On Friday, the FA Cup continues with Aston Villa kicking off the round of 16 while hosting Cardiff City. Five Championship teams still remain in the competition at this stage and at least one will be guaranteed to make it to the final eight as Preston North End will face Burnley. There’s plenty of intrigue as cup darlings Plymouth Argyle will head to face Manchester City after knocking out Liverpool in the last round. Given City’s season they’d be expected to go a little stronger in the match than Liverpool did but in a knockout competition, anything can happen.
Here are a few things to watch for in the round of 16:
Can Plymouth Argyle do it again?
Plymouth may be in the relegation zone in the Championship while Manchester City are going for a top four spot in the Premier League, but after beating the league leaders in Liverpool, anything could happen. City already gave up the first goal while facing Leyton Orient in the last round and while they’ll be expected to win, Pep Guardiola’s side has crumbled under pressure on multiple occasions this season. If Plymouth can stay in the match, there will be chances to score. Of course, if City goes with their strongest XI, stopping Erling Haaland will be unlike any challenge that Plymouth has ever faced, but that’s again something that players relish in these moments.
The Return of Newcastle United
Chasing their first major trophy since 1955, Newcastle United has already booked their place in the EFL Cup final. Their form has been bolstered by the performance of striker Alexander Isak, who has 21 goals and five assists this season. Isak might miss out on facing Brighton with a groin injury, but he will be vital for their bid to end the trophy drought.
Who needs an FA Cup win more?
Newcastle may be looking to end their drought, but other teams like Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Manchester City are also aiming for silverware. For teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa, winning the FA Cup and securing a European spot would be crucial, while Manchester United’s current position means this may be their only route to a European place next season.
Schedule
All times Eastern, All matches available on ESPN+
Friday, Feb. 28 Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City, 3 p.m.
Saturday, March 1 Crystal Palace vs. Millwall, 7:15 a.m. Preston North End vs. Burnley, 7:15 a.m. Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 10 a.m. Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle, 12:45 p.m.
Sunday, March 2 Newcastle United vs. Brighton, 8:45 a.m. Manchester United vs. Fulham, 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 3 Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town, 2:30 p.m.
