Port Vale’s shock win over Sunderland highlights the FA Cup’s unpredictability — punters should look for value on underdogs and consider draw/BTTS or draw-no-bet options in tight fixtures. With the quarter-final draw on March 9 before West Ham v Brentford, expect cautious London-derby markets rather than backing heavy favourites.
FA Cup fifth round ends with a seismic Port Vale upset
Port Vale stuns Sunderland
Port Vale produced one of the competition’s biggest shocks by beating Premier League Sunderland 1-0 at Vale Park. The League One basement side overcame opponents 56 league places above them to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history and the first time in 72 years.
Notable results elsewhere
Championship Southampton also knocked out higher-league opposition with a 1-0 win at Fulham, while Arsenal edged past third-tier Mansfield 2-1. The fifth round wraps up on Monday evening with an all-Premier League London derby between West Ham United and Brentford.
Quarter-final draw and schedule
When and where the draw takes place
The FA Cup quarter-final draw will be held on Monday, March 9 at the London Stadium, immediately prior to the West Ham v Brentford match. The draw is scheduled to take place at approximately 7.05pm ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.
Draw format and timeline
There will be eight balls in the pot, with a single either/or pairing. Quarter-final ties are set for the weekend of Saturday, April 4, with winners advancing to the semi-finals at Wembley, scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, April 25.
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All you need to know as the world's oldest cup competition gets down to its final eight teams
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