura hunter
A big chance for Brentford?
West Ham v Brentford, Monday, 7.30pm kick-off
West Ham are hoping to win the cup, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo has bigger concerns over the final three months of the season as the Hammers battle to stay in the Premier League.
The turnaround in form has made 2026 a much more realistic prospect than was thought at the start of 2026, but a potential three more games and the distraction that comes with it probably isn’t what his team needs right now.
Keith Andrews’ Brentford could pick up some of the same points as they aim for their first season in Europe, but given they don’t have the same pressure and have a week’s rest before facing Wolves live on Monday Night Football, there’s no reason they can’t field a strong line-up.
Thomas Frank has done so much for the Bees, but he has never prioritized cup competition, so the chance to move within one game of Wembley will be a big draw for supporters, and it should be for Andrews as well.
Ron Walker
