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Apr 03, 2026

FA Cup quarter‑finals preview: Foden’s final push, Chelsea’s teenage spark and West Ham’s relegation gamble

AI Summary
The upcoming FA Cup quarter‑finals pit Manchester City against Liverpool, Chelsea versus Port Vale, and Arsenal against Southampton, while a West Ham‑Leeds clash offers a survival rehearsal. Key storylines include Phil Foden’s bid to revive his season, the impact of teenage winger Estêvão Willian for Chelsea, and whether goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will retain his cup‑starting role.

Phil Foden must seize his chance as Manchester City face Liverpool on Saturday at 12:45 pm BST. After two lacklustre starts for England under Thomas Tuchel, the 25‑year‑old has recorded only one assist in his last 22 outings for club and country. Dropped below Rayan Cherki in Pep Guardiola’s hierarchy and yet to complete a full 90 minutes since January, Foden’s performance in the FA Cup could determine his future at both City and the national team.

Manchester City v Liverpool – Saturday 12:45 pm BST

Estêvão Willian offers Chelsea a welcome boost. Following a Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint‑Germain and a heavy defeat to Everton, manager Liam Rosenior faces a must‑win against Port Vale at 5:15 pm BST. The 18‑year‑old Brazilian winger, who impressed as a substitute against Everton, could inject the speed and unpredictability Chelsea need to lift a disgruntled crowd and revive a faltering season.

Chelsea v Port Vale – Saturday 5:15 pm BST

Kepa Arrizabalaga gets a second chance ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Southampton. The former Athletic Bilbao keeper was at fault for the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final, yet manager Mikel Arteta has kept him as the starting goalkeeper for the FA Cup tie. A solid performance could cement Arrizabalaga’s status as Arsenal’s long‑term No 2, while a repeat error may see him lose the role to David Raya.

Southampton v Arsenal – Saturday 8:00 pm BST

West Ham’s cup run doubles as a survival rehearsal. The Hammers host Leeds United on Sunday at 4:30 pm BST, a match that could swing the relegation battle. Despite a recent victory over Brentford, injuries – notably to winger Crysencio Summerville – threaten to undermine their league campaign. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo must balance the morale boost from the cup with the need to keep key players fit for the Premier League’s final stretch.

West Ham v Leeds – Sunday 4:30 pm BST