FA Cup draw: Favorites spared each other

By foxsports
Published

The top four Premier League clubs alive in the FA Cup avoided each other in Sunday's fifth round draw, with Arsenal the only one of the tournament's remaining favorites to potentially face Premier League opposition.

Arsenal, who advanced on Sunday after eliminating Aston Villa, will face the winner of Sunderland and Middlesbrough, the two clubs headed for a replay after Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Chelsea will host second division Birmingham City, Liverpool will welcome Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, while Tottenham will travel to third division Stevenage.

The draw's biggest story may be fourth-tier Crawley Town. The lowest ranking club alive in the tournament will host Stoke City.

''This is the first time we have hosted Premier League opposition at the Broadfield Stadium in a competitive fixture and I'm sure the ground will be packed,'' Crawley Chief Executive Alan Williams said. ''It's another wonderful occasion for the club, the players and the fans.''

Fifth round matches will take place Feb. 18-19.

FA Cup Fifth Round

Chelsea vs. Birmingham

Crawley vs. Stoke

Everton vs. Blackpool or Sheffield Wednesday

Liverpool vs. Brighton

Millwall or Southampton vs. Bolton

Norwich vs. Leicester

Stevenage vs. Tottenham

Sunderland or Middlesbrough vs. Arsenal