The FA Cup quarter-finals draw has been revealed, with Manchester City facing a challenging away tie against Bournemouth. The reigning champions, who won the competition in 2023, will look to continue their defense of the title against the Cherries.
In other intriguing matchups, Fulham host London rivals Crystal Palace, while Preston, the only Championship side left in the competition, welcome Aston Villa to Deepdale. Brighton will face either Nottingham Forest or Ipswich, who meet in their fifth-round tie on Monday.
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday, March 29. Former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender Micah Richards believes the draw presents a unique opportunity for one of the lesser-fancied teams to make a deep run in the competition.
“It’s very open now,” Richards said on BBC One. “What a chance for a team to go and win it. All the big teams are out, and Manchester City are obviously the strongest team left in it.”
Full FA Cup Quarter-Finals Draw:
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Preston v Aston Villa
Bournemouth v Manchester City
Brighton v Nottingham Forest or Ipswich
