United drawn against Pompey, Arsenal face Bolton in FA Cup

China Daily | Updated: 2007-01-10 07:40

LONDON: Premier League leaders Manchester United will face high-flyers Portsmouth at Old Trafford in the FA Cup after the draw for the fourth round was made on Monday.

In another top-six clash, Arsenal (fourth) are at home to fifth-placed bogey side Bolton Wanderers.

Chelsea, currently second in the Premier League, will also be at home where they will face League One Nottingham Forest, 2-0 conquerors of Premiership strugglers Charlton in the third round.

"It's a fantastic draw for us," Forest manager Colin Calderwood told the club website.

"The fact that it's an away draw and we're going to Stamford Bridge really whets the appetite because it's a chance for us to enjoy a touch of glamour."

Arsenal have already overcome Premiership opposition in this season's FA Cup, knocking out holders Liverpool with a 3-1 win at Anfield last weekend.

But Bolton, in their last seven games against Arsenal, have won four, drawn two and lost just one.

Nevertheless, Wanderers manager Sam Allarydce was wary of the trip to north London. "They remain unbeaten at the Emirates this season and, even though they have drawn a few at home, it will be a formidable task for us to go there and win or even bring them back to the Reebok for a replay."

Back in November, United beat Portsmouth, presently sixth in the table, 3-0 in a league match at Old Trafford.

"We can't afford to go there with anything other than a full-strength team," said Portsmouth assistant manager Tony Adams.

"It will be a tough tie in front of nearly 80,000 at Old Trafford and the last time we were there we got battered. We went there with key players missing and you can't expect too much when you do that.

"We would fancy our chances against anyone at Fratton Park but this is a real test and we will have to perform to the maximum to survive it," the former Arsenal and England defender added.

Both sides were involved in all-Premiership clashes last weekend, with Portsmouth beating Wigan 2-1 at Fratton Park and United defeating Aston Villa 2-1 with an injury-time winner.

4th rd draw

Arsenal v Bolton

West Ham v Watford

Bristol City or Coventry v Hull or Middlesbrough

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest

Chester or Ipswich v Swansea

Cardiff or Tottenham v Southend or Barnsley

Barnet or Colchester United v Peterborough or Plymouth

Birmingham or Newcastle v Reading or Burnley

Derby v Bristol Rovers

Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton

Crystal Palace v Preston