2025 FA Cup Quarterfinals preview: The clash of elite football

The Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup) is near its end, with 8 elite teams clashing at the Quarterfinals in the last weekends of March. Catch them all live and bet on their outcome here at Sportsbet.io, the best crypto betting platform.

The best way to bet is to have insights on every matchup. Go over all the details right here to make educated guesses and avoid risky predictions. Sportsbet.io has closely followed every team’s performances, and here’s what to consider in every head-to-head:

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Even Odds, High Stakes: Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Fulham is hosting the first match of the Quarter-Finals against Crystal Palace, which is an all-London derby between two teams performing well in the FA Cup and Premier League (EPL). Fulham is favoured given that they have the home advantage while also having strong morale boosts from their win against Manchester United.

• Head-to-head records

Fulham vs Crystal Palace is a great matchup to start the FA Cup quarterfinals because the two teams have an even head-to-head score. They have faced each other 17 times with five wins apiece and seven draws. Their last five matches are also even as both teams have won three games and lost two as of writing.

This 29th March will be their 10th time facing at Craven Cottage, where Crystal Palace has the lead of 2-3 with four draws in their matchups. Will the visitors take over the stadium once more, or can the home team close that gap? It’s an exciting rivalry you wouldn’t want to miss in online sports betting.

• Current form of teams

Fulham’s right side could be in trouble since they’re missing two right-wingers, Reiss Nelson and Harry Wilson, as well as right-back Kenny Tete. They’re strong everywhere else in the field, especially at the centre with Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, and Joachim Andersen.

Crystal Palace is in a precarious spot, as well, with captain Joel Ward still recovering from a calf injury and is uncertain if he can return for the Quarter Finals. The same goes for star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who suffered a horror head injury against Millwall.

Likewise, Centre-back Chadi Riad and defensive midfielder Cheick Doucouré are also ruled out of the FA Cup 2025. It leaves Crystal Palace with a weakened defensive lineu,p but they have a well-rounded squad.

• Who is likely to win

Fulham is named one of the top five favourites to win the FA Cup this season with a strong forward and solid defence. They also have a more impressive feat having won against Manchester United in the fifth round. It was a giant killing that gave the squad and fans a strong morale boost that could overwhelm Crystal Palace.

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A Chance to Rewrite History: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest

In a playful twist of faith, Brighton got a chance to redeem itself from the 7-0 defeat from Nottingham Forest at City Ground in the EPL on 1st February. For the FA Cup Quarter Finals, they are taking matters to home court at the American Express Stadium.

• Head-to-head records

Brighton and Forest have faced each other a total of 24 times with a total record of 9-7-8, favouring Brighton. Surprisingly, they haven’t met much in the EPL, having only a total of 6 matches spread to 2-2-2 in the win-lose-draw scale. This would be their first FA Cup meeting in football history, and it’s a rematch after a big upset.

• Current form of teams

Both sides are in generally good form following the FA Cup Quarterfinals, having suffered minimal losses due to injuries so far. They have their starting lineups ready, and Brigthon is considered the favourite even if they’re missing Ferdi Kadroğlu from the left-back.

• Who is likely to win

The recent heavy defeat against Forest is astounding,g but Brighton is considered the favourites of this match. One of the factors that resulted in the 7-0 defeat was Brighton’s weakened lineup that day. They were missing Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari, leaving their midfield exposed. Now, they are both ready to redeem their team in the FA Cup.

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David vs. Goliath: Preston North End vs Aston Villa

Preston North End vs Aston Villa is an exciting match because it’s one of the biggest opportunities for a giant-killing in the FA Cup. It’s between the top 16 of the English Champions League (Preston) and the top seven of the EPL (Aston Villa). Naturally, the favourite of the matchup is Aston Villa, but it’s not hopeless for the underdog.

• Head-to-head records

The two teams have played against each other on rare occasions, usually in the English Football League (EFL) Championship between 2016 and 2018. They have mostly ended matches in a draw, but both sides have won one match each with a 2-point score lead.

• Current form of teams

Each team’s performances in the last five matches tell a different story in 2025. Aston Villa has won four matches and lost one game to Crystal Palace on a 4-1 aggregate. Preston, meanwhile, lost twice, won only once, and had two draws. It’s not a good form for the underdog, and it will reflect in their chance to win against an EPL title contender.

• Who is likely to win

Aston Villa is missing a few key players, namely Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen, while Preston is at full strength. However, it’s still an overwhelming difference in the lineup between the two clubs. Aston Villa is almost certainly the winner of this Quarter Finals matchup.

Redemption or Repeat?: AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Manchester City is the reigning EPL champions so beating them is always a daunting task. However, it’s a feat that AFC Bournemouth has overcome before on 2nd November 2024 at the Vitality Stadium. They’re back in the same venue with Bournemouth hosting and Manchester City has the perfect opportunity to redeem that loss.

• Head-to-head records

The rivalry between the two clubs has been one-sided throughout history since 1987. Manchester City won 19 of their meetings and only ended two of them in a draw. However, Bournemouth made history when they won 2-1 on 2nd November 2024 in the EPL. This upcoming match is still in Manchester City’s favour, but it’s a giant-killing chance for the home team.

• Current form of teams

Both teams have weakening forms in their last five matches. Manchester City interchange between losses (3) and wins (2). Bournemouth lost three times, won once, and ended in a draw once in an inconsistent pattern.

There are injuries from squads, but the reigning champions are significantly worse this year. They are still missing Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji, all of whom are key players in their defences. However, Bournemouth cannot fully lean into offence, either, considering they’re also missing Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith in their defence.

• Who is likely to win

While Man City has a weakened defence, they still have the most overwhelming front line in the FA Cup. They are the likely winners of this meet but the odds difference isn’t too big. Bournemouth still has a strong fighting chance if they play their cards right.

FA Cup 2025: Tournament favourites

At the time of writing, the top three favourites of the FA Cup are Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Factors affecting their odds include the clubs’ history of success in the domestic and international leagues, as well as their overall squad market values.

However, doubts are lingering about Manchester City’s capacity to win the FA Cup. They’ve performed great so far, even without their injured defensive lineups for months. However, Aston Villa and Brighton could exploit them in a head-to-head.

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