Sutton’s FA Cup quarter-final predictions v DJ Nathan Dawe

That is such a troublesome tie to name.

Bournemouth had been the workforce who began the rot for Manchester Metropolis when they deservedly beat them in November, for what was the defending champions’ first league defeat of the season.

Again then, they had been nonetheless ‘mighty Metropolis’, the workforce who had been dominating English soccer, who hardly slipped up.

Who would have imagined that, 5 months on, they might have misplaced eight of their subsequent 19 league video games and be within the place they’re now, with simply the FA Cup left as the one factor they will win?

This competitors is large for Metropolis now, as a result of it feels so essential for boss Pep Guardiola to complete such a troublesome season with a bit of silverware.

So, it helps him that the Cherries are usually not in nice kind, with just one level from their previous 4 league video games, and likewise that they’re with out two key defenders right here; Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen, who’re each suspended.

Metropolis are nonetheless removed from convincing in the meanwhile, nonetheless, and it’s exhausting to know what their strongest line-up is.

Phil Foden’s struggles for England final week had been a reminder of how final season’s PFA and FWA Participant of the 12 months has been a shadow of his ordinary self all marketing campaign, however he isn’t the one Metropolis participant to have been nicely under his greatest.

Nonetheless, there isn’t any likelihood of Pep saving anybody for Wednesday’s league sport in opposition to Leicester, despite the fact that Metropolis have gotten an actual combat on their arms to complete within the prime 5.

Pep all the time takes the FA Cup severely anyway, and he has proven that by reaching the semi-finals for every of the previous six seasons – one thing no different workforce had completed earlier than.

Will Metropolis make it to the final 4 once more? Sure… however solely simply.

Bournemouth are so good with their press that they will not enable Metropolis to simply play out from the again – there are going to be loads of targets, and I can see it being settled in extra-time.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-3 after extra-time

Nathan’s prediction: Bournemouth are having a very good season however I’m nonetheless backing Metropolis to get by. 1-3