WITH THE WORST defensive record in all four divisions of English football, Colchester will be expected by most to bow out of the FA Cup at lunchtime on Saturday.
Having conceded 65 goals in 28 games, the Us sit rock bottom of League One and face formidable Premier League opposition in Tottenham.
In fact, their only win of 2016 was in this competition as they defeated Championship side Charlton 2-1 to reach the fourth round for the first time in 10 years.
Manager Kevin Keen could call upon the experience of Darren Ambrose (scorer of this goal against Manchester United), Nicky Shorey and George Elokobi as he looks to mastermind an upset.
Meanwhile, 1991 winners Spurs, riding high in the top flight with realistic ambitions of challenging for the title, make the trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium without the injured Jan Vertonghen while Harry Kane and Dele Alli may be rested.
2. The other South Coast derby
Back in 2008, Portsmouth did the unthinkable by lifting the FA Cup under Harry Redknapp thanks to the financial backing of Alexandre Gaydamak.
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That season, Bournemouth were docked 10 points after entering administration and suffered relegated to League Two.
Fast forward eight years and the fortunes of both clubs are unrecognisable.
Pompey, now managed by former Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook, are hoping to earn promotion out of England’s fourth tier while the Cherries have already beaten Chelsea and Man United on their maiden Premier League voyage.
Fratton Park is sold out for this South Coast derby and it should be a cracker.
3. Third time lucky for the Reds?
After securing their first cup final appearance under Jurgen Klopp in midweek, Liverpool will look to book a spot in the last 16 of the FA Cup when West Ham visit Anfield on Saturday evening.
Just two points separates the teams in the table but the Hammers have already got the better of the Reds on two occasions this season — winning 3-0 and 2-0 in league meetings to claim their first double in 52 years.
Andy Carroll netted against his former club earlier this month and if physical striker features he could cause Liverpool’s unconvincing backline some problems, but the ever-entertaining Dimitri Payet is West Ham’s biggest threat.
4. Can the Dons cause another upset?
The MK Dons players after last year's victory over Man United. PA Archive / Press Association Images
PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
MK Dons may be hovering just above the Championship drop zone but they have the chance to claim a major scalp when they meet Chelsea for the first time in their history on Sunday.
A year ago, Karl Robinson’s (then League One) side caused a huge shock by knocking Man United out of the Capital One Cup with a 4-0 win.
If they are to pull off something similar against the Blues, it will mean ending Guus Hiddink’s seven-game unbeaten run since replacing Jose Mourinho for the remainder of the season.
4 talking points ahead of the FA Cup fourth round ties
1. David v Goliath in Essex
WITH THE WORST defensive record in all four divisions of English football, Colchester will be expected by most to bow out of the FA Cup at lunchtime on Saturday.
Having conceded 65 goals in 28 games, the Us sit rock bottom of League One and face formidable Premier League opposition in Tottenham.
In fact, their only win of 2016 was in this competition as they defeated Championship side Charlton 2-1 to reach the fourth round for the first time in 10 years.
Manager Kevin Keen could call upon the experience of Darren Ambrose (scorer of this goal against Manchester United), Nicky Shorey and George Elokobi as he looks to mastermind an upset.
Meanwhile, 1991 winners Spurs, riding high in the top flight with realistic ambitions of challenging for the title, make the trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium without the injured Jan Vertonghen while Harry Kane and Dele Alli may be rested.
2. The other South Coast derby
Back in 2008, Portsmouth did the unthinkable by lifting the FA Cup under Harry Redknapp thanks to the financial backing of Alexandre Gaydamak.
That season, Bournemouth were docked 10 points after entering administration and suffered relegated to League Two.
Fast forward eight years and the fortunes of both clubs are unrecognisable.
Pompey, now managed by former Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook, are hoping to earn promotion out of England’s fourth tier while the Cherries have already beaten Chelsea and Man United on their maiden Premier League voyage.
Fratton Park is sold out for this South Coast derby and it should be a cracker.
3. Third time lucky for the Reds?
After securing their first cup final appearance under Jurgen Klopp in midweek, Liverpool will look to book a spot in the last 16 of the FA Cup when West Ham visit Anfield on Saturday evening.
Just two points separates the teams in the table but the Hammers have already got the better of the Reds on two occasions this season — winning 3-0 and 2-0 in league meetings to claim their first double in 52 years.
Andy Carroll netted against his former club earlier this month and if physical striker features he could cause Liverpool’s unconvincing backline some problems, but the ever-entertaining Dimitri Payet is West Ham’s biggest threat.
4. Can the Dons cause another upset?
MK Dons may be hovering just above the Championship drop zone but they have the chance to claim a major scalp when they meet Chelsea for the first time in their history on Sunday.
A year ago, Karl Robinson’s (then League One) side caused a huge shock by knocking Man United out of the Capital One Cup with a 4-0 win.
If they are to pull off something similar against the Blues, it will mean ending Guus Hiddink’s seven-game unbeaten run since replacing Jose Mourinho for the remainder of the season.
Full fourth round fixture list
Friday
Saturday (3pm unless stated)
Sunday
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FA Cup cup weekend Chelsea Liverpool Manchester United