FA Cup and Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals Preview
Reo Hatate scored a late equaliser as Celtic held Rangers to a 2-2 draw last weekend. You can recap the action here ahead of this afternoon’s game:
The final two quarter-finals take place today as Rangers face their old rivals Celtic, and St. Mirren host Partick Thistle.
Who will join Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic in the semi-finals?
St. Mirren v Partick Thistle – 7:30pm GMT
Which game will you be watching this afternoon?
Premier League Clubs in FA Cup Quarter-Finals
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all progressed to the quarter-finals and are eyeing the chance of silverware. Manchester City and Arsenal supporters still harbour hopes of a quadruple, or at least some of their supporters do.
Today's fixtures lack significant glamour, with the visit of Sunderland to Port Vale standing out as a potential battle of minnows versus giants.
Port Vale, a League One side, currently sit bottom of their division and are cut adrift. This game likely represents an opportunity for their players to showcase their talents and attract attention.
Given Newcastle's weak performance against Manchester City yesterday, it is unlikely Sunderland will slip up. Imagine the scenes if Sunderland were to go all the way and lift the trophy after Newcastle's exuberant celebrations over last season's Carabao Cup win.
West Ham versus Brentford on Monday night remains the standout tie of the round.
Port Vale's Cup History and Current Challenge
Port Vale boasts a rich pedigree. Plaques and memorabilia around Vale Park commemorate their 1996 victory against Everton under legendary manager John Rudge. That 2-1 victory, achieved in a fourth-round replay after holding the Cup holders at Goodison Park, was the last time Vale reached the fifth round until Tuesday’s extra-time win over Bristol City.
Now Sunderland await at Vale Park on Sunday, presenting another chance for Port Vale to make history.
Pep Guardiola's Touchline Ban and Comments
Pep Guardiola was booked for the sixth time this season during Manchester City’s match against Newcastle yesterday. This results in a two-game touchline ban.
The ban applies to Premier League and FA Cup matches but not domestic finals, meaning Guardiola will be present on the touchline when City face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
The ban also does not apply to European games, so Guardiola will be on the touchline when Manchester City face Real Madrid in the Champions League round-of-16 next week.
At St James’ Park, Omar Marmoush scored twice in a 3-1 win over Newcastle, sending Manchester City through to the next round.
“I will tell you something - we have all the records in this country, all of them, despite everything. We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all records and now I have it, two-game ban now and I will go on holidays the next two games.”
Pep Guardiola joked he will go on holiday during his touchline ban.
Wrexham's Performance and Ryan Reynolds' Comments
Hollywood superstar and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds took to social media last night to reflect on his team’s performance against Chelsea.
“Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham’s performance today.”
The Red Dragons are targeting a fourth successive promotion, which would see them reach the Premier League. They currently sit sixth in the Championship table.
At the Stōk Cae Ras, Chelsea came from behind twice to beat Wrexham 4-2 in added time. Sam Smith’s early goal was cancelled out by an own-goal from keeper Arthur Okonkwo before the break.
With the score level for most of the second half, Callum Doyle gave Wrexham hope with a goal in the 78th minute, but Josh Acheampong equalised moments later.
Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro then both scored in added time to secure the win for Chelsea.
Mansfield Town's Effort Against Arsenal
Following a 2-1 loss to Arsenal, Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough praised his players' effort.
“I thought the effort the players gave was absolutely incredible. We wanted to make it a proper cup tie and make it uncomfortable for Arsenal. I thought we did that.
“We’re very proud. We said to the lads, if we do concede - don’t concede a second one. Then it becomes a bit too easy. That didn’t happen today. We could have done it. But I think everyone else enjoyed it.”
Arsenal survived a scare at the One Call Stadium to progress to the quarter-finals. Noni Madueke broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, but Will Evans levelled after capitalising on a defensive error.
Mikel Arteta responded with a series of changes, including introducing Eberechi Eze, who scored the winner.
Yesterday's Results and Today's Fixtures
Before previewing today’s games, here is a look back at yesterday’s results.
Hello, good morning and welcome to another Matchday live! We have three more games to look forward to later as Fulham host Southampton, Port Vale face Sunderland, and Leeds United take on Norwich City.
Elsewhere, Rangers take on Celtic again at Ibrox, this time in the Scottish Cup. In Italy, the two Milan sides go head-to-head in a significant derby.
We will be looking ahead to all of those fixtures and recapping yesterday’s action.
