We are here with our 2026 FA Cup predictions for this week, as the exciting quarter final round is set to commence this weekend. The 2026 FA Cup reaches a thrilling stage as the quarter-finals take center stage this week, bringing high-stakes clashes and unpredictable drama. With top Premier League sides and underdog teams battling for a place in the semi-finals, fans can expect intense matchups, tactical battles, and potential upsets. In this article, we break down key fixtures, team form, and expert predictions for this week’s FA Cup quarter-final action.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side will be full of confidence for this game after their historic Carabao Cup final victory over Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side. The same, however, cannot be said about Arne Slot's Liverpool. After a historic season that saw them win the league under their new manager, the Reds have been shockingly poor this season. Their star player, Mohamed Salah, has become a shadow of his former self and is set to leave as well after this season. City are heavy favourites for this game.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Liverpool
Chelsea vs Port Vale
Liam Rosenior had a fantastic start to his managerial career at Chelsea, but things have been nothing less than disastrous for him recently. Chelsea have had shocking results in the past months, and have dropped points in several Premier League games which they were expected to easily win. They were also destroyed by PSG in the Champions League, and got knocked out in embarrassing fashion. Thus, the game against Port Vale is an excellent opportunity for Rosenior and his players to get back to winning ways and stabilise their situation. The Blues should win comfortably here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Port Vale
Southampton vs Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was heavily criticized by fans for his defensive approach in the Carabao Cup final against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, as many believe that was the major cause for their defeat. Arteta will now have to be more cautious, as another cup defeat will result in immense anger from the fans. Although Southampton is an easy quarter final draw for the Gunners, they need to make sure that they take the game seriously, as it isn't an impossible thing for Southampton to shock everyone with a massive result.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Arsenal
West Ham vs Leeds United
This is likely to be the competitive game out of all the FA Cup quarter final fixtures. Leeds and West Ham are two sides in the Premier League who are currently in a relegation battle, and thus a win here would be a massive morale boost for one of the teams. In fact, a West Ham or Leeds win can even inspire one of the teams to perform even better in the league and try their best to avoid the drop. We feel this'll be a really tight game where one of the sides ends up scoring a late winner.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Leeds
These are our 2026 FA Cup Predictions for this weekend. As the 2026 FA Cup quarter-finals unfold, the competition continues to deliver excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments. With every team just one step away from Wembley, the pressure is at its peak, making each match a must-watch. Whether favorites dominate or underdogs rise, this stage could define the tournament’s narrative. Stay tuned as the road to the FA Cup final intensifies and the battle for silverware reaches its most crucial phases.
