sport news FA CUP QUARTER-FINALS PREVIEW: Man City play VIncent Komany's Burnley while Man ... trends now
We're into the business end of the FA Cup and usually this is the stage where the big boys really stake their claim for the trophy.
But the quarter-final line-up looks slightly different this year, with only half of the teams from the top flight and three of four ties including lower-league opposition.
Vincent Kompany takes his Burnley team to Manchester City, who he captained through their first golden era, while Grimsby fans will travel in their numbers to Brighton.
We’ll have at least one Championship side in the semi-final, while Carabao Cup winners host Fulham in the final tie of the weekend.
Here, Sportsmail gives you the team news, lowdown on the minnows and assesses how likely a shock is in each fixture…
Vincent Kompany will take his Championship runaway leaders to the Etihad this weekend
Grimsby could produce one of the all-time shocks of the FA Cup if they beat Brighton
Manchester City v Burnley. 5.45pm Saturday, Etihad Stadium, BBC One
The lowdown
Vincent Kompany returns to Manchester City with his side 19 points clear of third place in the Championship. Indeed, the Clarets have lost just twice in the league — none of which at Turf Moor. Burnley averaged 39 per cent possession last term but, since Kompany took over, the Belgian has transformed them into an attacking team with an average of 64 per cent. Burnley won the FA Cup in 1914 but these sides’ last meeting in the competition was in 2019, when City won 5-0. The player to watch is Saints loanee Nathan Tella.
Players to watch
Anass Zaroury cost Burnley just £4million and was called up by Morocco this week after a fine season. The 22-year-old looks to get on the ball at every opportunity and is in the top decile for passes received per 90 and expected assists (xA).
How likely is a shock?
Burnley will fancy themselves here but City look up for the Cup this year. 3/5.
Anass Zaroury has been one of Burnley's standout performers this season and is one to watch
Pep Guardiola said on Friday that Kompany being in the opposition dugout made him feel old
Sheffield United v Blackburn Rovers. 12pm Sunday, Bramall Lane, ITV1
The lowdown
Blackburn are one of six teams in England’s top four tiers to never play at the new Wembley. The odds are stacked slightly against them to change that here but Rovers travel to South Yorkshire in fine form having won seven of their last eight games. Jon Dahl Tomasson is the boss and Rovers have never been past the last eight of the FA Cup in 12 attempts. Sheffield United are second in the Championship under Paul Heckingbottom and star man is Iliman Ndiaye. Watch out for two Manchester City loanees Tommy Doyle and James McAtee.
Players to watch
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