FA Cup 5/1/2008 - FA Cup Magic Is Upon Us Again

Or is it? While the FA Cup will always have its place in history and we will never forget the magical moments when the giants were shot down. However, when was the last time we really saw a major upset in the FA Cup? Meaning that, a first team from one of the big EPL teams slipping on banana skins laid by the true minnows of the lower division?

The real reason why the FA Cup has lost its allure is because the leading EPL teams no longer see it as a trophy worth winning. Sure, it can be a substitute if you no longer have a chance being Champions of England (e.g. Liverpool and Chelsea). But with the Big Four consistently fielding weakened sides until the final, losing to a minnow really does not mean much of an upset except in name. After all, most of the second string sides they put out are disjointed and prone to upsets anyway. Despite this, in recent seasons, how often do you still see the four teams winning the competition come May?

However, the competition remains a temporary financial boost for the smaller clubs. What they all want is a shot at the EPL teams (unless it's Middlesbrough or Derby) with the increase gate takings and publicity. Perhaps the biggest winner this weekend would be QPR, although it would depend if London's Manchester United could see enough fans wanting to see them playing such a team. It could be the best time for them to get some goal action though, seeing as how that has dried up somewhat recently.

Much of the attention has been focused on Liverpool's Benitez and Newcastle's Big Sam as their futures are on the line. It might be safe to say that Benitez should have a walk in the park with his cup expertise (and really, he is only good at that in England) against a team hovering on extinction in Luton (who incidentally, might see this as a blessing too with a top team visiting). Sam Allardyce though, looks set for the sack. Winning this game might not be enough - he has to win it in style. If they struggle (as I expect them to), no doubt the fans would turn on the heat.

And what of Manchester United? They visit Villa Park, and in truth, another easy win on the card. But O'Neill's team has been a ninja waiting to pounce in the shadows. I smell an upset, or is it, really?