
The oldest domestic cup competition in football is back this weekend, as the FA Cup reaches the Fourth Round.
Typically, most of the minnow teams have been eliminated, but there are a select few each season that battle against the odds to make a name for themselves and put them in the eyes and minds of national and global football fans.
Here are some of the teams hoping to cause this weekend’s big cup upset.
Kidderminster Harriers vs West Ham United
Managed by former player Russell Penn, Kidderminster Harriers have already caused one of the biggest ‘cupsets’ this season, having come from behind to beat Championship Reading 2-1 at Aggborough Stadium in the Third-Round.
Currently third in the National League North, England’s Sixth tier, ‘Kiddy’ have had to play teams from higher divisions in all three previous proper rounds. Dispatching National League sides Halifax Town and former Football League side Grimsby Town.
Playing in a 4-2-3-1 that can evolve into a 4-3-3, Kidderminster’s front line have the perfect mix of pace and skill, whilst also possessing power and intelligence. Despite scoring two of the most disgustingly scrappy goals to beat Reading, the likes of former Cheltenham Town forward Amari Morgan-Smith have everything you would look for in a forward, being able to beat a man for pace and find the back of the net in equal measure.
Their opponents West Ham United stand in Kidderminster’s way of reaching the fifth round for the first time in their history. The 2006 finalists cruised past Leeds United 2-0 in the third round, but have injuries to the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Mark Noble and Lukasz Fabianski that will hamper the Irons.
If the likes of Ashley Hemmings and Omari Sterling can be on form this Saturday lunchtime, maybe the dream can live on in Worcestershire.
AFC Bournemouth vs Boreham Wood
Having beaten fellow National League teams Barnet, Eastleigh and local rivals St Albans City this season, Boreham Wood’s biggest challenge a home tie against League One AFC Wimbledon awaited. Always wanting to be on the front foot, Boreham Wood started in electric fashion with an excellent goal from Tyrone Marsh.
The unrivalled work rate of the fifth-tier side shows, scoring late into matches, Adrian Clifton coming off the bench in both matches in the second and third round to complete victories.
Manager Luke Garrard assisted by former Watford defender Lloyd Doyley can call on the experience of former Premier League forward Nile Ranger, whilst the midfield is excellently marshalled by former Bristol City man Gus Mafuta and ex-Arsenal youngster Josh Rees.
Having already made history by reaching the Fourth-Round for the first time in their 74-year existence, AFC Bournemouth stand in their way between an unprecedented appearance in the last 32. ‘The Cherries’ bolstered their already impressive squad on deadline day, with the additions of Premier League players Nat Phillips, Freddie Woodman from Newcastle United; Norwich City wonderkid Todd Cantwell. Further signings from Championship players Siriki Dembele and Kierffer Moore.
Championship high-fliers will not have the FA Cup as a priority, as the promotion bid is all or bust at the Vitality Stadium, so maybe Boreham Wood can take the first ever victory in the first match between the two sides.
Chelsea vs Plymouth
Steven Schumacher has had a mixed start to life as first team manager of Plymouth having taken over after the departure if Ryan Lowe. The inconsistent league form is almost meaningless when FA Cup fever is in town. The Pilgrims beat Championship Birmingham City 1-0 After Extra-Time in the Third Round, a score line that less than flattered the traveling side that were backed by over 2,000 away fans.
Exploiting the wings are a major part of how Schumacher runs his side, his 5-3-2 formation adapts with the willingness to attack from wing-backs Conor Grant and Gloucestershire-born Joe Edwards. Both more naturally forward thinking, they assist brilliantly in attacks, helping forwards Luke Jephcott and Ryan Hardie.
The former being the main target up front. At 22-years old Jephcott has played 100 times for Plymouth, scoring 35 and has been on the radar of clubs in leagues higher than the third tier.
Having meant to be playing Cheltenham Town on Saturday, the Green Army will be traveling in their thousands up to Stamford Bridge, home of current European Champions Chelsea.
Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to replicate the feat that former League One club Bradford City achieved in the 2014/15, where the Bantams came from 2-0 behind against Jose Mourinho’s team to win 4-2.
Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel will not be taking the game lightly, and circulation of the German playing an almost full first team on Saturday will be the giant mountain that Plymouth have to overcome.