Game of the Draw

Lollipop knows the FA Cup has already served up several shockers this year but what has us animated is the clash between Cup holders Arsenal and 2004 winners Manchester United after their 3-1 finish over league one side Preston.

Despite an unimaginative first half and a perilous start to the second after Scott Laird put Preston in front United fought back with goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and a penalty from Captain Wayne Rooney.

The Gunners, who beat Hull City in last year’s final, easily defeated Championship side Middlesbrough in the fifth round 2-0. But Lollipop knows their next tie at Old Trafford does not seem as simple.

Arsenal have clearly been the better side in the FA Cup this season shrugging off Hull in the third round and edging out Brighton 3-2 in the fourth. Arsene Wenger’s side have not had to face any replays unlike their next opponents Manchester United who have struggled when playing lower league teams.

Wenger said striker Olivier Giroud’s game has improved during his time at Arsenal. And with two clear struck goals over the weekend United can not afford to let the centre forward put his side in front. This time they may find it hard to come back.

Wayne Rooney scored his first goal of the year and in a centre forward position the striker looked menacing as he helped his team overcome a galvanised Preston side.

Only five Premier league sides remain and only three may make it to Wembley.

With league one side Bradford through to the quarter finals after titan wins over Premier League leaders Chelsea and Sunderland over the weekend the Black Cats are dreaming of Wembley.

But first Bradford must overcome their next draw. They face Reading at home which doesn’t seem half as daunting as their last two FA Cup fixtures.

After Bradford’s win against Sunderland FA Cup hero Jon Stead said: “This tops the Chelsea win because of the expectation on us.”

Expectation will be even greater over Reading and playing at Wembley could top everything for Phil Parkinson’s side.

Other ties include Liverpool v Blackburn and a West Midlands Derby for newly appointed manager Tim Sherwood  as his side Aston Villa face West Bromwich Albion.

The quarter finals on 7-8 March looks unmissable for Lollipop and the surprises may just keep on coming for one side.