The FA Cup draw round of 32 was made in full just a little over an hour ago, and it includes two match-ups where both teams are from England’s top flight. Liverpool versus West Bromwich Albion and Southampton-Watford are the two all Premier League draws with Chelsea providing the opportunity for a third, should they dispatch Norwich City in the replay.
The Blues battled Norwich to a goalless draw on Saturday, while their arch-rivals and current title holders Arsenal fell in the third round, ensuring that this tournament will see a new champion.
It was the earliest loss in Arsene Wenger’s history at the club, as he was forced to play a much weaker side, due to a significant amount of injuries.
Elsewhere among the London clubs, Tottenham Hotspur drew Newport County and Crystal Palace could provide a somewhat compelling fixture if they beat Brighton & Hove Albion, and thus advance to take on Middlesbrough.
FA Cup draws 4th Round (Friday 26th January-Monday 29th January)
Liverpool v West Brom
Peterborough v Fleetwood
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Notts County v Wolves/Swansea
Yeovil v Manchester United
Carlisle v Stevenage/Reading
Cardiff/Mansfield v Manchester City
MK Dons v Coventry
Millwall v Rochdale
Southampton v Watford
Middlesbrough v Brighton/Crystal Palace
Bournemouth v Wigan/Shrewsbury
Hull v Nottingham Forest
Newport County v Spurs
Norwich/Chelsea v Newcastle
Sheffield United v Preston
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The Chelsea vs Norwich replay will take place one week from Wednesday night. The Blues will face Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final leg one of two this Wednesday.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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