Van Gaal’s last chance saloon

Shrewsbury face Manchester United at New Meadow on Monday night. With Louis van Gaal barely clinging onto his job, Shrews boss Micky Mellon will be aiming to pile more misery on the Dutchman by forcing a replay at Old Trafford.

Chelsea 1 Man City 1

These money bags clash in the pick of the Round of 16 ties. Fixture congestion (Chelsea played PSG midweek) and injuries to Kurt Zouma and John Terry deny coach Guus Hiddink the ammunition to dispose of a struggling Manchester City outfit.

Blackburn 1 West Ham 2
Blackburn Rovers are enjoying a mini-recovery in the Championship but they are not in West Ham’s class. Dmitri Payet’s midfield wizardry and the goal threat of Ener Valencia and Victor Moses will prove too much for the hosts.

Arsenal 2 Hull City 1
This is a repeat of the 2014 FA Cup final which Arsenal won in a penalty shoot-out. Though Steve Bruce’s Championship leaders are in excellent form, there can only be one winner. Man-of-the-moment Danny Welbeck should have a run out.

Watford 1 Leeds Utd 0
Watford’s tremendous season has been overshadowed by Leicester City’s title charge. I think Leeds United are certain to make life difficult for the Londoners before succumbing to English Premier League class.

B’mouth 1 Everton 1
Squad depth is key to the outcome. Everton are excellent on the road but do their fringe players have what it takes to overcome the Cherries? I think not. There will be end-to-end action in this bruising tie but a replay looms.

Reading 2 West Brom 1

This game is to provide the upset of the round. Steve Pulis’ Brumnies needed replays in the previous two rounds. They will not survive the trip to the Majesky Stadium. This is an absolute banana skin for punters.

Shrewsbury 1 Man Utd 3

Louis van Gaal’s chance to leave Old Trafford with his reputation restored is in the FA Cup where a favourable fixture propels them into the quarter finals without much ado. This game is surely United’s for the taking.

Tottenham 2 C. Palace 1

Mauricio Pochettino’s North Londoners are sneaking in on a treble as they have a chance in the English Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. Poor Crystal Palace look like they will be swept aside.