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Charlie Nicholas' FA Cup predictions: Tottenham to book quarter-final place?

Generic Charlie Nicholas image 10/08/2016
Image: Charlie Nicholas previews this weekend's FA Cup action

Charlie Nicholas delivers his predictions for the FA Cup fifth round - and backs Tottenham to get past Rochdale.

Chelsea and Manchester United have already booked their places in the quarter-finals and have ties against Leicester and Brighton respectively too look forward to.

Can Tottenham and Manchester City join them? Here's what Charlie is predicting for the two remaining fifth round ties...

Rochdale v Tottenham (Sunday, 4pm)

I thought we were going have a good old gritty cup tie and then Rochdale decided to put down a new pitch.

Mauricio Pochettino will make a good few changes because that show of mental strength in Juventus will have been a really draining experience.

Fernando Llorente and Harry Kane applaud fans after the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund
Image: Fernando Llorente may take up the mantle in attack for Tottenham

Fernando Llorente and Moussa Sissoko will come in as Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen in particular need a rest. Heung-min Son should start and with the new pitch, I think Spurs will get the job done.

I think this will be another game for Toby Alderweireld to be eased back in again. I don't think there is anything more to his absence than managing his recovery because Pochettino is a very honest and open man.

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Charlie predicts: 0-2 and Son to score first (13/1 with Sky Bet)

Wigan v Manchester City (Monday, 7.55pm)

Wigan will have the great memories to motivate them here from their FA Cup win.

However, I think this will be another canter for Pep Guardiola's men, with Leroy Sane back in the mix, perhaps resting Sergio Aguero.

With no midweek game it should be a pretty strong City side so I can only see a third successive defeat for Wigan and City to move another step closer to the quadruple.

Charlie predicts: 0-3 and Sane to score first (18/1 with Sky Bet)

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