The Emirates FA Cup is back

Bournemouth players celebrating their win over Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup

Game On

The English FA cup is finally back. The lower tier clubs are done with the lower knockout stages. The round of 32 is active with all the premier league clubs in the competition. Last season, Arsenal convincingly won the competition after beating Chelsea in the finals. This achievement cemented their position at the top of the England FA cup leaderboard. They have won 14 of the cups. Manchester United are the closest rivals with 12 FA cups. With most clubs eyeing the coveted trophy, the competition is stiffer this season.

Emile Smithe Rowe celebrating his winning goal vs Newcastle. Arsenal won 2:0. Photo credits : Arsenal. Arsenal have kicked off their title defence with a win vs NewCastle FC
Emile Smithe Rowe celebrating his winning goal vs Newcastle. Arsenal won 2:0. Photo credits : Arsenal

Bigwigs Who Have Qualified

Despite the competition being open to every English club, only a few get mentioned as the favorites. In England, 6 top clubs are always at the forefront of every competition. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool are the routine top 6 clubs. These are the top six favorites to clinch the trophy. This is due to their experience in the competition and general quality as clubs. Arsenal has qualified for the next round by beating Newcastle 2 goals to nil. Liverpool is also in the next round having put 4 past Aston Villa.

Scot McTominay celebrating his early goal vs Watford in the FA round 32. Manchester United won 1:0. Photo Credit : Manchester United
Scot McTominay celebrating his early goal vs Watford in the FA round 32. Manchester United won 1:0. Photo Credit : Manchester United

Moreover, Manchester United are also through to the next round. They won 1:0 vs Watford, thanks to a Scott McTominay early goal. Chelsea take on Morecambe while Tottenham face Marine FC. Manchester City will be visited by Birmingham City.

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Tougher Competition

Furthermore, the competition is tougher this season given the quality of other clubs. The likes of Everton, Southampton, Wolves, Leicester City and West Ham are capable of challenging for the trophy. The clubs have decent squads that have impressed in the EPL this season. This is a big reason to worry for the big boys. More effort will be needed to dispatch off these clubs. The big boys must put their best feet forward if at all they want to win the trophy. Otherwise, they might be in for a rude shock from the impressive mid table clubs.

Todd Cantwell wrestling for the ball vs Coventry player in the FA Cup. Photo Credit : Norwich

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