Plymouth Draws Manchester City in FA Cup Fifth Round After Stunning Liverpool Upset

The #EmiratesFACup fifth round draw is complete 🏆

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 10, 2025

Plymouth Argyle has been handed a dream tie against Premier League giants Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round, following their stunning 1-0 victory over Liverpool. The Championship side, currently struggling at the bottom of the second tier, will now face Pep Guardiola’s team in what promises to be a monumental challenge at the Etihad Stadium.

Plymouth’s Historic FA Cup Run

Under the guidance of manager Miron Muslic, Plymouth has defied the odds in this season’s FA Cup campaign. Their journey to the fifth round has already been filled with giant-killing heroics, having eliminated Premier League sides Brentford and Liverpool. Their most recent triumph, a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Home Park, came courtesy of Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty, sending shockwaves through English football.

Despite their FA Cup heroics, Plymouth finds itself at the foot of the Championship table with only one league victory in the last three months. However, their cup performances have provided a glimmer of hope for their fans, and the trip to the Etihad will be another chance to showcase their resilience on a grand stage.

Manchester City’s Struggles Add Intrigue

While Manchester City remains a formidable force in English football, they have been uncharacteristically inconsistent this season. Pep Guardiola’s side, the reigning Premier League champions, has not been at their dominant best, making this fixture slightly more intriguing. Plymouth will enter the tie as massive underdogs but will hope to exploit any vulnerability in City’s form.

Other FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures

Holders Manchester United will host Fulham at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side secured their place in the fifth round after a controversial last-minute winner by Harry Maguire in a 2-1 victory over Leicester City. Fulham, who have had an up-and-down season in the Premier League, will be looking to pull off a major upset.

Newcastle United, who recently booked a spot in the League Cup final, will take on Brighton in an exciting all-Premier League clash. Brighton, under Roberto De Zerbi, have been one of the most impressive teams in the competition so far, having knocked out Chelsea in the previous round.

Bournemouth will face Wolves in another all-Premier League tie, while Aston Villa, fresh from their dramatic 2-1 win over Tottenham, will host Championship side Cardiff City. Villa, under Unai Emery, have been in excellent form and will look to continue their strong domestic campaign.

Elsewhere, Preston will meet Burnley in a Lancashire derby, and either Doncaster or Crystal Palace will welcome Millwall. Exeter or Nottingham Forest will take on Ipswich, rounding out the fifth-round fixtures.

Key Match Details

The FA Cup fifth-round ties will take place on the weekend of March 1 and 2, with teams eyeing a spot in the quarter-finals of England’s most prestigious cup competition.

For Plymouth, the upcoming match against Manchester City will be another historic occasion. Despite their struggles in the Championship, their FA Cup journey has captured the imagination of football fans, and they will be hoping for yet another magical night in the competition.