FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up

Article first published as FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up on Technorati.
The 4th Round Brought Some Surprises and I reflect on the Matches to Watch and other Interesting Happenings.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 31, 2011

The road to the FA Cup gave the weekend some much needed action aside from what has been going on in the transfer window. On Friday I posted up my matches to watch, and although my predictions were not all spot on, some results were, and some were complete surprises.

Games to Watch

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
Predicted 2-2  -  Result 3-1

Former Arsenal playmaker and Premier League veteran Robert Pires got his Aston Villa career off the ground with  a goal against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park on Saturday. The match played out to the Villans as they advance on to the 5th Round. Their opponent is not yet known as the full draw has not been completed for the 5th Round due to Re-plays.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford United
Predicted 1-2  -  Result 4-1

What I thought to be a possible upset proved to be none the later as League One side  Sheffield Wednesday whom had endured a dip in recent form compared to opponent, put League Two side Hereford United to the sword at Hillsborough. Wednesday will travel to St. Andrews to face Birmingham in Round 5.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Predicted 2-1  -  Result 4-0


I truly thought Harry Redknapp's Hotspur would have put up more of a fight, however, Mark Hughes truly has Fulham firing on all cylinders as the Cottagers steam rolled their London rivals in this London Derby in the FA Cup. A penalty brace from Danny Murphy followed by goals from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele saw the Cottagers rout 10-man Spurs after Alan Hutton and Michel Dawson, whom received a Red Card for his involvement against Dembele in the box, proved culprits to Spurs demise. That is perhaps the worst first half Spurs will play this season, if not this decade. Fulham will take on the winner of the Bolton and Wigan Replay.

Bolton vs. Wigan Athletic
Predicted 3-1  -  Result 0-0

A cagey match at the Reebok provided no goals and little excitement as the Wanderers and Latics will go at it again in their Replay. Bolton fresh of a beating from Chelsea looked to still be licking their wounds rather than back on the attack. Owen Coyle will be sure to remedy this. The winner will face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Everton vs. Chelsea
Predicted 0-4  -  Result 1-1

The Blues and the Blues were stalemated on the night and will face a replay against one another to decide the result. David Moyes will be happy to have earned another chance to progress while Carlo Ancelloti will continue to rue this season as he looks to be out in my opinion if he doesn't at least bring some sort of Silverware back to the Bridge this season. He will at least be buoyed by his club's attempts to bring in Fernando Torres.

Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City
Predicted 1-0  -  Result 0-1

A great last 10 minutes plus stoppage time gave us the action and drama that the FA Cup is so rich with. John Carew caused problems for Wolves in his Stoke debut but did not bare fruit thanks to the efforts of Marcus Hahneman. Robert Huth headed home a free-kick from winger Matthew Etherington to give the Potters the lead with hopes of advancement on the 81st minute. However, Wolves would have their chance as Robert Milijas lined up to take a penalty on the 90th minute. But, it was not to be as Thomas Sorenson saved the shot to let the Potters advance to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Britannia in Round 5.