When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw? Date, start time and how to watch as Man Utd & Man City aim to progress
Manchester United face Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup
The FA Cup fifth-round is the focus of attention this weekend as Manchester United and Manchester City aim to secure their place in the last eight of English football's oldest and most prestigious cup competition.
The Red Devils are the defending champions of the FA Cup and have won the trophy a staggering 13 times in their history, which makes them the second most successful team in the competition behind Arsenal, who were crucially defeated on penalties by United in the third round, in an heroic performance which so far arguably marks the best victory of the Ruben Amorim era.
The FA Cup represents United’s only hope of domestic silverware after a 4-3 quarter-final exit against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup and a hugely underwhelming season in the league which currently leaves the team languishing in 15th position.
Domestic silverware presents the Red Devils with a golden opportunity to secure European qualification next season and offers Amorim a valuable opportunity to endear himself to the Old Trafford faithful after a disappointing start.
Meanwhile, Man City will be out for revenge after they were beaten by United in last year’s final at Wembley. The trophy is Pep Guardiola’s last chance to win silverware this season, with City out of the title race while they were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid last week.
United host Fulham at Old Trafford in their fifth round tie while City are also at home as they host Plymouth Argyle. The Championship side knocked Liverpool out with a 1-0 win at Home Park in the fourth round. But when is the FA Cup quarter-final draw, who remains in the competition and is it televised? Here’s all the key information to be aware of.
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?
The FA Cup quarter-final draw will take place on Sunday 2 March. It is scheduled to start just after United’s crucial home game against Fulham.
BBC One will be screening the balls being drawn during their post-match analysis of the clash at Old Trafford. Full details including ball numbers are yet to be confirmed. The draw will also be streamed on the FA Cup’s official social media challenges. FA Cup quarter-final matches are expected to take place on the weekend beginning Saturday 29 March, as per the FA official website.
Who is left in the FA Cup?
Ruben Amorim’s side are one of 16 remaining teams with ambitions of lifting English football’s most prestigious cup competition. They are one of 11 top-flight teams competing in the fifth round while the other remaining sides - including Plymouth Argyle after their upset against Liverpool are from the Championship.
Manchester City, who have won the competition twice under Pep Guardiola are the latest Premier League heavyweight to lock horns with the Pilgrims in what looks set to be another David vs Goliath-esque occasion. Here is a full list of all the fixtures taking place in the FA Cup fifth round ahead of a thrilling weekend of knockout football.
- Preston North End vs Burnley
- Aston Villa vs Cardiff City
- Crystal Palace vs Millwall
- Manchester United vs Fulham
- Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- AFC Bournemouth vs Wolves
- Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle
- Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town