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Top 5 Matchups Of FA Cup 4th Round

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By @BZarp

Top 5 Matchups Of FA Cup 4th Round

Tottenham FA Cup
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The English FA Cup will be in full swing this weekend as the tournament moves into its fourth round. There are 32 teams still alive, and now is the time in the tournament when Premier League teams start gearing up to make a run for the trophy. Here are the five most interesting matchups in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

5. Manchester City vs. Middlesbrough

2 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany
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5. Manchester City vs. Middlesbrough

2 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany
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This may seem like a mismatch on the surface, but remember that City has not been in good form lately. Also, Middlesbrough is second in the Championship and in the midst of a strong season. The Smoggies have some talent, including several players on loan from EPL clubs, most notably Chelsea property Patrick Bamford, the team's second-leading scorer. With Man City reeling, this game will be more interesting than you think.

4. Sunderland vs. Fulham

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe
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4. Sunderland vs. Fulham

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe
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Fulham is mid-table in the Championship after being relegated last season, so they're not necessarily an intimidating opponent for an EPL team. Of course, Sunderland is in a relegation battle this season, having lost their last three games. They were also fortunate to get past Leeds in the last round of the FA Cup, and with Leeds being well below Fulham in the Championship table, this game should be a fairly even matchup.

3. Aston Villa vs. AFC Bournemouth

3. Brad Guzan will be the best player for the Villains
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3. Aston Villa vs. AFC Bournemouth

3. Brad Guzan will be the best player for the Villains
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Aston Villa may be the EPL team in this matchup, but they're not exactly heavy favorites. Bournemouth is currently leading the Championship and looks to be headed to a Premier League promotion next season. They've scored an astounding 57 goals in 27 league games this season. Despite being in the bottom half of the table, Brad Guzan and Villa have been tough defensively this season, so this should be a fair and even matchup.

2. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City

4 Harry Kane celebrates scoring a goal for Tottenham
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2. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City

4 Harry Kane celebrates scoring a goal for Tottenham
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A game between two EPL teams at this stage in the FA Cup is always intriguing. Leicester may be at the bottom of the table, but they've played better than their record indicates, and they gave Spurs all they could handle in a game last month. With Tottenham's busy schedule and a few injuries, they may not have their best lineup on the pitch, giving Leicester a chance to pull off the upset.

1. Southampton vs. Crystal Palace

during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014 in London, England.
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1. Southampton vs. Crystal Palace

during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014 in London, England.
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These two teams are on opposite sides of the EPL table, but this should still be a compelling match. The Saints have been a great Cinderella story this season, but their depth has been called into question, so a deep run in the FA Cup may not be in the cards. Meanwhile, Alan Pardew has led Crystal Palace to three wins in three games, including the last two in come-from-behind fashion, so confidence is high for Palace to take down Southampton.

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