FA Cup Fifth Round Preview: opportunity for Burnley

Will Dyche’s men make the quarter-finals?

Here are The Football Lab’s predictions for the weekend’s FA Cup clashes. Lincoln hope to bridge a gap of three divisions when they travel to Turf Moor while Huddersfield must bridge a gap of wealth against Man City, without the key man their forthcoming opponents had leant them.

Burnley v Lincoln

Lincoln City have already knocked out two Championship sides en route to the fifth round in Brighton and Ipswich. For that reason, Burnley would be foolish to underestimate the Imps. Sean Dyche’s side are already 10 points above the Premier League relegation zone and have a gap of fourteen days between the games that sandwich this fixture. Lincoln have proven themselves to be an industrious team that cause problems when the likes of Terry Hawkridge and Nathan Arnold get crosses into the box. However, this is a good opportunity for the Clarets: they are two wins away from Wembley, three wins away from the final and four from their first major trophy in 57 years. 3-1

Huddersfield v Man City

Aaron Mooy will be ineligible to play for his parent club, but as well as he has played this season, it would be foolish to dismiss Huddersfield as a proposition without the Aussie. The Terriers have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions and a continuation of that form could contribute to their best season of all time. However, the West Yorkshire side are yet to face top flight opposition under David Wagner, let alone one of the calibre of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men have relished this competition with eight goals scored and none conceded in two visits to London. If Huddersfield were playing anyone else – even a second-string Chelsea side – they would have a good chance. 1-3