Soccer News

Sunderland have taken a risk by appointing the controversial Paolo Di Canio as their new boss

So Paolo Di Canio has been appointed the new Sunderland boss.

The Italian has a sign a two-and-a-half year contract at the Stadium of Light.

I asked who would replace Martin O’Neill in yesterday’s editorial. Now we all have the answer and I’m really not sure what to make of it.

Genius

They say that all geniuses have a fault in their characters and Di Canio fell into that category as a player.

One minute he was producing a fantastic piece of skill and the next he was pushing over linesmen and berating officials.

You just never knew what you were going to get with the Italian. He was hailed a hero at West Ham because of his passion and his character.

Experience

As I wrote yesterday Paolo Di Canio has very little managerial experience. His only managerial job so far has come in League Two and League One with Swindon. Granted his record in the lower leagues as a manager was impressive, but the Premier League is a whole different ball game.

Unsure

It seems that Di Canio’s appointment has been met with a mixed reception by the Sunderland fans. They know he has a decent record at Swindon, but I’m sure many are questioning his experience, because I certainly would be if I was a Black Cats fan.

I even read a comment from a Swindon Town fan on a forum saying that he can be a hero or villain, as he is sometimes a liability, which really doesn’t bode well for Sunderland.

Controversial

Paulo Di Canio does bring a certain amount of controversy with him. His political views have been questioned and his appointment has led Labour MP David Milliband to quit his position as vice-chairman and non-executive director of the club.

Di Canio has denied being a racist in the past, but has stated that he is fascist. It’s probably not the best move in the world that Sunderland could have made to help public relations, but the Sunderland board was probably thinking more about Di Canio’s skills as a manager than his political views.

Passion

One thing that can’t be questioned about Paulo Di Canio is his passion for the game. You can question his sanity or his political leanings, but you can’t question his love of the beautiful game.

He is a football man through-and-through. He loves football and sometimes his passion has got the better of him, both as a player and as a manager. Touchlines certainly won’t be quiet with the Italian on the sidelines.

His passion and character could spark the players into life and it could be just what Sunderland need. It’s a brave move though.

Hard

The Italian has a mammoth job on his hands lifting the players and the supporters for the last seven games of the season. The Black Cats are just one point above the relegation zone and face a trip to Chelsea in their first game under Di Canio.

Sunderland then travel to north east rivals Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby. Chelsea are still looking to clinch a Champions League spot and Newcastle are still looking to secure their Premier League status this season.

I’m sure the Magpies would love nothing better than to give their north east rivals a helping hand into the Championship.

Undecided

I am undecided whether the decision to appoint Di Canio was a stroke of genius or an act of lunacy on the Sunderland board’s part. Only time will decide that, but one thing is for sure the Premier League will be a more colourful place with Di Canio in it.

Closer

Sunderland’s relegation rivals QPR travel to rivals Fulham this evening knowing that a defeat will bring them closer to relegation. The Hoops are seven points away from safety with some difficult games to come.

It looks unlikely that they will now escape the drop, despite Harry Redknapp’s best efforts at keeping them up. Fulham are six points clear of the drop zone and another win should secure their place in the top flight for next season.

Cup

Elsewhere, Chelsea hosts Manchester United in a quarter-final FA Cup replay at lunchtime. Both sides rested key players at the weekend and it produced mixed results for the respective teams.

The Red Devils strolled to a 1-0 victory at Sunderland, but Chelsea fell 2-1 at Southampton. All those key players are likely to return for this clash, which should be an absolute fire cracker of a game.

Anyway back to Sunderland, is appointing Di Canio madness or genius?

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted the club will not sell Javier “El Chicharito” Hernandez when the transfer window reopens in the summer, despite reported interest from Serie A leaders Juventus and Spanish giants Real Madrid, ESPN FC understands.

Hernandez, 24, has bagged 16 goals and five assists in all competitions for United this season.

However, the Mexico international has not been a regular starter for the Red Devils, and remains behind the likes of Danny Welbeck, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney on United’s depth chart.

Hernandez has started just six Premier League matches this term, while Rooney, Van Persie and Welbeck have started 17, 27 and 11 respectively.

The Mexican striker has scored in 53.5% of his league appearances in 2012-13, his highest goal-scoring rate in the Premier League since joining United from Liga MX side Club Deportivo Guadalajara in 2010.

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck has scored just once in 23 league games, but his ability to play wide-left, wide-right and behind the lone striker have kept him ahead of Chicharito in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Now then, recent reports have suggested Manchester United could listen to offers for Hernandez in the summer, but Fergie has dismissed any such speculation.

“I’ve said to him it’s not easy to keep leaving him out because a 16-goal tally in the number of games he’s started is a brilliant record,” Ferguson said. “And he’ll always have that because he’s fantastic in the box.

“But it’s difficult when you’re up against a player of Robin van Persie’s form, then you’ve got Welbeck, Rooney, Kagawa – that’s the benefit of having a strong squad.

“He’s on a long contract for starters and we won’t be entertaining any interest. He’s a really important player for us. You see that all the time.

“He does something every game; he changes it. He does something different to the other strikers.”

Hernandez, who has scored seven goals in 10 career appearances against Chelsea, is expected to feature in the Red Devils’ starting XI against Chelsea in Monday’s FA Cup replay at Stamford Bridge.

Yilmaz could leave Gala

Galatasaray S.K. manager Fatih Terim has admitted it will be difficult to keep in-form striker Burak Yilmaz at the Türk Telekom Arena, Sky Sports reports.

Yilmaz, who joined Galatasaray from Trabzonspor for a fee of €5 million in July 2012, has bagged eight goals thus far in this year’s UEFA Champions League.

“It’s not going to be easy to keep him,” Terim was quoted as saying in The Observer.

“He has targets but it will be his decision. Being wanted is a good thing, but we are fond of him and believe he will do great things for us in the future.

“He listens. He is 27 but he is still open to learning new things. Burak senses goals. He can score any time and from anywhere. I’m really fond of him, he has been a miracle signing.”

Yilmaz and Galatasaray will travel to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu to take on European powerhouse Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, 3 April.

Expect Drogba and Yilmaz to start up front for the visitors.

31st March 2013

Chelsea came from two goals behind at Old Trafford to earn a replay three weeks back, but had the Blues known that the replay would be played less than 48 hours after their match against Southampton, they probably wouldn’t have bothered. Manchester United, too, played on Saturday, but they clearly enter the match in much better spirits than their opponents.

This season is likely to be dubbed a failure even if Chelsea secure Champions League qualification and win the FA Cup title, but if they fail to achieve at least one of the two targets then all hell will break loose at Stamford Bridge. Roman Abramovich clearly cannot blame Rafa Benitez for the latest poor results since it was he who brought the Spaniard in the first place against his better judgement, but the reality is the Blues have largely struggled since the former Liverpool boss took over the reigns. The lack of strength in depth coped with the hectic schedule might just prove to be the key to Chelsea’s demise, and Benitez faces some tough selection choices ahead of the Manchester United clash. With Juan Mata and Gary Cahill both doubtful, he just doesn’t have enough quality players to replace the entire starting line-up, which by the way was beaten by Southampton at the weekend, while it will be very difficult for the players who did start at St Mary’s to produce a quality display less than 48 hours later. At least Demba Ba, Ashley Cole, Eden Hazard, Ramires and David Luiz all return.

No matter how many millions Manchester City and other title contenders spend every transfer window, Manchester United pay no attention and just follow their own path, which usually leads them to glory. The Red Devils have made several slip ups this season, but they have been absolutely amazing most of the time and thus the 15-point cushion at the Premiership summit. United were unfortunate to be eliminated from the Champions League due to a refereeing error, but they are still in the race for the FA Cup title, even if the road to the title is by no means easy. Should they pip Chelsea to a place in the semi-final, they will battle local rivals Manchester City, but first things first. Sir Alex Ferguson was able to rest a number of regular starters at the weekend and still field a side that eased off to a win at the Stadium of Light, while never really putting their foot on the gas. That should give the Red Devils an extra edge in the all-important clash at Stamford Bridge, and given them a good chance to make amends for squandering a two-goal lead when the two sides met at Old Trafford. The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley all return, but Rafael misses out with a groin problem.

Conclusion

Had they had few more days to rest from the disappointing defeat to Southampton, Chelsea would probably stand a better chance of reaching the next stage, but given the timing of the tie, it is advantage United. The Red Devils are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and there is a value in backing them to qualify.

Verdict: United to qualify

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Paddy Power

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes fatigue could play a part in Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay against Chelsea.

After a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, the two clubs will meet again at Stamford Bridge just two days after their latest Premier League fixtures on Saturday.

Van Persie believes the 48-hour rest period is not enough and admitted the close proximity of the games added to the risk of muscular injuries due to tiredness.

“These games are just too close to each other,” he told reporters. “People have to realise they can’t expect a great game of football because it is not possible.

“Normally on the second day your muscles are quite bad, but now we have to play at this certain time.

“It is a shame but we can’t do anything about it because there are Champions League games in midweek and Chelsea are still in the Europa League.”

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez has also bemoaned the fixture congestion after he was forced to make eight changes to his side for the 2-1 loss to Southampton at the weekend .

“When you don’t have one or two players you have to manage the squad,” he said. “The day after a game you feel tired, two days after you feel even more tired.

“That is the reality. The second day will be really tough for everyone.”

Manchester City defender Micah Richards is hopeful of returning from injury in time to face Manchester United in a potential double header.

The city rivals are set to meet in the English Premier League at Old Trafford on April 8 and, should both teams progress beyond the last eight, will contest an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley just six days later.

And the 24-year-old is eyeing a high-profile return to Roberto Mancini’s squad ahead of those fixtures.

“I think the Newcastle match (on March 30) will come too soon for me, though I hope to have been training normally by then,” Richards told reporters.

“Realistically, I’m looking more to the game away to United and then the FA Cup semi-final, maybe against United again, to be properly involved again – two relaxing games in a week on the horizon.

“I’ll be trying my best to get back into the squad. It will be great just to be back among the lads and getting a feel for everything again.”

Manchester City will face either Chelsea or Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Roberto Mancini’s side confirmed their place in the last-four with a commanding 5-0 thrashing of Barnsley on Saturday but will have to await the outcome of a replay at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The other semi-final tie will see either Millwall or Blackburn Rovers host Wigan Athletic.

With the eventual finalist from the side of the draw of the Manchester clubs already likely to be Europe-qualified for the league, it will mean Wigan or one of the two Championship sides would qualify for the Europa League next season.

Chelsea scored twice in the second half to ensure they remain in the FA Cup following a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

The first half was dominated by the Red Devils as Chelsea endured a torrid first 10 minutes, with Javier Hernandez opening the scoring with a header, before Wayne Rooney extended the lead with a fortuitous free-kick.

It was truly a tale of two halves though as Chelsea controlled the second period, eventually getting their just rewards with a stunning effort from Eden Hazard and a smart finish from Ramires, though they were unable to complete the comeback, despite some late pressure.

Sir Alex Ferguson chose to retain the bulk of the side who fell to a disappointing Champions League exit on Tuesday, though he made four changes as Jonny Evans, Shinji Kagawa, Rooney and Hernandez came in, at the expense of Nemanja Vidic, Danny Welbeck, Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie.

Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, made wholesale changes as only Petr Cech, David Luiz, Oscar and Frank Lampard remain from the side who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League on Thursday, with John Terry, Hazard and Fernando Torres amongst those notably excluded.

It took just four minutes for the deadlock to be broken and it came virtue of a Hernandez header as the home side took an early lead.

Michael Carrick played a magnificent through-ball into the diminutive Mexican’s path and the striker took it early on his head, surprising the advancing Cech by looping the ball deftly over his head and into the far corner.

With Chelsea still shell-shocked, United extended their lead mere minutes later. After Victor Moses felled Nani out wide following a typically rapid counter-attack, Rooney stepped up to swing in the free-kick.

Despite seemingly attempting to find a team-mate with an in-swinging cross, no-one managed to get a touch on it and it found its way past Cech into the far corner, leaving the Blues chasing a two-goal deficit with just 10 minutes gone.

Chelsea continued to struggle as the half wore on as both Hernandez and Rooney spurned chances to extend their lead further, with the away side’s opportunities in the first period limited to half-chances.

Moses should have done better after cutting inside in the area, instead slicing his shot well wide, while David De Gea was called into action after a dangerous Juan Mata cross.

Though Manchester United’s impetus continued into the second half, Chelsea began to come into the game and it took 15 minutes and a moment of brilliance for their pressure to show. Hazard, after receiving the ball to the left of the penalty area, took one step inside and curled the ball into the far corner with a great deal of finesse, leaving De Gea with no chance.

With 20 minutes remaining, United attempted to put themselves out of distance with a third goal and, in doing so, committed too many men forward and Ramires was the men that made them pay. Luiz intercepted an attack on the edge of his area and set the counter-attack in motion, which eventually ended with Ramires bearing down on goal and, after the Brazilian turned into his left, he stroked the ball into the opposite corner, levelling proceedings.

The Red Devils started to exert some pressure with 15 minutes remaining as substitute Robin van Persie had his shot blocked, before Carrick’s effort from the ensuing melee suffered the same fate.

Chelsea had the better of the last 10 minutes but were unable to capitalise on their pressure as Mata had the best chance to win the game, though De Gea was at hand to produce an excellent save from his sidefooted effort.

Millwall and Blackburn played out a goalless draw at the New Den, taking their FA Cup quarter-final into a replay at Ewood Park.

The Lions had the better of the first half and came close to taking a lead through Andy Keogh’s header which came off the post.

The visitors were much improved in the second half and had an early chance when Jordan Rhodes fired over. Rob Hulse wasted the best chance of the match, scuffing his close range shot over the bar with the goal gaping, before Joshua King then headed on to the post for Rovers.

Millwall pushed for a winner late on but never managed to find a finish among a string of chances.

After Tuesday’s dismal home defeat to Wolves, Kenny Jackett made six changes to his Millwall side with Hulse starting after recovering from a stomach problem, and Keogh joining him up front.

Michael Appleton handed Leon Best his first start for Blackburn alongside Rhodes in attack, while former Tottenham and Arsenal man David Bentley also made the starting line-up.

With a place at Wembley up for grabs, both sides made tentative starts to the game.

Much of the first quarter of the match was punctuated by fouls and free kicks as both sides did more to disrupt the other’s attack instead of building their own.

Backed by a home crowd, it was Jackett’s side that eventually took the initiative and started to apply some pressure on Blackburn.

They had the ball in the net just before the half-hour mark but the Hulse’s goal was ruled out because of a foul on goalkeeper Jake Kean.

The hosts had the best chance of the half in the 37th minute when Jack Smith burst forward down the left before curling a right-footed cross in towards the post. Keogh, though, could only head on to the inside of the post.

Appleton must have had some inspiring words for the visiting side at half-time because they came out a reinvigorated side in the second half.

They should have taken the lead moments after the break through Rhodes but the normally clinical striker flashed his shot from a tight angle over the bar from a few yards out.

That scare sprung the home side back into life and they twice went close to scoring in response.

Danny Shittu almost lifted the roof off the stadium with a rasping effort from all of 40 yards but his audacious effort was tipped over by Kean.

Hulse then had a glorious chance to give the Lions the lead but somehow managed to turn Keogh’s cross over the bar with an open goal gaping at his mercy.

King struck the woodwork for Rovers after a goal-mouth scramble in the 80th minute but it was Millwall who applied all the late pressure with the help of the raucous home support.

But despite their best efforts, they were unable to find the breakthrough taking the tie to a replay at Blackburn’s home in mid-week.

A Carlos Tevez hat-trick helped Manchester City into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 5-0 rout of Barnsley on Saturday.

Forty-eight hours after being arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, the Argentine showed the gulf between the top of the English Premier League and the lower echelons of the Championship with a fine display.

Tevez clinically dispatched three goals and set up the other two for Aleksandar Kolarov and David Silva.

The 28-year-old’s hat-trick extended his recent goalscoring run to six in four games, lifting him to 15 in total for the season.

Roberto Mancini’s men immediately put the visitors on the back foot at Etihad Stadium and opened the scoring on 11 minutes through Tevez.

Silva’s effort came off the post after a chipped Yaya Toure pass, but Tevez was on hand to sweep home and make it 1-0, giving City the perfect start.

A sustained period of possession led to City’s second and Tevez delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Kolarov to double the home side’s advantage.

Tevez was at it again just after the half-hour mark, turning inside the area before firing home after a Silva cutback.

A brilliant Samir Nasri run set up Tevez for his hat-trick as the Frenchman beat his marker before finding the Argentine in the middle of the area and he finished smartly.

Silva completed the scoring on 65 minutes as City booked their second FA Cup semi-final place in three years and stayed on course for a repeat of their 2011 triumph.

With Wigan Athletic eliminating Everton earlier on Saturday and Manchester United and Chelsea slugging it out on Sunday for a single last-four place, City will be confident of book-ending last year’s Premier League title with a second FA Cup spot in three seasons.

9th March 2013

With United looking for the first FA Cup title since 2004 and Sir Alex Ferguson likely to demand a response after the unfortunate Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, the hosts will have plenty of motives to win this match. Chelsea are in all sorts of problems after losing to Steaua in the Europa League, and this could be a good opportunity for the Blues to kick-start this season.

Manchester United worked really hard to get where they are at the moment, so they have every right to feel aggrieved with referee Cuneyt Cakir for denying them a great chance to eliminate mighty Real Madrid and reach Champions League quarter-finals. The Red Devils had done brilliantly to match a technically superior side in two legs and to restrict their former player Cristiano Ronaldo from making a huge impact, even if he ended up scoring in both matches. Therefore, the Red Devils can be proud of their performance against one of world’s strongest sides and that should keep them in good stead for the FA Cup clash with Chelsea. United had more than enough time to prepare for the all-important match, meaning another convincing home display is on the cards. Wayne Rooney looks set to return to the starting line-up after he was famously left out of the side to face Real, while Antonio Valencia, Anderson, Jonny Evans and Shinji Kagawa are also pushing for starting places. Phil Jones and Paul Scholes continue to miss out and Ryan Giggs will be rested.

Chelsea’s season has been going from bad to worse for a while now, and the question is whether they have enough in them to arrest the latest downtrend. As much as Rafael Benitez would like everyone to think that he is not to blame for team’s disappointing results, the reality is completely different. While losing the majority of high-profile matches, the Blues are largely struggling even against those smaller sides, with Europa League defeat to Steaua the perfect proof. It appears that even the players have lost faith in their manager, which is obviously having a negative effect on their performances. After losing to both Newcastle United and Manchester City in their last two away fixtures in the Premier League, Chelsea have little to hope for before the trip to Old Trafford. Rafa Benitez is set to make some changes to the starting line-up, with Ashley Cole, Juan Mata and Demba Ba all expected to return after they were rested in midweek.

Conclusion

Manchester United are unlikely to be too affected by the unfortunate defeat to Real Madrid given that their performance was nothing short of impressive. The same cannot be said for Chelsea, who are clearly far from the desired form, very low on confidence and without a quality guidance at the moment.

Verdict: Home win Manchester United (1)

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Paddy Power

Sir Alex Ferguson believes a high-profile contest with Chelsea is exactly what Manchester United need after their loss to Real Madrid.

The 71 year-old Scot was described by his assistant manager Mike Phelan as ‘too distraught’ to take interviews after the midweek Champions League defeat to Jose Mourinho’s team, which saw United exit the competition 3-2 on aggregate.

However, with an FA Cup tie against old foe Rafael Benitez and Chelsea up next, Ferguson said that they will recover well.

“We have a job to do on Sunday and I think we’ll do that OK,” he said. “We’ve gone through this procedure many times.

“When you’re at a club for a long time there are always damp moments and dark days. In general we recover very well and we’ll do that again.”

The FA Cup quarter-final will be the first time that United have faced the west London club since Benitez took over as interim manager.

Earlier this season, in the aftermath of Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking, Ferguson said that the former Liverpool boss was ‘very lucky’ to manage another Champions League-winning team, after he took over at Inter in 2009.

Since then, however, the Spaniard has failed to win over a sceptical fan base, struggled to maintain the club’s title ambitions, and criticised the Blues’ heirarchy for naming him ‘interim manager’.

But Ferguson has insisted that he is not interested in the troubles of his old rival, and claims that he is instead remaining focused on his own affairs.

He added: “I’m not going to kick anyone when they’re lying down. It’s not my style.

“My concern is Manchester United. What happens at Chelsea doesn’t really affect me. Chelsea have a terrific record in the FA Cup, probably the best of any team in the last decade.

“It doesn’t matter when you play Chelsea or who’s in charge, we’ll have a hard game.”

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has dedicated his side’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Everton to the club’s chairman Dave Whelan.

Whelan – now 76 – sustained a broken leg playing for Blackburn Rovers during the 1960 FA Cup final defeat to Wolves at Wembley Stadium – a memory which he admitted still haunts him.

But, after Wigan sealed a place in the last four and a day out the national stadium with a 3-0 win at Goodison Park, Martinez hailed Whelan’s part in the journey.

“You can imagine that, for us as a club, to go to Wembley is a unique moment, a historic moment, and the chairman deserves that,” he told ITV.

“You could sense that everyone in the dressing room wanted to see our chairman at Wembley and in many ways that success is for him. What he has done over the years is incredible.”

The Spaniard went on to dismiss suggestions that Everton had simply played poorly on Saturday, insisting his side had forced themselves on their opponents.

“I think we deserve a little bit of credit. We stopped them from being dangerous, you could see that they had a team that has real understanding, real experience and the expectation was in the crowd,” he added.

“(That was) what we did really well, I thought we handled that. The players knew when to keep the ball, they knew when to go forward. We looked a real threat every time we got into the final third and I think we deserve a little bit of credit for stopping Everton from playing that flowing football.

“They love to make the pitch really wide and use the full-backs well and we stopped that rhythm and my players deserve the credit for that.

“I think the performance was outstanding from the keeper all the way through you saw incredible concentration levels.

“To come to Goodison Park and be able to score three goals and keep a clean sheet speaks volumes and it’s very easy to analyse with that scoreline.”

Martinez also claimed the Latics’ chances of staving off Premier League relegation will not be affected by their extended cup run.

“You need to worry about yourself. What we saw today was the players coming into the team have made the squad even bigger,” he said.

“I guarantee that this run in the cup is not going to affect what we can do in the league; if anything we’ve got players desperate to play in the league as well.

“I’m delighted from that point of view. In this league you’re relying on yourself, you can’t rely on anyone else and there 10 finals (to come).”

Everton boss David Moyes has yet to win silverware with the club. Could this be the Toffee’s year?

Everton face Wigan in the quarter-final of the FA Cup later today looking to make it to the last four of the competition for the second consecutive year.

The Toffee’s suffered a gut wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool at Wembley in last season’s semi-final.

Everton have enjoyed a good season and are still in with an outside chance of making the Champions League spots and are now in with a good chance of making it to the last four of the FA Cup.

Encouraging

Everton’s form has slumped in the last few months. The slump has left the Toffee’s seven points off the Champions League spots. However, in the last two wins against Oldham and last weekend Reading David Moyes’ side have looked to have regained some form.

In the Reading game Everton were playing football again, just like they did in the bright start to the campaign. The likes of Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar looked like they could be coming back into form.

Belgium forward Kevin Mirallas also got on the scoresheet for second game in a row, which is encouraging since striker Nikica Jelavic is struggling so desperately in front of goal.

It may just be two games, but it seems that the Everton players now realise that they do still have a lot to play for this season, despite the mini-slump.

History

Everton have a long history in the FA Cup, dating back to 1906 when the club first claimed the trophy. Since then Everton have won the FA Cup four more times and been runners-up eight times.

The FA Cup is a trophy that traditionally Evertonian’s have an affinity with, despite the competition bringing us heartbreak on a number of occasions.

Priorities

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has already suggested that he isn’t likely to field his strongest side in the quarter-final and that staying in the Premier League is his clubs priority. Wigan has never made it to the semi-final stage of the competition, yet look set to name a weakened line-up.

Everton do still have a slim chance of getting in the top four of the Premier League, but that is looking more unlikely by the week. However, winning the FA Cup is a very real prospect. The draw was kind to Everton, with Wigan minds on other matters; surely it will be the Blues that progress into the semi-finals?

Illusive

David Moyes has done a sterling job at Everton, although he has yet to win silverware in nearly 11 years at the club. It’s a fact that annoys the Scot and Everton fans alike. Everton lost the final against Chelsea in 2009 and also lost that aforementioned semi-final to Liverpool last season.

Complex

The Everton team seemed to have an inferiority complex against Liverpool last season for some unknown reason. Arguably Everton’s team was comparable with Liverpool in terms of quality (Luis Suarez apart), yet the Everton players froze on the big occasion.

Evertonian’s  won’t need to worry about meeting their local rivals in the semi-finals this season though, as Liverpool were famously knocked out the cup by League One Oldham, who Everton put out of the competition in the last round at the second time of asking.

Opportunity

This is a real opportunity for Everton to claim silverware for the first time in nearly two decades. The Everton players need to show that they want it more than Wigan and make it through to the semi-finals.

The likely opponents in the semi-finals could be Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City. These are all teams that Everton have beaten in recent seasons. When on form Everton can defeat anybody from the top flight, as proven in the opening day victory over league leaders Manchester United.

Swansong

Everton boss David Moyes’ future at Everton is in major doubt. The Scot’s contract at Goodison expires in the summer and he has stated he won’t discuss an extension until the season finishes.

Nobody knows what is in David Moyes’ plans. However, an FA Cup final victory would be one hell of swansong for the man that has helped Everton progress so much in the last decade.

Could this finally be Everton’s year to win silverware?

Wigan defender Paul Scharner is hoping his side recovers from a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool to book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Roberto Martinez’s side were comfortably beaten courtesy of a Luis Suarez hat-trick at the DW Stadium last time out, meaning they are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference in the Premier League.

Wigan turn their attention away from the league duties this weekend though, as they face a tricky tie against Everton at Goodison Park for a place in the last four of the time-honoured FA Cup, and the Austrian defender is hoping they can put a disappointing defeat against Liverpool behind them.

“I think the game was one of those rare events in a season when nothing goes your way,” he told the club’s official site.

“We can’t use that as an excuse though and we’ll be making sure that in our next game we turn things around from this weekend.

“We must just get past this game and start up again against Everton in the FA Cup next weekend.”

The quarter-final will be a welcome distraction for the Lancashire club, who currently sit precariously above the drop zone with 24 points.

The Latics welcome fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City after the trip to Merseyside and Scharner thinks Saturday’s quarter-final can instil confidence in his team-mates.

“It’s a good situation to have to break up the league fixtures with what could be a very significant moment in the history of the club.

“If we can play a good game at Goodison Park and get a victory there then we will be able to pick up our confidence again and bring it back to the league games.

“It’s vital that we prepare the best we can, not just for the Everton game but for every game from now until the end of the season.”

Wigan defender Paul Scharner is hoping his side can bounce back and book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s men were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool at DW Stadium last time out, leaving them out of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Wigan turn their attention away from the Premier League this weekend though, and face a tricky tie against Everton at Goodison Park for a place in the last four of the FA Cup.

And the Austrian defender is hoping they can put a disappointing defeat against Liverpool behind them.

“I think the game was one of those rare events in a season when nothing goes your way,” Scharner told the club’s official site.

“We can’t use that as an excuse though and we’ll be making sure that in our next game we turn things around from this weekend.

“We must just get past this game and start up again against Everton in the FA Cup next weekend.”

The quarter-final will be a welcome distraction for the Lancashire club, who currently sit precariously above the drop zone with 24 points.

Wigan welcome fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City after the trip to Merseyside and Scharner thinks Saturday’s quarter-final can instil confidence in his team-mates.

“It’s a good situation to have to break up the league fixtures with what could be a very significant moment in the history of the club.

“If we can play a good game at Goodison Park and get a victory there then we will be able to pick up our confidence again and bring it back to the league games.

“It’s vital that we prepare the best we can, not just for the Everton game but for every game from now until the end of the season.”

Wigan defender Paul Scharner is hoping his side can bounce back and book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s men were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool at DW Stadium last time out, leaving th
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em out of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Wigan turn their attention away from the Premier League this weekend though, and face a tricky tie against Everton at Goodison Park for a place in the last four of the FA Cup.

And the Austrian defender is hoping they can put a disappointing defeat against Liverpool behind them.

“I think the game was one of those rare events in a season when nothing goes your way,” Scharner told the club’s official site.

“We can’t use that as an excuse though and we’ll be making sure that in our next game we turn things around from this weekend.

“We must just get past this game and start up again against Everton in the FA Cup next weekend.”

The quarter-final will be a welcome distraction for the Lancashire club, who currently sit precariously above the drop zone with 24 points.

Wigan welcome fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City after the trip to Merseyside and Scharner thinks Saturday’s quarter-final can instil confidence in his team-mates.

“It’s a good situation to have to break up the league fixtures with what could be a very significant moment in the history of the club.

“If we can play a good game at Goodison Park and get a victory there then we will be able to pick up our confidence again and bring it back to the league games.

“It’s vital that we prepare the best we can, not just for the Everton game but for every game from now until the end of the season.”

Everton manager David Moyes says the club’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool last season has spurred them on this term.

Everton manager David Moyes says the club’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool last season has spurred them on this term.

Moyes’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat against their Merseyside rivals last April, which denied them a place in the final, however, after beating Oldham 3-1 in their fifth-round replay they now have another chance to reach the same stage.

And the Scot insisted that he would love nothing more than to lead his team to Wembley once more, something that might fill the void left by the exit to the Reds.

Moyes told reporters: “I still have the disappointment of the FA Cup semi-final last year against Liverpool and nothing would give me more pleasure than to get Everton back to Wembley to try and reach another final.”
Everton have been drawn at home against fellow Premier League side Wigan in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the draw gives them a good chance of progression, also admitting they are riding on the disappointment of their last campaign.

He said: “What happened to us last year has given us a real drive to get back there, but the way Wembley makes me feel, makes the team feel and makes the fans feel, is also giving us that drive.

“It’s always tough to lose to Liverpool, more so in those circumstances and on that big occasion.

“In order for us to experience that again, we have to get past Wigan. But the draw has been favourable and it was good to get a home draw finally.”

The USA international also thinks the Goodison Park outfit are yet to reach their peak this season, while indicating their small squad means they may rely heavily of their ‘big players’.

“I don’t think we are firing on all cylinders and, at the moment, I think that’s a good thing,” the 33-year-old said.

“Let’s hope we have something in reserve. We spent a lot of energy in the first half of the season and now it’s more about our big players.

“We don’t have a large squad so it’s going to be about the big players producing. Most of the teams around us can chop and change their team on a given weekend and still have a lot of firepower.”

Belgium international Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring in Everton’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Oldham at Goodison Park

Premier League Everton defeated League One Oldham 3-1 in a FA Cup fifth round replay last night at Goodison Park.

The victory was met with relief rather than joy because of the Toffee’s recent concerning form.

Professional

The home side’s performance was professional rather than spectacular. Everton were expected to defeat the Latics and they overcame a stubborn Oldham team with the minimum of fuss.

Slump

Everton have been in something of a slump in recent weeks, which has seen the Toffees fall seven points behind fourth place and the Champions League spots. Everton haven’t been losing a large number of games, but have lost the last two Premier League games, after losing just two games of their previous 33 league encounters.

Draws

The number of games that Everton have drawn this season looks set to cost David Moyes’ team a place in the top four. Everton have slipped up in the most unexpected games and threw away too many points late-on in games they really should have won.

Conceding

Everton in recent seasons under David Moyes have been solid at the back, but this season has seen an almost complete turnaround. The Toffees are not doing the basics right in defence and yet again last night Moyes’ side couldn’t keep a clean sheet.

Goals

In previous seasons Everton have struggled to score goals, but solid defensive displays won them so many points. Everton have been scoring more freely this season, until recent league games that is.

The combination of not scoring enough goals and conceding too many is going to get any team in a mess. Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic could do no wrong last season, but this season the striker just isn’t getting the rub of the green.

Nothing seems to be going right for the former-Rangers star. He is trying desperately hard to rediscover his scoring touch and I can’t fault his work effort. Hopefully his luck in front of goal turns around very soon.

Turnaround

Everton have a reputation of enduring terrible starts to the season and then picking up in the second half of the campaign. This season there has been a turnaround. The Toffees made a great start to the season and have found it hard going in the second half of the campaign.

Tired

Everton don’t have the biggest squad in the league and some of their top players seem to have hit the wall physically. Everton don’t have enough quality players to come in and replace their first team regulars, so Everton’s performances have suffered in recent months.

Positives

Right, that’s the negatives over and done with. The way I’m talking you would think that Everton were in a relegation fight, but the fact is the Toffee’s do have a lot left to play for this season and it hasn’t been a terrible campaign.

David Moyes’ side are sixth place in the Premier League table and in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a very winnable tie at home to Wigan. I think most Evertonian’s would have taken this position if it was offered at the beginning of the season, I know I would.

Confidence

Hopefully this win will help the teams’ confidence, after last weekend’s late 2-1 defeat at Norwich. David Moyes could be in the last few months of his career as Everton boss. I just hope that if the Scot leaves the club this summer then it will be on a high note.

Finishing in the top six of the Premier League and winning the FA Cup would be the perfect way for Moyes to bid farewell to the club he has managed for nearly 11 years.

Can victory over Oldham revive Everton’s league form?

Chelsea will be without defenders Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta for their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Chelsea will be without defenders Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta for their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Former Bolton man Cahill is currently suffering from a virus, while Spain international Azpilicueta has a leg problem.

Their absence hands Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez a selection dilemma at the back as he looks to get the Blues’ season back on track following their 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday.

Chelsea reached the fifth round after overcoming fellow Premier League side Southampton and League One outfit Brentford, but only at the second attempt.

Should Chelsea win at the Riverside Stadium against their Championship opponents, they will take on Premier League leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford for a semi-final berth.

Wigan defender Ronnie Stam is eyeing a trip to Wembley following his side’s 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Wigan defender Ronnie Stam is eyeing a trip to Wembley following his side’s 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Dutchman has been ever-present throughout the club’s journey to the last eight of the competition, and is now keen to earn a semi-final berth and a big day out.

“We’re coming closer and closer to Wembley now but we’ll have to wait and see whether we get Oldham or Everton and then prepare from there,” he told the club’s official website.

“It is the second time in a row now that we don’t know who we are playing yet but it doesn’t matter because we have to be ready for anything.

“When the time comes we just have to work hard like we did in the build-up to the fifth round and then who knows how far we could go.”

Prior to Sunday, Roberto Martinez’s men had not won a game since their last outing in the FA Cup, and Stam insists it is important their cup form carries over to the league.

“It was great to win the game in the way we did and we’re all really pleased to be through to the next round,” he said.

“The atmosphere we have started to create in the dressing room is really good but in the end it all depends on the result and we have to make sure, like today, that we get the results to keep everybody’s spirits high.

“We have to win games and when we do what we did against Huddersfield it really gives us the confidence to carry into the next game.

“We all want to take this performance into the next league game which is a higher level but if we play to our own strengths then it gives us a great chance of collecting three points,” he went on to say.

“Now it’s all about being ready for next weekend against Reading and continuing this winning feeling.”

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has admitted that the club’s rotation policy can negatively affect a player’s performance.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has admitted that the club’s rotation policy can negatively affect a player’s performance.

The Brazilian midfielder has made just four starts in the Premier League this season, and managed just six minutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League last week.

But with United chasing silverware on three fronts he is expected to face Reading in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday.

Ahead of the game, the 24-year-old said producing consistent displays is tough when a player is unable to get a run in the first team.

“It can be hard for a player if you don’t play for, say, two weeks because when you do get your chance you have to be ready to put in your best performance, ” he told United Review.

“If you haven’t played it can be difficult to do that. It’s good for all the players to be involved in big games and tonight’s (Monday) match is another important one. We know we have a good opportunity to win the Cup this season and we will all do our best to try and do that.”

The last time United faced Reading, Brian McDermott’s men showed their resilience in a seven-goal thriller.

And Anderson has highlighted the ‘crazy’ December encounter as proof the relegation-threatened side will not be the easy task most have predicted Monday’s encounter to be.

“People say ‘Oh, United have an easy game’, but there are no easy matches. Everyone has to do their job and play well if we are to get through,” he said.

“Every team that comes to Old Trafford plays like it’s their last game – that’s how important a match at Old Trafford against United is to other teams. That makes it hard for us, but we know we have the quality to beat any team.”

Reading manager Brian McDermott has tipped Ryan Giggs to become a great manager when he retires from playing.

Reading manager Brian McDermott has tipped Ryan Giggs to become a great manager when he retires from playing.

Reading face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday in their fifth-round FA Cup tie and McDermott thinks Giggs has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I met him at Burton (the FA’s national football centre),” McDermott told the Daily Mirror. “He was doing his pro-licence and he has all the ingredients to be a top manager.

“I was really impressed, he came up to me and shook my hand. He is humble and quiet.

“I asked him how many medals he had won. He was very blase and just said 12. I asked what he did with them all and he said they were in museums. He was a polite man.”

McDermott said Ferguson is worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as some of football’s greatest ever managers.

“I’ve read a lot on Bill Shankly and what he did – Jock Stein, too. Sir Alex Ferguson also has to be right up there,” he said.

“From when he took over to where they are now is incredible. I have a lot of time for him.”

Manchester City midfielders Yaya Toure and James Milner said it was important to bounce back from a loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.

Manchester City midfielders Yaya Toure and James Milner said it was important to bounce back from a loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.

City’s 3-1 loss to Southampton during the week saw them slip 12 points behind Manchester United in what may prove an almost fatal blow to their Premiership defence.

But Roberto Mancini’s side responded in fine style with a 4-0 thrashing of Leeds on Sunday to advance to the FA Cup quarter finals.

Toure opened the scoring for Chelsea inside five minutes and the Ivory Coast star believes it was the perfect response to their defeat by Southampton.

“I think (we reacted well), because in the first half we played very well, giving pressure to Leeds,” Toure told ESPN.

“We know (Leeds are) a very tough team, they play very good football and they are physically strong. I think today was a good response from Man City.”

Milner, who earned a start against his former club, echoed the sentiment of his fellow midfielder, insisting that the FA Cup is as important as any other trophy and it was vital to get back to winning ways.

“It’s another trophy,” he said. “We want to win every game we step out on that field, and obviously, like we said before, we knew we needed to improve from last week.

“We did that, kept a clean sheet, which is important as well, and scored four goals, so that’s pleasing.”

Milner came through Leeds’ academy and grew up supporting the Championship club but claimed it had no impact on his performance against his former team.

“Once you get on your field it’s just another game,” he added. “It was a good atmosphere; the travelling fans made a lot of noise and it was a good result for us in the end.”

Manchester United and Chelsea could meet in the FA Cup sixth round but still have work to do before a repeat of the 2006-07 final can occur.

Manchester United and Chelsea could meet in the FA Cup sixth round but still have work to do before a repeat of the 2006-07 final can occur.

Roberto Mancini praised Carlos Tevez after Manchester City’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Leeds but called on his strikers to be more prevalent.

Roberto Mancini praised Carlos Tevez after Manchester City’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Leeds but called on his strikers to be more prevalent.

Manchester City cruised into the last eight of the FA Cup with a classy display as they registered a 4-0 victory over Leeds United.

Manchester City cruised into the last eight of the FA Cup with a classy display as they registered a 4-0 victory over Leeds United.

Yaya Toure opened the scoring early on after a powerful run, before Sergio Aguero bagged from the spot to double the lead inside 15 minutes.

Carlos Tevez’s early second-half goal and Aguero’s cool finish compounded Leeds’ miserable afternoon, and the 2011 winners will go into the quarter-finals as one of the big favourites.

Roberto Mancini rang in the changes, with only five of the starting line-up from the 3-1 defeat at Southampton keeping their place. Costel Pantilimon came in for Joe Hart while Gareth Barry was left out of the squad entirely, and James Milner earned a start against his former club.

Leeds also lined up with a different goalkeeper as Neil Warnock drafted in Jamie Ashdown for Paddy Kenny in one of four changes from the 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough in midweek.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to make their mark on the game, as Tevez collected the ball on the edge of the box before flicking a perfect pass into the path of Toure, who made no mistake in rounding Ashdown and slotting the ball into the net.

David Silva and Tevez both blasted shots wide before City moved two up within the opening quarter of an hour after Tom Lees was penalised for a tug on Aguero in the box, and the diminutive striker stepped up to drive the ball into the top left corner.

El Hadji Diouf headed over the bar for a shell-shocked Leeds, but City were still dominant in possession, and Toure was denied his second of the afternoon after Ashdown tipped over the midfielder’s powerful 25-yard volley, before Garcia flashed a header wide from a corner.

The hosts cruised through the last minutes of the half but Ross McCormack had an excellent chance on the stroke of half-time from a free-kick at the other end, only forcing a simple parry from Pantilimon.

City moved further in front after the break as good work from Silva set Aguero free on the left, and the striker lifted it across goal past Ashdown for Tevez to bundle home on the line.

Any pushes forward from Leeds were easily dealt with by City’s defence, who had hardly been tested by the visitors all afternoon. At the other end, Milner nearly made it four with a low drive from distance which rifled into the side netting.

Aguero broke forward yet again, after linking up with Silva, and tried to find Tevez with a low cross which, unfortunately for City, was just behind the Argentina international’s run.

Jack Rodwell came off the bench and should have scored within moments after Toure forced a parry from Ashdown, and the rebound looped into the path of the midfielder who headed on to the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Leeds fashioned a good chance shortly afterwards as Aidan White whipped in a superb cross from the right-hand side, which Luke Varney met six yards out but couldn’t direct anywhere near the target.

Then, with just over 15 minutes remaining, Aguero doubled his tally for the afternoon, latching on to Silva’s ball over the top and diverting it past Ashdown to go in off the post.

Substitute Edin Dzeko forced a fine save from Ashdown and Hugo Zabaleta fired wide late on, but the result was well beyond doubt and City will feel they have an excellent chance of winning a second FA Cup title in three seasons.

Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Championship Blackburn yesterday and boss Arsene Wenger is under-pressure

Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Blackburn yesterday, suffering a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

The defeat was the second time that the Gunners have exited a domestic cup competition at the hands of a lower league side, after losing to League Two Bradford in the Capital One Cup earlier in the campaign.

Rotation

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rotated his squad against Rovers, leaving out regulars Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski.

The team that the veteran French boss put out should have been strong enough to defeat the visiting team.

However, English-born Turkish international Colin Kazim-Richards’ goal was enough to secure a surprise victory for Rovers. The game was indicative of the state of Arsenal’s squad though.

In years gone by Arsenal had a squad strong enough to cope with a host of changes to the starting line-up. Arsenal’s performance against their lower league opposition proved that Arsenal can’t afford to depend on their squad players.

Mental

A lot of Arsenal’s problems have been caused by the lack of mental strength amongst their players. Nearly eight years without a trophy proves the Gunners players haven’t got the mental attitude to be winners.

At times the players show quality, but when the going gets tough a host of Arsenal players go hiding. The lack of leadership amongst the Gunners squad has been well documented.

The only player in the current Arsenal team that is showing any sort of mental strength at the moment is young midfielder Jack Wilshere. The England international is always looking to drive his team forward, but the Gunners shouldn’t have to rely on such a young player for leadership.

Rare

Wenger’s side showed some rare metal to win 1-0 at Sunderland last weekend, despite playing for nearly half an hour with ten men when defender Carl Jenkinson was dismissed for a second bookable offence. It was a rare display of steel from Wenger’s side.

However, the performance against Rovers lacked commitment and steel. These are the two qualities that have prevented Arsenal from winning trophies in the last eight years.

Quality

The quality of the players at Arsenal has been questioned in recent years and this season a number of their players have proved they don’t have the quality to be at a top club. The one player that sticks out for his inability to play at a consistent level is attacker Gervinho.

Sorry, the Ivory Coast international does play at a consistent level; he is consistently poor when he pulls on a red shirt. He couldn’t hit a cow’s backside with a banjo at the moment and he doesn’t look good enough to play for Arsenal.

Gervinho isn’t the only player in the Gunners squad that isn’t good enough to represent such a great club as Arsenal and that is the problem for Arsene Wenger.

Difficult

Arsenal’s only hope of winning silverware this season is the Champions League. However, their opponents in the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition are giants Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians are having a fantastic season and are considered one of the favourites for the trophy. Bayern are currently running away with the Bundesliga and cruised through their group to make it to the knockout stages.

It really is hard to see how Wenger’s side can progress beyond the Bundesliga side. Maybe if the Gunners were in top form and Bayern were stuttering they would have a chance. Unfortunately it’s the other way around at the moment.

Changes

There is definite need for change at Arsenal. As every season passes without a trophy Arsene Wenger’s legendarily status with the club becomes diluted. The Frenchman has produced some great teams in his time in north London.

Unfortunately for Gunners fans he hasn’t produced a great team in the last eight years. Fans of the club must be getting déjà vu. Every season the club promises so much, but delivers so little trophy-wise.

The team can play pretty football and win convincingly one week and then suffer a poor defeat the next week. Inconsistency has made the Gunners the nearly men of the English top flight.

Confidence

Arsene Wenger is unlikely to be sacked and he is too stubborn to leave on his own accord. Sometimes great men don’t know when they are beaten and that can help spur on individual and teams to victory.

Sometimes though it’s even more important to know when you’re beaten and move on. I’m afraid that time may have come for one of the greatest managers the English game has ever seen.

Is it time for change at Arsenal?

Manchester City midfielder James Milner is looking forward to an emotional FA Cup tie against Leeds on Sunday.

Manchester City midfielder James Milner is looking forward to an emotional FA Cup tie against Leeds on Sunday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended his decision to rest key players in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Blackburn.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended his decision to rest key players in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Blackburn.

The Frenchman opted to name a weakened starting line-up for the game at the Emirates Stadium as Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott watched on from the substitutes bench, with a Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Bayern Munich approaching on Tuesday.

Club legend Ian Wright laid the blame solely at Wenger’s feet, claiming an unnecessary focus on a fourth-place finish in the Premier League yet again affected a chance for silverware – but Wenger has hit back at suggestions that his selection was to blame.

“We had 11 international players on the pitch at the start of the game,” he told reporters.

“We made a massive mistake on [Blackburn's] goal… we were really guilty on the goal. We were not good enough today to win the game, it’s as simple as that.”

Blackburn boss Michael Appleton insisted that their tactics were in place to simply allow the Gunners possession and force them out wide, but that his side take pride in their organisation and defending.

“We’re quite happy with [allowing opposition to have more possession],” Appleton told reporters.

“You don’t win games of football without being organised… [and we] take pride in keeping clean sheets and enjoy defending.

“We try to show teams down the outside and defend crosses.”

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is under immense pressure, as his team face Leeds in the FA Cup

The remaining FA Cup fixtures take place on Sunday and Monday.

One of the biggest games of Sunday takes place at the Etihad Stadium, where Premier League champions Manchester City host Championship Leeds.

The visitors knocked out Premier League outfit Tottenham in the last round and will head to Manchester with nothing to lose.

The FA Cup now seems to be Manchester City’s last chance to win silverware this season.

City boss Roberto Mancini is now under immense pressure to win matches and a defeat to lower league opposition could cost the Italian his job.

Elsewhere, Championship Huddersfield host Premier League Wigan at the John Smith’s Stadium. The Terriers have a new boss in charge in Mark Robins, who replaced Simon Grayson.

Huddersfield are struggling in the Championship and have been defeated 11 times in their last 15 games against top flight opposition. The only previous meetings between these teams came back in 1977 when the Yorkshire club came out on top.

Their visitors Wigan are on a really poor run of form in the Premier League and were hammered 4-1 at Chelsea in the Premier League in their last outing. The Latics haven’t won in six games and are likely to field a slightly weakened side in Yorkshire.

The only fourth round tie on Sunday sees Chelsea host London neighbours Brentford at Stamford Bridge. The Bees gave Chelsea a fright in the first game, with the Premier League having to be rescued late-on through a Fernando Torres goal.

Rafa Benitez’s team will be expected to dispatch their League One team with ease at the second time of asking. The Blues could also field a weakened team, but will still be expected to beat their lower league opposition.

Brentford won’t be pushovers though and Uwe Rosler will be looking for his side to produce a good display at Stamford Bridge.

On Monday night Manchester United host Reading at Old Trafford. The Red Devils last outing was a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The Red Devils are still in with a chance of claiming the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

United are likely to field a completely different team to the one that played in Madrid. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to rotate his squad for this cup tie with a Premier League game on Saturday at struggling QPR.

Reading have had a decent spell of late and given themselves a chance of surviving in the top flight this season. The Royals have won four out of their last six games in all competitions, but were defeated 2-1 at Stoke in their last game.

Premier League survival remains the Royals priority, but an unlikely win at Old Trafford would certainly boost morale in the Reading ranks.

League

Liverpool host Swansea in the only Premier League game of the weekend. The home side suffered a 2-0 home defeat against West Brom in their last Premier League game, after dominating possession for much of the game.

The defeat leaves Liverpool 12 points behind fourth place Tottenham and with little chance of making it into the Champions League places this season. Striker Daniel Sturridge is still a doubt for this fixture, but is expected to be fit to play.

Swansea are having a superb season and will play in the Capital One Cup against Bradford next weekend. The Swans moved above Liverpool into seventh place last weekend with a 4-1 victory over bottom club QPR.

Swansea defender Chico Flores will miss this game and is a major doubt for next weekend’s big clash with Bradford.

Can Brentford cause a shock at Stamford Bridge?