The Emirates FA Cup has always been one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions in the English football calendar, and this season is no exception. With only 16 teams remaining, the excitement is building, particularly as the quarter-final draw is set to take place on Sunday, 2 March 2025, shortly after Manchester United faces Fulham at Old Trafford.
The match between United and Fulham will kick off at 4:30 PM GMT, and the draw will follow immediately after the final whistle, marking yet another pivotal moment in this season’s FA Cup campaign. Notably, former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin will join Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy to conduct the draw, promising an entertaining build-up for fans.
Football enthusiasts can catch all the action live through BBC's coverage, as well as on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, allowing fans both near and far to participate virtually. During the lead-up to the draw, clubs will be battling for their places in the last eight, with matches scheduled from Friday evening through Monday next week, culminating with Nottingham Forest hosting Ipswich Town.
The quarter-final matches will occur over the weekend of 29 March 2025, offering clubs significant financial incentives to advance. Winning clubs will earn £450,000 from the competition prize fund, which adds pressure and motivation to perform. The stakes are high, especially as several once-favored teams have already exited the competition.
Fans have seen some notable upsets occur recently, including Plymouth Argyle's sensational 1-0 victory over Liverpool, which highlighted the unpredictability of this tournament. Liverpool, who rested key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, failed to secure their place, showcasing how even top-tier teams can be vulnerable.
Alongside the excitement of the upcoming draw, the FA has provided fans with details about the ball numbers for the draw. The numbers are as follows:
- 1. Preston North End or Burnley
- 2. Aston Villa or Cardiff City
- 3. Crystal Palace or Millwall
- 4. Manchester United or Fulham
- 5. Newcastle United or Brighton & Hove Albion
- 6. AFC Bournemouth or Wolverhampton Wanderers
- 7. Manchester City or Plymouth Argyle
- 8. Nottingham Forest or Ipswich Town
This information allows fans to anticipate potential matchups even before the draw concludes.
Throughout the FA Cup's rich history, Arsenal has led the charge with a record of 14 FA Cup titles, with Manchester United close behind at 13. The Gunners haven’t added to their tally since 2020, when they last lifted the trophy under Mikel Arteta, but with the way this season is shaping up, anything could happen! United, having won the tournament as recently as last year, are eager to reclaim their dominance and challenge for another title.
With many clubs having exited early, such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur—all boasting eight FA Cup titles—it’s anyone's guess as to who will advance. The competition has eliminated some big names, providing room for underdogs like Plymouth and Brighton to make their mark.
Football fans are certainly eager to see which clubs will emerge from the draw and how they will fare against their opponents. With no Premier League games scheduled during the quarter-finals, the FA Cup ties will take center stage during this period, allowing fans to relish the action without distraction.
The excitement is palpable as supporters await the outcomes of the ties leading to the quarter-final draw. The tournament continues to thrill, capturing the imaginations of players and fans across the nation. The FA Cup is more than just football; it’s about history, pride, and the potential for extraordinary moments to occur when least expected.
Keep your eyes glued to the matches this weekend as we all wait to see who will make it to the quarter-finals and how the draw will shape the road to future glory!