The 4^th round draw threw some fascinating ties and several opportunities for shocks along the way.

There are two guaranteed all-Premiership ties as Merseyside looks forward to a local derby at Anfield whilst Spurs must travel to Old Trafford. With several postponements, there were more than the usual number of teams but the potential for local derbies doesn’t stop in the North West.

 

If lowly Blyth can overcome Blackburn, a scintillating match at the Stadium of Light awaits. If Sheffield Utd and Norwich fail, London will see one of two possible derbies as Leyton Orient will face Charlton with Watford due to play the winner of Leicester and Crystal Palace.

Holders Portsmouth must overcome Bristol City if they are to prevent another relatively local clash occurring as the winners of that tie will play whomever triumphs between Histon and Swansea City. A mouth-watering draw put Midland pride up for grabs as Nottingham Forest were paired with Derby at Pride Park. Southend’s late equaliser at the Bridge kept them in the hunt to play Suffolk neighbours Ipswich Town.

All eyes will be on the North East when Hartlepool Utd, conquerors of Stole City, entertain West Ham Utd. Wales will also host an interesting tie when Cardiff City meet Arsenal. In the remaining matches, the only clear-cut one’s so far as Torquay against Coventry City and Fulham travelling to Kettering. Aston Villa, who narrowly and some may say luckily beat Gillingham will play at either Cheltenham or Doncaster Rovers with struggling Middlesbrough visiting the West Midlands in the form or Birmingham or Wolves, with or without Stewart Downing.