FA Cup Fifth-Round Predictions: Tottenham and Sheffield United set for a thriller

Greg Lea

28 February 2023

Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton are in action on Wednesday as the FA Cup fifth-round continues. Football expert Greg Lea previews all four games and provides his recommended trades.

Southampton v Grimsby Town

Kick-off: 7.15pm Wednesday

Southampton have more pressing matters than the FA Cup after a 1-0 loss to Leeds United at the weekend left them four points adrift of safety in the Premier League. But the Saints should still go all-out for victory on Wednesday, as they are not in the position to turn down any opportunity to build some much-needed momentum.

Manager Ruben Selles is therefore likely to name a strong side for the visit of Grimsby, who are looking to reach the quarter-finals in this competition for the first time since 1908.

The Southampton boss will hope that January signing Paul Onuachu can open his account for the club against League Two opposition after moving to St Mary’s from Genk, and I’m happy to back him at a shade of odds-on.

Prediction: Paul Onuachu anytime goalscorer @ 1.89

Burnley v Fleetwood Town

Kick-off: 7.30pm Wednesday

With the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool having already been knocked out of the FA Cup, we could easily have at least one surprise package making it to the latter stages. Why not Burnley? They are taking the Championship by storm this season and have a winnable tie in the fifth round.

Indeed, Fleetwood will struggle to halt the Vincent Kompany-led juggernaut. Burnley have won 13 of their last 14 matches in all competitions at Turf Moor, including a 4-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

Fleetwood have won four of their last five games, yet they could be outclassed by the Clarets in this one.

Prediction: Burnley -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.86

Manchester United v West Ham United

Kick-off: 7.45pm Wednesday

Manchester United players and coaching staff will receive a hero’s welcome as they return to Old Trafford following Sunday’s EFL Cup triumph. A 2-0 victory over Newcastle United gave the Red Devils their first piece of silverware in almost six years, but Erik ten Hag’s side will not be satisfied just yet.

West Ham thumped Nottingham Forest 4-0 on Saturday to boost their Premier League survival hopes, but David Moyes’ men have not won a top-flight away game since August, and only Forest have scored fewer goals on their travels.

Manchester United can register another victory on Wednesday, and they may well keep a clean sheet too.

Prediction: Manchester United to win to nil @ 2.68

Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: 7.55pm Wednesday

Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League last time out, as goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane earned them a 2-0 victory over Chelsea. Spurs pulled clear of the chasing pack in the race for the top four but, while Champions League qualification is vital, many of the club’s fans would prefer to see Tottenham win a trophy this term.

This could be a tricky fifth-round tie, however. Sheffield United are on course to play Premier League football next term and they have scored in 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions at Bramall Lane. Expect an entertaining affair with attacks likely to get the better of defences.

Prediction: Both teams to score and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.99