Former Newcastle United striker and club legend Alan Shearer has shared his predictions for several key fixtures in the FA Cup fifth round scheduled to take place this weekend.
The English football icon tipped Newcastle United to secure a narrow victory over reigning English champions Manchester City when both sides clashed at St. James’ Park on Saturday night.
Shearer also expressed confidence that Chelsea and Arsenal will progress comfortably to the next stage of the competition with wins over Wrexham and Mansfield Town respectively.
Speaking in his preview of the weekend’s FA Cup fixtures, Shearer said he expects Arsenal to navigate their tie against Mansfield Town without much difficulty, even if manager Mikel Arteta rotates his squad.
“I guess Mikel Arteta will make changes, but I think even with the changes that come in, they’ll still have the quality,” Shearer said.
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“I don’t see a shock at Mansfield. I think Arsenal will go through with ease. Prediction – Arsenal.”
In the fixture between Wrexham and Chelsea, Shearer acknowledged the electric atmosphere expected at the Racecourse Ground, but insisted the London club has enough depth to avoid an upset.
“It’ll be absolutely rocking on Saturday at the Racecourse Ground,” he said.
“I think whatever team he puts out, they’ll still have enough to beat Wrexham. Prediction – Chelsea.”
However, the most intriguing tie of the round could be the clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City. Shearer believes the encounter will be tightly contested but feels his former club may just have the edge playing at home.
“It’ll be tight, it always is,” Shearer noted.
“But I think Newcastle might have enough to get through. Prediction – Newcastle.”
The FA Cup fifth round fixtures are expected to deliver intense battles as clubs compete for a place in the quarter-finals of one of England’s most prestigious domestic competitions.