FA Cup quarter-final draws are out: Manchester City get a favourable road to Wembley

The quarter-final draw of this season's FA Cup has been done. (Image credits - Flickr)

The quarter-final fixtures of this season’s prestigious FA Cup have been drawn, with the set of ties set to be played in the final week of March.

Some of the most memorable highlights from the 5th round were Fulham’s remarkable win against the reigning champions, Manchester United, at Old Trafford, edging past the Red Devils on penalties. 

Last season’s runners-up Manchester City managed to find a way past Plymouth Argyle to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for a staggering 7th time in a row. 

The reigning Premier League champions will face Bournemouth away from home in the next round, with Pep Guardiola aiming to salvage at least one trophy in a season that has turned out to be a complete disaster for them.

However, arguably the most memorable moment from the previous round was Preston FC’s 3-0 win over Burnley as they secured first-ever qualification in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since 1966. 

Analysing every fixture to be played in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

This is set to be an exciting watch for the fans with the stakes being high. 

Both the clubs have not seen any silverware recently, and with most teams from the top six already out of the competition, it's a huge opportunity for either of the sides to win the prestigious FA Cup. 

Palace and Fulham have both been inconsistent this season, but based on the quality and performance that Fulham have put up in the Premier League this season, they will be heading into the game as the favourites to win.

Preston vs Aston Villa

The Championship side will aim to continue their fairytale run this season after securing their first-ever qualification in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since 1966.

It will be a complex scenario for Aston Villa, but Unai Emery's refurbished side are still the clear favourites to progress to the top four from this fixture, despite Preston’s tremendous run in the competition so far.

Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Manchester City have already been knocked out of all competitions except the FA Cup this season, with the chances of winning the Premier League title also looking bleak. 

Therefore, Pep Guardiola and co. will give everything to win this title, salvaging a burnt cake with a cherry on top. 

However, the Cherries’ are a talented side and are quite capable of upsetting the reigning Premier League champions with a shock defeat once again.

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest 

Nottingham Forest take on Brighton Hove-Albion in the quarter-finals, in what is expected to be arguably the most intense clash of them all. 

Forest have been one of the best sides in English football this season with their extraordinary performance in the Premier League so far, and therefore, they will be heading into this fixture as the favourites to win.

However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side has been in tremendous form recently, while possessing more experience than the young Forest side in the business ends of major competitions, which can give them a noticeable edge over their opponents.