The 2020/21 FA Cup quarter-finalists - ranked

The oldest competition in world football has whittled down to the final eight teams this season and is looking as tasty as ever.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester, Everton, Chelsea, Sheffield United, Southampton and Bournemouth make up the quarter-finalists, and there are some decent ties to look forward to.

The quarter-finals will be played at the end of March, but who is most likely to win the cup as it stands? Let's take a look.


8. Bournemouth

Bournemouth shocked Burnley to reach the quarter-finals | Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The only Championship side left in the competition, Bournemouth managed to knock out Burnley in the last round thanks to a 2-0 win at Turf Moor.

The south-coast side managed to avoid the big boys in the draw for the quarter-finals, but Southampton are a solid side who attack well and ultimately the difference in quality between squads means Bournemouth are the least likely winners out of everyone remaining.

Still, the FA Cup loves an upset...


7. Sheffield United

Sheffield United got a lucky break against Bristol City | Stu Forster/Getty Images

The Blades have had a horrendous season in the Premier League, but they've maintained a cup run so far largely thanks to Billy Sharp's penalty taking.

Chris Wilder's team are now faced with the task of beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and at some point their league survival will have to take priority over winning the cup so their chances of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1925.


6. Everton

A crazy FA Cup tie saw Everton come out on top against Spurs | Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

A classic cup tie at Goodison Park saw Carlo Ancelotti's men beat Tottenham 5-4 after extra-time to reach the last eight.

They were rewarded for their performance with a draw against Pep Guardiola's side at home and they will need another attacking performance like that - but with a much more solid defending - if Everton are to progress to Wembley.


5. Leicester City

The moment that sealed Leicester's place in the quarter-finals | Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The Foxes were on the verge of heading to extra-time before Brighton completely switched off for a 95th minute corner and allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to head home the winner earlier this week.

They'll now host Manchester United in the next round knowing they haven't beaten the Red Devils since a famous 5-3 win in 2014.


4. Southampton

Southampton desperately needed a win vs Wolves | Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

The Saints aren't in the best form right now, but they managed to fight to a 2-0 win over Wolves.

They've got themselves a favourable draw in the next round against a Championship side, so should be confident of making it to Wembley.


3. Chelsea

Tammy Abraham got the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Barnsley | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The Blues have shown great improvement since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, but it wasn't a great performance that saw them get to this stage.

A home draw in the next round against struggling Sheffield United means their chances of getting to the semi-finals are strong, and the experience in the squad will mean they're confident of at least reaching the final regardless of the opponent.


2. Manchester United

Scott McTominay scored in extra-time to put the Reds into the quarter-finals | Michael Regan/Getty Images

An awful game of football was settled by Scott McTominay in extra-time as the Red Devils beat West Ham and made it to a record seventh successive FA Cup quarter-final.

After falling at the semi-final stage last year, United will need to overcome a confident Leicester side to get there this time, but with their tremendous squad depth they'll be confident of making it to the final at least on this occasion.


1. Manchester City

City eased into the next round | Athena Pictures/Getty Images

A routine 3-1 win over Swansea made it 15 victories in a row in all competitions for Premier League leaders Man City. They'll take on Everton away in the next round, and Pep Guardiola will be confident of coming away with a win there having only lost once to the Blues in his managerial career.

With their defence looking stronger than ever and the attack still able to score goals at will, it will take something special to stop City winning the FA Cup for a seventh time.


Source : 90min