The Football Association Cup quarter-final draw has set the stage for compelling matchups, most notably Bournemouth's home game against Manchester City. Adding to the excitement, a London derby will unfold as Fulham welcomes Crystal Palace, both clubs vying for their inaugural FA Cup title. Aston Villa is slated to travel to Preston North End, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, while Brighton & Hove Albion has secured a home fixture, pending the outcome of the Nottingham Forest versus Ipswich Town match. These quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 29th and 30th.

Guardiola expressed astonishment at Rodri's recovery, suggesting the possibility of a premature return.

Bournemouth, under the management of Andoni Iraola, will host the 2024 FA Cup finalists, Manchester City, at the Vitality Stadium. This quarter-final represents a historic opportunity for "The Cherries," as they aim to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time. Their previous two quarter-final appearances include a defeat to Southampton in 2021 while competing in the Championship, and a showing as a Third Division South team in the 1956/57 season.

Fulham, having eliminated the reigning champions Manchester United in the previous round via a penalty shootout, will now face Crystal Palace in a highly anticipated London derby at Craven Cottage. Preston North End, currently the lowest-ranked team in the FA Cup, will host Aston Villa, who are still actively participating in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. Brighton & Hove Albion are guaranteed home advantage for their quarter-final, with their opponent to be determined following the Nottingham Forest versus Ipswich Town fixture at The City Ground. Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest will play Ipswich Town, with the ambition of securing the club's first major trophy since their League Cup victory in 1990.

There is a potential risk that seven players may be unavailable for return League of Madrid's UCL Derby.

Historically, Aston Villa's FA Cup triumph dates back to 1957, the same year as one of Bournemouth's prior quarter-final appearances, and they have been unsuccessful in lifting the trophy since, despite reaching the final in 2000 and 2015. Unai Emery's Aston Villa, still engaged in three competitions, will seek to avoid an upset against Preston North End, a team that last won the FA Cup in 1938 and currently occupies 15th position in the Championship.

Zirkzee has issued an apology to Manchester United supporters following his unsuccessful penalty attempt. 

Both Fulham and Crystal Palace have reached the FA Cup final in past seasons but have yet to claim the coveted title. Crystal Palace was defeated in their final appearances by Manchester United in 1990 and 2016, while Fulham's final hopes were dashed by West Ham in 1975. Brighton & Hove Albion experienced a similar outcome in the 1983 final, losing to Manchester United in a replay. While Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest are former FA Cup winners, the quarter-final lineup notably includes four teams still pursuing their first FA Cup victory.

José Mourinho has initiated legal proceedings against Galatasaray Sports Club. 

FA Cup Quarter-final Draw:

• Fulham v Crystal Palace
• Preston North End v Aston Villa
• Bournemouth v Manchester City
• Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest or Ipswich Town