Danny Murphy casts an eye over today’s three FA Cup quarter-final ties...
CRYSTAL PALACE v EVERTON 12.30pm, ITV1
IT’S a great opportunity for both teams who haven’t given their fans the chance to visit Wembley much in recent years. Continuing their Cup run would help Everton in the battle against relegation. It’ll give them a bounce because their fans need something to get excited about beyond survival. If they won a first trophy since 1995 and stayed in the
Premier League, it would be a memorable season. Palace have never won a major trophy so their motivation is clear. I expect a close game. I hope Frank Lampard picks a strong Everton team to build on the momentum of Thursday’s win over Newcastle. But Palace winger Michael Olise can exploit Everton’s weakness at left back. He is elegant on the ball and has a high work-rate out of possession.
KEY MAN: Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
DANNY’S PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2 Everton 1
SOUTHAMPTON v MANCHESTER CITY 3pm, BBC1
SOUTHAMPTON have held Manchester City to two draws this season but a repeat is unlikely. They are running out of steam. Pep Guardiola can bring in fresh players like Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus. It’s a stunning City squad. I’m sure City fans value the FA Cup because they would love to emulate Manchester United’s treble in 1999. That would change the bragging rights between the clubs.
It’s interesting Guardiola has made fewer substitutions than anyone this season. Most managers constantly rotate but the City boss seems to prefer giving his players a run of games and then completely taking them out for a little period to recharge. The Champions League will be the priority for City fans, but they will think they can win three trophies.
KEY MAN: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
DANNY’S PREDICTION: Southampton 0 Manchester City 3
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v LIVERPOOL 6pm, ITV1
IT’S hard to believe Forest have been out of the Premier League for 23 years. Steve Cooper has done a wonderful job and they are proof a good Cup run can help your league form. Liverpool will have to be careful not to go the way of Arsenal and Leicester at the City Ground but Jurgen Klopp has built a very strong-minded group. With the international break next, he may select a stronger team than usual.
I think they will have the firepower to avoid a shock. Roberto Firmino made the difference at Arsenal on Wednesday and he will be important. Forest will want to fly into Liverpool but Firmino has the touch and awareness to beat any press.
Djed Spence has been a great story this season. On loan from Middlesbrough, he’s becoming a £25million player at Forest. KEY MAN: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
DANNY’S PREDICTION: Nottingham Forest 0 Liverpool 2