FA Cup quarter-finals preview

Crisis club Portsmouth host Birmingham in the first of the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday lunchtime. The FA Cup has been the one bright spot of an awful season for Pompey and they’ll now be hoping to progress into the semi-finals. Their opponents Birmingham have had a superb season, they are currently battling for a place in the Europa League in the Premier League. A semi-final place would also be a bonus.

Fulham and Tottenham meet in the second quarter-final on Saturday. Both sides are in good form and this could be the tie of the round. Tottenham are currently chasing a Champions League place and have hit form at the right time. Fulham have had a good season so far and will be hoping that they can go all the way for the first time in their history.

Reading face Premier League Aston Villa at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday. Reading have become the giantkillers of this season competition, having knocked out both Liverpool and Burnley. Brian McDermott’s side will be hoping to do the same to Villa. However it will be a difficult task with Villa’s side full of quality.

In the last of the FA Cup tie’s Chelsea face Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. The home side will go into this clash as favourites but the visitors have already proved that they are no pushovers by beating Arsenal and Manchester City in the last two rounds.