Manchester City are the only traditional Big Six club remaining in the FA Cup this season.
The likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have already crashed out of England’s greatest domestic cup competition, leaving the Citizens as strong favourites to win the FA Cup – on paper, at least.
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Preston vs Aston Villa
- Bournemouth vs Manchester City
- Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
However, there is actually one club Alan Shearer feels could beat Manchester City to the trophy this season.
Alan Shearer suggests Aston Villa are favourites to win the FA Cup ahead of Manchester City
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the 54-year-old said: “It’s lovely. You know, you say Man City might be favourites. I would say Villa won’t be far away, just because of the draw that Aston Villa have got (Preston away). I don’t think Villa will be far away from being favourites, if not favourites.”
The Villans certainly have a strong chance of winning the FA Cup – with a manager in Unai Emery who typically excels in knockout competitions, winning four UEFA Europa League titles throughout his successful career.
Aston Villa also boast talent such as Morgan Rogers – who Manchester City sold – and Ollie Watkins, attackers who are more than good enough to prove decisive on the big stage at Wembley.
In regards to the Citizens, Manchester City face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium – where the Cherries have already defeated Pep Guardiola this season.
However, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Savinho and Omar Marmoush in attack, Manchester City have more than enough firepower to win the FA Cup for a seventh time.
Gary Lineker feels Bournemouth have a chance against Manchester City
Lineker also commented on the FA Cup draw when speaking on The Rest is Football podcast.
The 64-year-old said: “Well, you can’t rule anyone out now, because even Bournemouth have got Manchester City. It’s not quite the Manchester City we’ve seen. Well, it’s nowhere near the Manchester City we’ve seen of recent seasons, so they’ll (Bournemouth) have a real chance.”
