London – The FA Cup fifth-round draw has set up a thrilling lineup of fixtures, with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City set to welcome Championship side Plymouth Argyle to the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side, who have dominated English football in recent years, will be heavy favorites against a Plymouth team currently battling in the lower half of the Championship.
Plymouth’s reward for their stunning fourth-round upset over Premier League leaders Liverpool is a daunting trip to Manchester. The Pilgrims produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far by eliminating Arne Slot’s side and will now look to cause another major upset against last season’s treble winners.
Manchester United Set for Fulham Clash
Defending FA Cup champions Manchester United have been drawn against Fulham in an all-Premier League encounter at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s side, who lifted the trophy last season after defeating Manchester City in the final, will aim to continue their cup defense against Marco Silva’s Fulham, a team capable of producing strong performances on their day.
Other Key Fifth-Round Fixtures
Newcastle United, who have shown great progress under Eddie Howe, will face Brighton & Hove Albion in what promises to be an exciting contest between two teams competing for European places in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in another all-top-flight affair, ensuring at least one mid-table Premier League side advances to the quarter-finals.
Aston Villa, enjoying an excellent season under Unai Emery, have been drawn against Cardiff City, who are pushing for a playoff spot in the Championship. Elsewhere, Preston North End will face Burnley in a Lancashire derby, while Crystal Palace will take on local rivals Millwall in what is expected to be a fiercely contested South London clash.
Nottingham Forest, if they get past League One side Exeter City in their postponed fourth-round match, will host high-flying Ipswich Town, who are currently pushing for promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.
Full FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:
- Preston North End vs. Burnley
- Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City
- Crystal Palace vs. Millwall
- Manchester United vs. Fulham
- Newcastle United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle
- Exeter City or Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town
The fifth-round ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend of March 1-2, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals as the race for Wembley intensifies.
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