Spotlight on Big Sam, Rafa
Sam Allardyce and Rafa Benitez could be forgiven for cursing the FA Cup as two of the Premier League's big guns prepare to put their reputations on the line this weekend.
England's world famous cup competition can be a source of inspiration but for Allardyce's Newcastle and Benitez's Liverpool it represents a potential source of embarrassment.
Newcastle are in the midst of a woeful run that threatens to cost Allardyce his job after just half a season in charge, so the beleaguered boss could do without a tricky trip to in-form Championship club Stoke on Sunday.
A defeat at the Britannia Stadium could be the final straw for Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who must be concerned by Allardyce's admission that morale among his players is at rock bottom.
"The players are very dejected and disappointed. It has been a massive effort with so many games in such a short period of time," Allardyce said.
"Now it is three defeats on the trot and in terms of confidence that is hugely draining. We cannot keep shooting ourselves in the foot by playing so well and not getting results to go along with it."
Newcastle are fast reaching crisis point and Liverpool won't be too far behind if they lose against League One strugglers Luton on Sunday. It is a tie that has the perfect conditions for an FA Cup giant-killing.
Benitez's side are 12 points behind Arsenal after a run of two league wins in their last six games, while the Spaniard's fractious relationship with Liverpool's American owners has created uncertainly over his long-term future.
The cramped confines of Kenilworth Road and an opponent with nothing to lose will test Liverpool's desire but Benitez is confident their luck will turn soon.
"I do not think there is a lack of confidence, we need more luck and to score the chances we are creating. We are creating chances but not taking them," he said.
Middlesbrough, who face Championship joint-leaders Bristol City at Ashton Gate, are another Premier League team with reason to fear a cup exit.
Arsenal are likely to play several reserves at Burnley so even they can't be certain of success. But Chelsea's formidable home record should insulate them from a shock against west London rivals QPR.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor admits his side are desperate to finally get the better of Manchester United at Villa Park.
Villa have been knocked out of the cup by United three times in the last six seasons and haven't beaten Sir Alex Ferguson's team since 1999.
Agbonlahor said: "We know we have a poor record against United especially at home, but we've got to go out there, try our hardest to get something from the game."
The last two non-league teams in the competition both face Welsh opposition.
Chasetown, who play four levels below the Football League, are the lowest ranked team left and host Championship club Cardiff, while Conference South outfit Havant and Waterlooville travel to League One Swansea.
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