Premier League and FA Cup quarter-finals: what to expect this weekend | first division
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Young wolves on the prowl
Gary O'Neil admitted his decision to start Pedro Neto against Fulham backfired, with the Portuguese winger set to miss Wolves' game against Coventry on Saturday after aggravating a hamstring problem. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is also a doubt due to a knee injury suffered in the same match, so opportunities could arise for those on the periphery. Nathan Fraser, the 19-year-old striker, made his full debut last time out. Noha Lemina, the 18-year-old brother of midfielder Mario who was on the bench against Fulham, could get his first minutes in the old gold, while 18-year-old striker Leon Chiwome was tipped for a bright future last year in our Next. The Generation series is another untested option. 20-year-old midfielder Tawanda Chirewa could also feature but O'Neil, with last week's big decisions fresh in his memory, will be careful not to be too bold given what is at stake. ben fisherman
Wolves against Coventry, FA CupSaturday at 12:15 (all times GMT)
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Bees ready to unleash their anger on the humble Claretes
Brentford will be understandably resentful at Turf Moor after seeing Kai Havertz escape a second yellow card for a blatant act of cheating before scoring. Arsenal's latest winner against them last weekend. Channeled in the right way against a Burnley team that look destined for a return to the Championship, it could silence the undeserved criticism that Thomas Frank has received during a run of five Premier League games without a win. That winless sequence includes games against the current top three, Chelsea, and away to West Ham, where the overall standard certainly fell with the 4-2 defeat. But Frank shouldn't have to ask for perspective. Ivan Toney has not scored in his last four games, but against a vulnerable Burnley defence, and in a stadium that has seen 11 domestic league defeats this season, the striker and Brentford will be sure to vent their frustrations. andy hunter
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Six downhill spots to take on Kenilworth Road
There is only one relegation place up for grabs – Burnley and Sheffield United are essentially down – making the prospect of 18th hosting 17th place intriguing. With 10 games to go, we can officially see this as a six points, especially now that Forest face potential deductions depending on their hearing on the Premier League's sustainability and profitability rules. The bad news for both of them is that they are in pretty terrible shape. Luton gave up a three-goal lead to lose against Bournemouth, while Forest have lost their last three games and their main striker is struggling with fitness. Whatever happens at Kenilworth Road, it could be a turning point for either side and the game will require strong characters. Nerves are frayed and the psychological impact of a win for either of them will affect the confidence of their relegation rivals. Regardless of how each manager wants to turn it around, a loss would be disastrous and neither can afford it. won't win
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Room for maneuver for Tottenham's resurgence
Well, that wasn't so difficult, was it? Spurs' mega clash last weekend with fellow top-four chasers Aston Villa quickly turned from tense to joyous, four second-half goals narrowing the gap between the two teams to just a couple of points. With Villa not playing until Sunday, Ange Postecoglou's side have a chance to jump into fourth place; With Manchester United busy seeking salvation in the FA Cup, they can widen the gap there as well. James Maddison was the first to celebrate at Villa Park, finishing off Pape Sarr's excellent cross, while Son Heung-min scored one and scored a couple elsewhere. Maddison's recovery from an ankle injury, coupled with Son's return from the Asian Cup, makes it feel like the good old days, when Postecoglou's honeymoon began with a 10-match unbeaten run in the league . A trip to Craven Cottage may bring back bad memories of the League Cup exit in August, but perhaps also the 2-0 win over Fulham in October. The scorers of that day? Maddison and son. Taha Hashim
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Newcastle gives no respite against Manchester City
By their vaunted standards, Manchester City are not the same force this season. However, they are still good enough to aspire to a historic second consecutive treble. Newcastle enter this FA Cup quarter-final 10th in the Premier League, 15 points adrift of fourth place, as Eddie Howe's position as manager continues to be scrutinized. Pep Guardiola tends to find a way to cheer up his team when it really matters. As seen with Kevin De Bruyne's discontent over being retired against Liverpool, City players are specially trained to make an impact. This is bad news for Howe and his team, even if De Bruyne is sidelined. Expect City to eliminate the visitors and move on to another trip to Wembley. Jaime Jackson
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Leicester may be forced to pick battles
Another draw at home against a team fighting for automatic promotion from the championship should suit Chelsea. Leeds rotated against them in the fifth round and it could be a similar story when Leicester visit Stamford Bridge. Things have gotten nervy for Enzo Maresca's side, whose lead at the top of the table has been reduced to three points after a run of one win in five games. Leeds are closing in and Leicester are uncomfortably close to third-placed Ipswich Town. This is no longer a procession to the title and Maresca could be forced to prioritize the league. It would not be a surprise if Leicester, who defeated Chelsea in the final three years ago, were not at full strength on Sunday. Jacob Steinberg
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West Ham and Villa stressed by midfield problems
West Ham and Aston Villa have problems to solve in midfield. For David Moyes, the challenge of reviving Kalvin Phillips' career has proven more difficult than anticipated. West Ham could do with rotating after playing in Europe on Thursday night But can Moyes risk starting Phillips again after his disappointing performance against Burnley? Probably not, although it is at least unlikely that Villa will be fresher than West Ham. Villa, who beat Ajax in the Europa Conference League, also have a selection dilemma in the middle. The influential John McGinn is suspended following his red card during last weekend's defeat to Spurs, the excellent Boubacar Kamara is a long-term absentee and Jacob Ramsey injured an ankle against Luton earlier this month. js
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Ten Hag's chances run out as Liverpool loom
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United find themselves in the last-chance hall marked “FA Cup glory” when it comes to claiming the silverware this season and if arch-rivals Liverpool throw them out of the pub it will be particularly bitter. To extend the metaphor further: what hangover could the manager have, who is auditioning for Jim Ratcliffe's new minority ownership to keep his job? United tend to sack their managers when qualification for the Champions League is no longer possible, so although the gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa is just eight points, the Dutchman can remain in his job. The flip side is that if United end Jürgen Klopp's dream of ending his tenure with a quadruple, Ten Hag's shares will rise. J.J.
