The FA Cup returns on Friday night with the kickoff of the tournament's fourth round. Sixteen matches will be played over the course of three days.
Thirteen of the 32 teams left in the competition are Premier League sides. However, there is the potential for some giant killings to take place this weekend. Three all Premier League matches will be played, and three big name teams will be going home after the 4th round. Which footballing giants have the potential to be killed off in the FA Cup 4th round?
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United
Chelsea host Newcastle on Sunday. The Blues come into the fixture following their midweek Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Arsenal. Chelsea have won just once in their last six games in all competitions. Their one win came against Brighton in the Premier League. In the last six meetings between Chelsea and Newcastle, the Blues have won four and drawn one. But Chelsea's current form should worry fans. The team drew with Championship team Norwich in the third round and was forced to play a replay. Once again, Chelsea were poor and had to go to penalties to go through.
Liverpool vs. West Brom
Liverpool can look like the best team in the world one week and the worst the next. The Reds are extremely frustrating, and the team is coming off of a Premier League loss to Swansea. West Brom are undefeated in five of their last six matches in all competitions. West Brom are currently in the relegation places. Manager Alan Pardew could look to conserve the team's energy for survival rather than qualification to the FA Cup 5th round. But remember, Liverpool lost at home to Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers last season in the FA Cup. A home FA Cup win isn't a sure thing for Liverpool.
Peterborough vs. Leicester City
Peterborough came through the FA Cup 3rd round by beating Championship team Aston Villa. But to be fair, the League One team defeated a very weak Villains. Peterborough sit eighth in League One, and a promotion playoff place could be secured. However, a run in the FA Cup isn't out of the question either. Leicester's form is up and down. The team needed a replay in the third round to get past League One team Fleetwood Town. Posh could earn a draw at home, but it may depend on the team Claude Puel puts out. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez could swing the game in Leicester's favor if they start.
Wigan vs. West Ham
Wigan are on top of League One, but promotion is far from secure. Meanwhile, West Ham are four points ahead of the relegation places in the a Premier League. Hammers' manager David Moyes could put out a weakened side as he puts his eggs in the Premier League survival basket. Playing away a Wigan could be a trap that sends West Ham home for the rest of the competition.
Notts County vs. Swansea
Swansea maybe coming off of a big victory over Liverpool, but the Swans are still rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. Swansea are three points from safety. Carlos Carvalhal has no real reason to play his best players in the FA Cup. Survival in the Premier League is worth far more than a win against Notts County. The Magpies are fighting for promotion to League One. Currently second, Notts County need to overcome a recent two game losing streak. A win over Premier League side Swansea could be the spark the club needs.