The magic of the FA Cup lives on and desire from top clubs to push as far as they can in the competition shows this really is the trophy to win. However, win or lose in the cup the impact this can have on a side can shape a season. We take a look at how it could affect our Premier League outright predictions.

The cup run will keep morale high and winning games has never had a bad impact on teams. Squad depth is tested as the cup runs continues as fixture congestion plays a huge part in preparation and fatigue.

Title Chasers

Title chasing Manchester city ran out 5-0 winners against a struggling Burnley side in today’s 4th round. The impact of this result however could stretch past a place in the next round. With Manchester City hot on Liverpool’s tails for the number 1 spot, will the added fixture congestion propose fitness concerns for Peps men?

It more than likely won’t. Their 8th win on the bounce in impressive style shows their depth of this side. A rest for main man Sergio Aguero in today’s cup game means the starlet Gabriel Jesus spearheaded the attacking line and the Brazilian continued his impressive scoring form scoring again today making that 7 in his last 3 starts.

They boast the best squad depth in the league and this is shown when you can replace Leroy sane with Riyad Mahrez and not be fielding a weaker side. With the quality and depth in this side, City to win the league at odds of 6/5 with Betfair would seem a bit of value. It would be no surprise if they went all the way in the Champions League too and are current favourites at 7/2 if you fancy them to win the one trophy they are missing.

Now Liverpool’s fixture congestion is lighter due to their 3rd round FA Cup exit but this is unlikely to have a huge impact as both clubs still have Champions League fixtures to compete in. Liverpool are still league favourites at 8/11 with William Hill but smart money might be with the Manchester club as depth and experience plays a part at the latter stages of the season.

Relegation Candidates

The other side in this fixture proposes a question at the other end of the table and for Burnley this loss may have been one they needed. Everybody loves a cup run but when your club is in danger of dropping out of the top flight of English football, something has to take priority.

The 5-0 loss could be a blessing for the Clarets as this will allow more preparation and recovery for vital Premier League clashes. A thumping at the Etihad may dent confidence a little bit but Sean Dyche will have his players forget about that in no time to continue pressing on in the league.

Burnley sit just 3 points and 2 places off the drop zone but went into today’s game with only 1 loss in their last 5 fixtures. Without the added pressure of the Cup, Burnley now have one sole focus, survival and you can pick them up to not be relegated at 8/15 with bet365, good odds for a side who for many people are too good to go down. This defeat could spark a run of poor form but if you fancy the Clarets to go down still you get 7/4 with Betfred.

The other big FA Cup result  that could have a big impact on the Premier League occurred on the Toon. Newcastle fans will be expecting heaps more from their team that have struggled in the premier league all season and now faced FA Cup defeat. Newcastle’s poor league form finds them 17th and just two points above Cardiff.

Their poor home form and their lack of goals was on show again today with this 0-2 loss to Watford. Having scored in just 2 of their last 5 home league games will not be pleasing anyone, especially expectant Toon fans. This loss today may allow them more preparation time for upcoming fixtures but other clubs also fighting for relegation are also in the same boat.

None of the bottom 6 are in the 5th round draw so Newcastle’s poor form could spell even more trouble. Newcastle to be relegated at 4/1 with bet365 shows good value as if their poor form continues the odds of one in five doesn’t reflect the very real possibility they could face the drop.

Top 4 Hopefuls

Last night’s FA Cup provided the most classic of ties. Arsenal and Manchester United the competitions most successful teams went head to head under the Emirates lights. United came into the game flying under Solskjaer and made it 8 wins from 8 thanks to classic United counter attacks. Again this fixture looks to have an impact on more than just the cup as these two, Chelsea and Spurs all battle out for a top 4 place.

United’s current form provides a very strong case that they will join City and Liverpool in the top 4. They are currently 13/8 with Betvictor which could be good value as they are yet to drop any points under the new manager. A Spurs side missing Harry Kane and Dele Alli are 2/9 with bet365 to complete a top 4 finish, Chelsea are 1/2 and sporadic Arsenal at 7/2.

This fixture for United could add fuel to the fire and spur the team on to further victories as a win has never been bad for confidence. However a place in the next round providing more fixture congestion, especially with the Champions League fixtures coming up could prove too much for United’s thin defensive quality.

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter how these fixtures will impact the Premier League and your favourites for the top 4 and the drop. We will have FA Cup predictions for the fifth round of matches which are due to take place on the weekend of Saturday 26th February.