A view of Abbey Stadium on Saturday during Cambridge United's FA Cup third round win over Luton Town. Cambridge have drawn Manchester United at home for the fourth round. Julian Finney / Getty Images / January 3, 2015
A view of Abbey Stadium on Saturday during Cambridge United's FA Cup third round win over Luton Town. Cambridge have drawn Manchester United at home for the fourth round. Julian Finney / Getty Images Show more

Cambridge over Manchester United? Just maybe, and four other possible FA Cup upsets



The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup was made on Monday night and Press Association Sport takes a look for potential shocks.

Here are five matches where the underdog may prevail:

Cambridge United v Manchester United

The lowest ranked side left in the competition were given a dream money-spinning tie when they were paired with Louis van Gaal's Manchester United. Angel di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao et al could grace the Abbey Stadium later this month and while Man United dealt comfortably enough with Yeovil Town in the last round, League Two side Cambridge will give their all.

Aston Villa v Bournemouth

Arguably the greatest potential for a shock result. Villa may be favourites on paper but are only five points clear of the Premier League drop zone, so priorities may be different before they take on the Cherries, who are continuing to shock most neutrals by riding high at the top of the Championship table.

Birmingham City v West Bromwich Albion

Birmingham themselves avoided embarrassment when they hit back from two goals down to win 3-2 and end Blyth Spartans’ hopes in Round 3. The Championship side go from favourites to underdogs, but this time they will have home advantage and will be desperate to prove that they can be more than a match against their local rivals.

Manchester City v Middlesbrough

A northeast team travels to the Etihad Stadium for a cup clash and upsets the odds against the Premier League big boys. A fanciful idea? Try telling that to Newcastle United, who were written off before their League Cup fourth round clash before claiming a surprise 2-0 win in October. Boro are no slouches either, with the Championship side having lost just once in 12 matches.

Rochdale v Stoke City

Stoke were given an almighty fright over the weekend when they fell behind against non-league Wrexham at the Britannia Stadium. Three strikes in the final 10 minutes spared their blushes although League One side Rochdale will take great comfort from that when they welcome Mark Hughes’ men to Spotland.

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