If Manchester United can beat Preston North End in their FA Cup tie on Monday, they’ll be hosting a very tough quarterfinal. The Red Devils or Preston will host Arsenal, the cup holders, in the quarterfinals.
FA Cup draw: Manchester United vs. Arsenal could headline quarterfinals
The FA Cup quarterfinal draw wasn’t bad. We’ll get a lower-league team in the semifinals, plus a West Midlands derby and a possible big six clash.
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Liverpool were the Premier League team that got off easiest. They’ll be very heavy favorites to advance at home against Blackburn Rovers, though that draw coupled with their fixture congestion might sucker them into fielding a weakened team.
The other two ties have plenty of intrigue. Tim Sherwood will get his chance to guide his team to Wembley in a West Midlands Derby. Aston Villa are at home against West Bromwich Albion. In the other remaining tie, underdogs Bradford City will host Reading at Valley Parade. That draw means that at least one non-Premier League team will get a trip to Wembley this season.
Games will be played the weekend of March 7. This is the last round in which there’s a host team, then a replay in the event of a draw. The semifinals will be played at Wembley Stadium and will feature extra time and penalties if necessary.
Quarterfinal draw
Liverpool vs. Blackburn Rovers
Bradford City vs. Reading
Preston North End or Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Aston Villa vs. West Bromwich Albion
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