The FA Cup quarterfinals represent a crucial stage in England’s oldest and most prestigious domestic cup competition. At this point, only eight teams remain, each vying for a place in the semifinals at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
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Saturday’s first match is a London derby between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, as two teams who have never won the FA Cup (they have been runners-up three times between them) look to move one step closer to a triumph that would forever put them into immortality.
“I’m getting a bit older and the only chance we have to watch some football from different countries is in Portugal, the main one is the FA Cup to be honest,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva.
“The chance for us was to see some important games live on TV from the FA Cup, semifinals for sure, finals for sure. We grew up watching the competition. I know what it means, I know that it’s the oldest competition in the world.”
Nigerian star Calvin Bassey was a star performer during his side’s 4-3 win on penalties against the Red Devils in the 5th Round of the FA Cup earlier this month.
Bassey opened the scoring in the 46th minute, which was then cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes in the 71st minute. However, Fulham managed to hold their nerve by bagging a 4-3 victory via spot kicks.
Reflecting on his performance, which happened to be his FA Cup debut, Bassey felt as though Fulham owed their fans a decent performance.
“It was a good team performance and a good individual moment,” Bassey said.
“Our last performance at home [against United in the Premier League], we controlled that game , we should have won that game, let’s be honest.”
“We owed them, I wouldn’t say revenge, but we owed them a performance and our fans as well.”
Saturday’s second clash comes from the Amex Stadium as Brighton & Hove Albion host Nottingham Forest. Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler has already made a hugely positive impression at the south coast club, and leading them into the semi-finals of the FA Cup would only add to his burgeoning reputation.
“The fans can dream and we can work,” said the American-born German tactician. “We can only win something if we stay together and that’s what we must focus on. In football, there is not a lot of momentum but we have to understand why it’s like this at the moment.”
Sunday’s early match sees Preston North End of the Championship (the only team from outside the top tier remaining in the competition) host Aston Villa at Deepdale.
“I hope the fans are as excited about it as I am,” said Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom. “What I’d say to them is you need to be here to be part of the journey, otherwise you’ll not know. If you’re there at the weekend and we win, then you’ll be waiting just like us to see what’s next.”
The fourth and final quarter comes from Dean Court, better known as the Vitality Stadium, as AFC Bournemouth host Manchester City. The Cherries beat the Citizens when the teams last met (in a Premier League clash in November 2024) but manager Andoni Iraola admits that doing it a second time will be difficult.
“I think there was probably only one [situation] worse and that was City away,” admitted the Spaniard. “At least we have to play them at home – but it’s a big challenge for us. It’s a big opportunity and we will give our best and see if it’s enough to be in the semifinals.”
Elsewhere, Egyptian star Omar Marmoush and his Manchester City outfit will take on Bournemouth on Sunday, March 30 in their respective last-eight assignments.
Read also: LALIGA Matchday 29 preview: All fixtures, kick-off times and where to watch
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Broadcast details
Times CAT
Saturday March 29
14:15: Fulham v Crystal Palace – Live on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
19:15: Brighton v Nottingham Forest – Live on SuperSport GOtv Premier League
Sunday March 30
14:30: Preston North End v Villa – Live on SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport GOtv Football
17:30: AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City – Live on SuperSport GOtv Premier League
