FA Cup Quarter-Finals Preview: Full Team News, Fixtures & Predictions

‎The FA Cup reaches a pivotal stage this weekend as the competition’s eight remaining teams battle for a place at Wembley.

‎Below is a detailed preview of all four quarter-final clashes, including team updates and predictions.

‎Manchester City vs Liverpool

‎Manchester City returns to the Etihad two weeks after lifting the EFL Cup, carrying momentum and chasing history. Their 17-match FA Cup home winning streak equals the competition’s record, and a win here would secure the longest run in history.

‎City have also won 19 of their last 21 FA Cup games, establishing themselves as the tournament’s benchmark for consistency.

‎Liverpool arrives having navigated a congested schedule and with key players returning from injury. They defeated Wolves 3-1 in the previous round and retain a strong historical record against City in FA Cup away matches, although the Premier League leaders have already beaten them twice this season.

‎The encounter promises high-intensity football, tactical battles, and attacking flair.

‎Team News

‎Manchester City remain without Josko Gvardiol due to a tibial fracture, and John Stones and Ruben Dias face fitness assessments.

‎Guardiola may continue to trust younger players who impressed in the EFL Cup final while keeping his key midfielders and attackers on the field.

‎Liverpool has several defensive absences, and a late decision is expected on the fitness of Mohamed Salah. The midfield remains strong, while other attacking options will be deployed depending on the fitness tests completed before kickoff.

‎Prediction: Manchester City 3–1 Liverpool

‎City’s dominance at home, combined with Liverpool’s defensive gaps, makes the hosts favourites. Goals from both sides are likely given their attacking strengths.

‎Chelsea vs Port Vale

‎Chelsea come into this quarter-final after a difficult run in the Premier League and Champions League, but the FA Cup remains a competition where they can shine.

‎The Blues have won every one of their last six quarter-final ties and have an unrivalled record against lower-league opposition in domestic cups.

‎Port Vale, meanwhile, are the lowest-ranked team remaining, making their first quarter-final appearance in 72 years. They have produced a remarkable FA Cup run, including a shock victory over Sunderland in the fifth round.

‎With over 6,000 travelling supporters, they arrive in London aiming to create one of the season’s biggest upsets.

‎Team News

‎Chelsea remain without several senior players due to injury but will benefit from the return of a key centre-back. The manager may rotate, giving opportunities to younger or fringe players alongside experienced starters.

‎Port Vale have a few defensive and attacking absences and one player will undergo a late fitness check. Their leading FA Cup scorer is expected to spearhead the attack.

‎Prediction: Chelsea 4–1 Port Vale

‎Chelsea’s quality and squad depth should see them through comfortably, even if the visitors provide spirited resistance.

‎Arsenal vs Southampton

‎Arsenal aim to recover from a recent domestic cup disappointment and keep their treble ambitions alive. They defeated Mansfield in the fifth round and have a history of converting quarter-final appearances into semi-final runs.

‎Southampton have impressed in the FA Cup this season, beating several Premier League teams, but they also juggle Championship promotion ambitions.

‎Despite recent strong form in their league, they will need to overcome injuries and suspensions to mount a serious challenge at Emirates Stadium.

‎Team News

‎Arsenal have multiple players recovering from international duty or minor knocks, and the manager may rest key figures with European competition in mind. Young talents are expected to feature alongside seasoned performers.

‎Southampton faces suspensions for two midfielders and the absence of their captain through injury. Their creative options are limited, but they will rely on their recent FA Cup experience to challenge the hosts.

‎Prediction: Southampton 1–2 Arsenal

‎Even with squad rotation and fitness concerns, Arsenal’s depth and quality give them the edge in what may be a closely contested affair.

‎West Ham United vs Leeds United

‎West Ham return to FA Cup quarter-final action after eliminating Brentford on penalties. Their primary focus remains Premier League survival, but this cup run offers a route to glory and a first semi-final appearance in ten years.

‎Leeds also come in with recent strong FA Cup performances but have struggled to score in the Premier League since their fifth-round win.

‎The clash at the London Stadium promises a tactical battle, with West Ham hoping to exploit home advantage and Leeds seeking to continue their unbeaten run on the road.

‎Team News

‎West Ham will miss several players due to injury and must manage the risk of suspensions that could rule out key starters for a potential semi-final. Leeds return a player from suspension and have minor fitness issues, but most of their squad is available.

‎Some attackers are still building match fitness after injuries.

‎Prediction: West Ham United 2–1 Leeds United

‎The home advantage and a revitalized West Ham squad make them favourites, though Leeds’ away form could keep the match close.