Tuesday’s fixtures shone a floodlight of reality into the glossy world of make believe, dissipating dreams like shadow gossamer. The question now is whether today’s five ties, all but one of which feature Premier League head-to-heads, be as entertaining?
Fairy Tale Ends for Grimsby in Grimm Fashion
Grimsby Town’s storied run came to an abrupt end, as the League Two underdogs were thrashed by Brentford 5 – 0. Victory and a trip to the quarterfinals was always going to be a tall ask for the Mariners, and unlike Manchester United the visiting Bees did not take this fixture lightly.
In many ways, Brentford paid Grimsby the ultimate compliment, fielding a first-team side. Of course, this was the same crew that had just shocked Liverpool the previous weekend, and they wasted no time in dashing Grimsby’s aspirations.
Wycombe Forces Fulham to the Precipice
Marco Silva does not look happy. His demeanor after Cauley Woodrow’s early Wycombe goal was truly despondent, and didn’t improve much after Josh King’s 47th minute equalizer. The Cottagers threw everything they had at the home side, who stood resolute and took them into a penalty shootout. A goal-line clearance in the 95th minute from Anders Hagelskjaer typified the Chairboys’ resolve.
The shootout scoreline shows 5 – 4 in favor of Fulham, but it featured a rather unusual run of four consecutive saves between both goalkeepers before the hulking center back Issa Diop drilled in the winner.
No Hollywood Ending for Wrexham
The 10,500 fans at SToK Rae were in fine voice, but ultimately quieted after a tight fixture against southern Welsh rivals Cardiff City. Wrexham were sprightly and driven, but Cardiff the more ruthless in front of goal. The Bluebirds nine shots on frame from 23 efforts forced many saves from GK Callum Burton, and Wrexham could only counter with five. The game winner from William Fish was a tight-angled shot that snuck through the inside post. A fine effort, but Burton looked shocked at the physics of it. For Cardiff, this will be their first EFL quarterfinals appearance in over 60 years.
Some Bold Wednesday Predictions
By colleague Gary Striker and I waxed eloquently about Carabao on our most recent podcast. I’m happy to say I called the Grimsby result, being a non-emotional realist, and came one penalty kick away from a Wycombe coup. Gary nailed the Fulham prediction, down to the penalty win. Well-played. Gary and I both favored Wrexham. Silly us.
Anyhoo, here’s how we see today’s fixtures going down.
- Arsenal vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Qooligan: 1 – 0 Arsenal
- Gary: 2 – 0 Arsenal
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Qooligan & Gary both have a 1 -2 victory for the Eagles.
- Yes, they’ve already played THREE times since May, and Palace have won them all. Do not spit in an Eagles’ eye.
- Swansea City vs. Manchester City
- Qooligan: 0 – 2 Manchester
- Gary: 0 – 3 Manchester
- It all comes down to Haaland, whether starting or on the bench.
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea
- Qooligan: 3 – 2 Wolves
- Wolves will display the cornered rodent syndrome and shock Chelsea.
- Gary: 2 – 3 Chelsea (Because of course he would!)
- Qooligan: 3 – 2 Wolves
- Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
- Qooligan: 1 – 3 Spurs
- It hurts me to write positive things about Spurs.
- Gary: 1 – 2 Spurs
- Qooligan: 1 – 3 Spurs
