Simon Bird's FA Cup previews and predictions (Fourth Round)
Sir Alex Ferguson wrote to fans this week saying United versus Liverpool is "the biggest game around."
I love the way the man gets in a snide dig at noisy neighbours Manchester City without even having to mention their name. That'll be City who are not longer in this round of the FA Cup because of United.
Some might say it is a pity that the Fourth Round will be dominated by this clash. It is a stage that surely demands more lower league spotlight and fantasy.
But as Ferguson said in his letter to the travelling United support, it is a tense affair at the best of times. But with the shadow of Luis Suarez serving the sixth of his eight game ban for abusing United skipper Patrick Evra the last time the clubs met in October, the rivalry will be as intense and bitter as ever.
Anyone left in the draw on Sunday night will be delighted that one of these two will exit and leave this season's trophy every so slightly more likely to provide a boon for someone outside the big five.
For that is what I believe the FA Cup needs. A fresh new story. New heroes. A club like, say at random,Newcastle, Sunderland, Everton or Aston Villa to come through and be lifting the trophy in May.
That would make it a year to remember as much as early round shocks.
So who will be on the way out between after Liverpool v Man United?
It depends on which United turn up. The defensively frail United with a midfield lacking spark. Or the one that has been galvanised since Paul Scholes' return.
Can Liverpool match the intensity of their performance against Manchester City in the Carling Cup with just a couple of days rest. That must by the biggest worry for Kenny Dalglish.
But if Liverpool are to return to greatness, getting to a Carling Cup final has to be followed up by a string good results to consolidate their FA Cup and league position.
This is almost an impossible game to call. But I fancy home advantage could be the difference.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United
***
It is said that Anton Ferdinand is being pressured to shake the hand of Chelsea skipper John Terry before this game, despite the ongoing legal investigation into alleged abuse hurled at the QPR defender when they last clashed on the pitch.
But no one will be surprised if Ferdinand repeats the stand made by Wayne Bridge, and waves away the chance to make it look like everything is well.
Then it will be all ears on the Chelsea fans. And the QPR fans for that matter. Both clubs have issued pleas to their support urging that no discriminatory chanting occurs.
Until the police investigation into the Terry-Ferdinand clash progresses, and the serious of the allegations and the potential impact of such charges on Terry's career cannot be underestimated, there will be acrimony as rivals fans, rightly or wrongly, defend their own.
Will it add fuel to QPR's determination and disrupt Chelsea?
I doubt it. In fact you would not bet against Terry popping up with a goal, just to rub his accusers noses in it.
Prediction: QPR 1-2 Chelsea
***
How many upsets will there be this weekend?
There appears to be scope for shocks in three key games.
A win for League Two outfit Crawley v Hull would rank up highly. But Hull have won three in a row, and look stronger recently. The best Crawley can hope for is a draw.
Prediction: Hull 2-2 Crawley
***
And Newcastle know they have a tricky one at Brighton.
The Geordies have spent the week in Tenerife recovering from their 5-2 thrashing at Fulham.
Now they face one of the better footballing sides in the Championship. It is the kind of game that will throw up ex-Magpie Kazenga Lua Lua as the hero.
Newcastle could also be without Fabricio Coloccini in defence, so expect the Geordies to need a draw going through.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Newcastle
***
Friday night's clash between Watford and Tottenham is surely the other potential upset.
A tough and distracting week in the dock for boss Harry Redknapp, and a defeat to Manchester City last weekend worrying the psyche.
True, Watford have not impressed this season and lie low in the Championship but they have talent in Adrian Mariappa, wanted by Newcastle, and 10-goal striker Marvin Sordell, also in demand.
Maybe they can produce a glorious goodbye? Perhaps not.
Prediction: Watford 1-2 Spurs
***
Other games (all kick-offs Saturday, 3pm unless otherwise stated)
Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa (Sunday, 4pm)
Blackpool 2-1 Sheffield Wed
Bolton 0-1 Swansea
Derby 0-2 Stoke
Everton 1-0 Fulham (Friday, 8pm)
Leicester 1-0 Swindon
Millwall 1-2 Southampton
Sheffield Utd 1-0 Birmingham
Stevenage 2-0 Notts County
Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough (Sunday, 1.30pm)
West Brom 1-1 Norwich
Think you know your football better than Simon?
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