FA Cup Fifth Round: Preview, Key Stats, and Matchups

The FA Cup is reaching its final stages, with the last 16 teams preparing for the fifth round. Eight matches will take place across four days, and VAR, including semi-automated offside technology (excluding Preston vs. Burnley), will be implemented to ensure fair decisions.

Fifth Round Schedule and Key Matchups

The fifth round begins on Friday with Aston Villa hosting Cardiff City. Aston Villa hasn’t won a major trophy since 1996, making this a significant opportunity for them. Anwar El Ghazi is expected to receive a warm welcome at Aston Villa. On Saturday, Plymouth Argyle, who previously defeated Liverpool in the fourth round, will face Manchester City.

Sunday features a match between Manchester United and Fulham, one of three games to be broadcast live. The round concludes on Monday with Nottingham Forest playing Ipswich Town.

All matches will be decided on the day, with extra time and penalties if needed. The final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th. BBC Sport will provide coverage of all eight ties.

Standout Stats and Team Insights

Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City

Morgan Rogers has significantly contributed to Aston Villa’s FA Cup campaign with 2 goals and 1 assist in their two matches. He also leads the team in dribbles (6) and ranks second in chances created (4) and shots attempted (5).

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall

This match marks the 100th meeting between Millwall and Crystal Palace. Millwall has not won in their last five encounters against Crystal Palace, with their last victory being a 3-0 win on New Year’s Day in 2011.

Preston North End vs. Burnley

This will be the 144th meeting between Preston and Burnley. Notably, it’s their first-ever FA Cup encounter, despite their long history dating back to the first day of the Football League in 1888.

Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Bournemouth has reached the FA Cup fifth round for the seventh time in their history. Four of these appearances have occurred since their promotion to the top-flight in 2015. They have only progressed to the quarter-finals twice.

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth is aiming to become the first team from outside the top-flight to eliminate Premier League opposition in three consecutive rounds since Wigan in 2017-18, who beat Manchester City in the fifth round that year.

Manchester United vs. Fulham

Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 11 goals in his last 11 FA Cup appearances, scoring seven and assisting four. He has only failed to register a goal or assist in two of these matches.

Newcastle United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion

William Osula of Newcastle averages a goal or assist every 48 minutes in the FA Cup, with seven goals and three assists across seven appearances.

Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town

Ipswich is participating in the FA Cup fifth round for the second time this century, with their previous appearance being a 1-0 loss to Watford in 2006-07. They last reached the quarter-final in 1992-93.