The FA Cup returns on Sportsnet, with a number of scintillating matchups involving clubs from across the English pyramid.
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The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are in action. Boreham Wood and Kidderminster Harriers, in the fifth and sixth tier, respectively, are among the lower-league teams still alive in the competition and will be hoping to force more upsets in the fourth round.
Here are four games to watch this weekend in the FA Cup.
Manchester United vs. Middlesbrough
The round kicks off with Manchester United and Championship side Middlesbrough on Friday at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet World.
This should be an intriguing contest, not least because both sides are experiencing different runs of form. Middlesbrough has won six of its last seven games in all competitions and is fighting for promotion to the Premier League. Man United, on the other hand, is getting back on track with a couple of wins but haven’t been too convincing.
It’s the 11th time both sides have been drawn together in the FA Cup, and United has progressed from 28 of its previous 30 FA Cup matches against lower-league opposition. But if coach Ralf Rangnick opts to rest players, there could be an upset on the cards.
West Ham United vs. Kidderminster
Kidderminster is the lowest-ranked club left in the field, playing in the Conference North, the sixth tier of English soccer.
Having upset Championship club Reading in the third round, they will be keen to do the same against a Premier League outfit, especially at home, having not played in this round for 35 years.
What a moment for @khfcofficial #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/1kwUj5R11i
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 8, 2022
West Ham United is fifth in the Premier League and challenging for a coveted Champions League place, so that could be the club’s priority which might cause the Hammers to fall asleep at the wheel.
You can watch the match on Sportsnet NOW at 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT.
Everton vs. Brentford
It’s Frank Lampard’s managerial debut as Everton coach, so that is reason enough to tune in at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT on Sportsnet NOW.
Throw in the possible return of Christian Eriksen after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last summer, and this game is chalked full of storylines.
Both teams have struggled for form in the Premier League in recent weeks. Everton hasn’t won a league match since Dec. 6, with Brenford losing four straight. An FA Cup run could lighten the mood for either side.
Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester City
How about some Canadian content in the FA Cup?
Fresh off helping Canada win three World Cup qualifiers this past week, Richie Laryea could make his Nottingham Forest debut in the FA Cup against Leicester City. He joined the Championship club on Jan. 9 from Toronto FC and could feature as a left wingback against Leicester.
You can check out that game on Sportsnet World and SN NOW at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT on Sunday morning.
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