Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues surrounding the Premier League.
This week, a special FA Cup Q&A.
SN: Which FA Cup match are you most looking forward to watch this weekend and why?
SHARMAN: The fifth-round draw really has done itself proud this year. What with several shocking results already thinning the field, once again we have a selection of possible upsets in this round, as well as the one marquee tilt that will see Chelsea and Manchester United meet up. But that heavyweight match hardly demonstrates the magic of the Cup, so let’s go with Newport hosting Manchester City.
Sure, in all likelihood City will add a few more goals to its tally of 12 in two FA Cup matches so far, but the very sight of seeing arguably Europe’s top team travel to Rodney Parade, which holds less than 9000 fans, will be just brilliant. Newport sit 15th in League Two, and they just lost to MK Dons.
I am not sure any team loves the Cup more than this Newport side, which took Tottenham to a replay last season and have beaten both Leicester and Middlesbrough this season. The football Gods shine brightly for this side, and they’d better be gleaming on Saturday if we are to see one of the Cup’s all-time great shocks.
[snippet id=4152687]
Does the FA Cup still matter?
Unless you are devoid of any romance in your soul, and have a heart the size of the Grinch (pre-enlargement), of course it does. Don’t believe me? Watch the goal celebrations at Barnet, Millwall, Doncaster and Shrewsbury in recent months. It matters!
Whether the top clubs decide to prioritize it or not is irrelevant— although Pep Guardiola has fielded some formidable lineups so far at Manchester City – this tournament goes beyond the trophy, and the final at Wembley. It is pure and simple the greatest knock-out sports tournament in the world. Amateurs to super-clubs are all thrown into the mix as equals.
It is a yearly reminder that beyond the super riches and mercenary culture of the top flights, the heart of football is still beating strong, so yes, damn right it matters.
Are there any changes or improvements to the FA Cup that you think should be made?
I have long been on the bandwagon of giving a UEFA Champions League berth to the FA Cup winner to legitimize the tournament at the top level and encourage the big clubs to take it seriously.
Yes, I am well aware the Premier League would never give up one of its spots, so perhaps UEFA should expand qualifying to include domestic Cup champs, as well.
Also, I am aware that generally speaking a top-four team wins the FA Cup, but not always, and I am sure UEFA could figure out some way to get around this problem. I am certainly not suggesting a losing quarterfinalist wins a berth in the case of the top four all making the semifinals, but surely there is a solution somewhere?
You were born and raised in England before moving to Canada as a teenager with your family, so you grew up watching the FA Cup. What’s your all-time favourite FA Cup memory?
This often changes depending on the mood I’m in, but the 1989 final when Liverpool beat Everton just weeks after Hillsborough was a special occasion, and extremely emotional. Such a tragedy bonded the two sets of fans unlike ever before or since, and the images of red and blue together walking up Wembley Way was incredible. Two Ian Rush goals and a John Aldridge solo effort was enough in a thrilling 3-2 Liverpool win, but really the result was secondary.
[relatedlinks]