FA Cup predictions: Mark Lawrenson vs Charlie Nicholas

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson vs Sky Sports' football expert Charlie Nicholas. Who would be better?

Saturday

Watford v Crystal Palace

This is a great tie for both teams, because both will fancy themselves to get through to the semi-finals.

Watford rested players at Manchester City last week, which shows how seriously they are taking the FA Cup, and their chance to get to Wembley.

I am thinking it will be an open game because there is no point in Palace playing for the draw - there are no replays - and their away form is very good anyhow.

It is going to be close, but I am going to go with Watford. They are the type of team where, when they really need a win, they seem to be able to get one.

Lawro's prediction: 2:1

Watford are well balanced, well drilled. They don't have a lot of goals in them but Andre Gray has come into some form - they're a real handful. I like their midfield and Gerard Deulofeu when he's on song. What they have done in the past is they caught up in the emotions and kick Zaha. It always seems to be a personal battle. They seem to lose their focus a bit.

I think Watford are the better side, but they're capable of losing their head and concentrating on being physical against Zaha. For that reason I'm going for Palace.

Charlie's prediction: 1:2


Swansea v Man City

This will be a great occasion for Swansea and their fans, because it does not look like they are going to make the Championship play-offs and it has been a disappointing season for them following their relegation.

The chance to play Manchester City, who are arguably the best team in the country, will be a reminder of what it was like when they were a top-flight club, and I would expect a full house and a cracking atmosphere.

I would not rule out the chance of an upset - because you only have to look at what Wigan did against Pep Guardiola's side in the fifth-round last year - but it does look unlikely because of City's quality.

Lawro's prediction: 0:2

Swansea have been struggling anyway. What you can guarantee is Pep Guardiola is going to play a good side. But City better respect them. The problem is, though, if you wait defensively City will make you tire and open you up. Of course, they can break you down and if I was Swansea I would genuinely have a go. See if you can stretch them and you might get lucky.

I don't see that happening. The patience and determination of Pep and his players - they can sense it. Going for four trophies is extreme but they'll feel as if it is possible and that means they're going after it. The best Swansea can hope for is a goal.

Charlie's prediction: 1:4


Wolves v Man Utd

United lost their first league game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last week but, with the chances they had, they should have beaten Arsenal.

Solskjaer's side actually played really well, and if they can repeat that performance then it should put them in the semi-finals.

Wolves have already beaten Liverpool under the lights in the FA Cup, in round three, but Jurgen Klopp made a lot of changes for that game, and I don't see Solskjaer doing the same.

Lawro's prediction: 0:2

Wolves should have beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season easily. But they weren't clinical enough. Nuno Espirito Santo doesn't change his team too much often, but this a serious competition Manchester United can go and win. Wolves have already beaten Liverpool. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be going for it but they do have injuries and issues at the back.

Charlie's prediction: 2:2


Sunday

Millwall v Brighton

Millwall got a very important win at Birmingham in midweek that moves them away from the Championship relegation places.

It was a similar story for Brighton at Crystal Palace last weekend, with the Seagulls getting three points to give themselves some breathing space above the bottom three of the Premier League.

Millwall have had a great cup run and they will be full of belief after the way they beat another top-flight team, Everton, in round four.

I think this is the wrong time for them to play Brighton, because Chris Hughton's side have got some form back and they will know they are a game away from Wembley.

But I have got a feeling this one will go the distance and I would not be surprised if it is decided on penalties.

Lawro's prediction: 1:1

The one thing you'll know you'll get is blood and guts. A little bit of quality in there and they can show it. Steve Morison is a handful. It'll be volatile with the crowd as we know it can be down there at the Den.

This is a hard match to call. Brighton have still got some work to do in the Premier League. But why not go for it? Play your strongest team. I think it will be very tight.

Charlie's prediction: 1:2

Source: BBC, Sky Sports

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Matheus Vinhal
34.1% WR-10.85% ROI
do not trust these two experts