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)
- Colchester v Tottenham, 12.45pm
- Arsenal v Burnley
- Aston Villa v Man City
- Bolton v Leeds
- Bury v Hull
- Crystal Palace v Stoke
- Nottingham Forest v Watford
- Oxford United v Blackburn
- Portsmouth v Bournemouth
- Reading v Walsall
- Shrewsbury v Sheffield Wednesday
- West Brom v Peterborough
- Liverpool v West Ham, 5.45pm
Sunday
- Carlisle v Everton, 1.30pm
- MK Dons v Chelsea, 4pm
Under 23s. Calm down.
Better than not scoring for the first team
The defender just casually lying down on the goal line haha
Was about to feel delighted for him… Then I read the eat of the headline. Setting the world alight in the championship reserves. All joking aside at least he’s getting some kind of fitness back. If they have an injury crisis he might get his chance
Genuinely some of the worst defending I’ve ever seen. May as well have been a penalty for all the time he had.
How is he in the under 23s if he is 25
This question pops up a lot….most people who follow football know a club is allowed field 3 outfield players over the age of 23…in an u23 team and an overage goalkeeper for good measure
The u23s have replaced the reserve teams so a certain number of overage players are allowed. I think it’s either 2 or 3 overage players per game. Thought you would have know that from your time at Chelsea Eva
Oh and Adrian, no need to be a patronising arse
Ah in fairness Gary…take a hike, Eva s always on here spoofin on football articles…and who doesnt know that rule in fairness
Seemed like a genuine question from a casual sports fan to me. You don’t have to be an expert in a sport to take an interest in it
Era go way Gomey head….an expert me hole