FA Cup fourth round - Pick of the action

Last updated : 22 January 2010 By DSG

Preston v Chelsea

Preston boss Darren Ferguson will be hoping for a better showing from his team when Chelsea travel to Deepdale in the FA Cup fourth round.

Ferguson's first game in charge of the Lilywhites ended in a crushing 4-2 defeat to Bristol City and they will have their work cut out tomorrow against one of the Premier League's front runners.

The clubs haven't met since Chelsea won 3-1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2002 and this is only the third time the pair have been drawn together in the competition Chelsea winning both previous ties.

The form guide would suggest a similar outcome beckons. Preston have won two of their last 12 in all competitions while Chelsea are knocking in goals for fun having won their last three matches by an aggregate score of 14-3.

Tottenham v Leeds

League One leaders Leeds United head to White Hart Lane aiming to knock another top-flight side out of the FA Cup.

The pick of the fourth round ties sees Leeds looking to repeat their shock third round 1-0 win over Premier League champions Manchester United.

And they may have got their timing bang on considering Tottenham's recent form. Spurs followed up a goalless draw at home to Hull with a 2-0 away defeat to Liverpool in midweek to end a six-match unbeaten run.

Should Leeds prevail it will be the third year running Spurs have been knocked out of the cup at this stage of the competition. But Simon Grayson's outfit have hit a sticky patch themselves, losing the last two after going 17 games unbeaten.

Notts County v Wigan

Notts County's reward for finally coming through their third-round tie is the visit of Premier League outfit Wigan.

The Magpies overcame Forest Green 2-1 in their postponed clash on Tuesday and for a League Two club, they may struggle with the short turnaround.

But County's owners will be hoping for a good display as they seek to secure fresh investment into the club. The club has made no secret of their ambition and the stage is set for them to showcase their top-flight credentials.

Their opponents, Wigan, are in fine fettle winning the last two in league and cup after a disappointing end to 2009 and another victory here will see them into the quarter finals for the first time since 1986/87.

County, eighth in League Two, have only played twice since early December so they may well be feeling the effects of Tuesday's efforts.

Source: DSG

Source: DSG