Saturday's FA Cup predictions including Fulham vs. Newcastle United

Ipswich vs. Maidstone (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Ipswich Town take a break from Championship action to square off against Maidstone United - the lowest-ranked team remaining - in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday afternoon.

At a time when the home side sit in third place in the Championship, Maidstone occupy fourth spot in the National League South.

We say: Ipswich Town 4-0 Maidstone United

With Ipswich expected to make changes, an upset cannot be ruled out. That said, there is a considerable gulf in class, and we can only see Maidstone's run coming to an end at Portman Road.

Leicester vs. Birmingham (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Having hit a plateau in their Championship title charge, Leicester City switch their focus back to the FA Cup, where Birmingham City will arrive at the King Power Stadium for Saturday's fourth-round showdown.

The Foxes came up trumps in a five-goal affair with Millwall to make it this far, while Tony Mowbray's men required a replay and late drama to get the better of Hull City in the third round.

We say: Leicester City 2-1 Birmingham City

Potentially for the first time this season, the mood in the Birmingham camp may be brighter than their Premier League-bound hosts if recent results are anything to go by, and Blues gave Leicester a proper run for their money a few weeks ago.

However, Maresca's troops give very little away at the King Power, and the Leicester ball should be in the pot for the fifth-round draw come full time, but Birmingham are sure to put up a strong fight.

Leeds vs. Plymouth (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Leeds United and Plymouth Argyle take a break from Championship action on Saturday afternoon when they square off in the FA Cup fourth round.

These two sides currently sit in fourth and 15th place in the standings courtesy of recent strong form by their own standards.

We say: Leeds United 3-1 Plymouth Argyle

While changes are expected from both sides, that should only add to the uncertainty of who prevails at Elland Road. Plymouth will back themselves to at least earn a replay, but Leeds should still have enough quality to come through regardless of the team that they select.

Sheff Utd vs. Brighton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Two Premier League teams yet to suffer defeat in 2024 will put their unbeaten records on the line at Bramall Lane on Saturday, as Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion face off in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Blades marched to a 4-0 rout of Gillingham in their opening match of this year's competition, while the Seagulls also notched a quartet of goals in the third round, overcoming Stoke City 4-2 away from home.

We say: Sheffield United 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Having finally been thwarted at the Amex once again, a Brighton side bereft of attacking options are at risk of further offensive disappointment against one of their bogey teams, who displayed tremendous grit to take a point off of West Ham.

Both teams could certainly do without a fourth-round replay, but we are finding it impossible to pick a winner at Bramall Lane, where a low-scoring stalemate could be on the menu thanks to Sheffield United's knockout nous.

Everton vs. Luton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

One of five all-Premier League ties in the FA Cup fourth round takes centre stage at Goodison Park on Saturday as Everton play host to Luton Town.

The two teams, who are separated by just one point and one place in the top-flight table, required replays to progress from their FA Cup third-round ties, with the Toffees edging past Crystal Palace and the Hatters coming out on top against League One side Bolton Wanderers.

We say: Everton 2-1 Luton Town

Although Everton and Luton were forced to battle through replays in the previous round, both sides are well-rested for Saturday's clash and will fancy their chances of coming out on top in an intriguing contest at Goodison Park.

Luton have already celebrated success on the blue side of Merseyside this term, but with Premier League survival ambitions placed to one side, we believe that a fired-up Everton side seeking revenge will find a way to book their place in the fifth round without needing another dreaded replay.

Fulham vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 7.00pm)

Reeling from an agonising EFL Cup semi-final exit, Fulham will endeavour to earn a slice of knockout redemption on Saturday, when Newcastle United arrive at Craven Cottage for their FA Cup fourth-round affair.

The Cottagers required just the one goal to edge past Rotherham United in the third round, whereas Eddie Howe's troops put three past Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland without reply.

We say: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle United

Fulham deserve several pats on the back for their valiant efforts against Liverpool in midweek, but an energy-sapping midweek contest coupled with a confidence-sapping outcome puts them at risk of more knockout misery.

A two-week hiatus from competitive duty is just what the doctor ordered for a decimated Newcastle team, who should take full advantage of Fulham's weary legs to prolong their FA Cup adventure.