The FA Cup is the best domestic cup competition in the world and the oldest. It is steeped in history but in recent years has seen its stock fall due to the influx of cash at the top of the English game. Yet, for the fans, it is still a winnable trophy which would be considered a historic moment in club history.
There are several teams who should be going all out to make sure they bring this season’s FA Cup back to their club and with it the recognition and silverware the fans are crying out for. Here are four teams that we think should be going all out to win the premier domestic cup:
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Wolverhampton Wanderers
When Wolves beat Honved in 1954, a Hungarian side with six players who had represented the national team in a 6-3 victory over England at Wembley not long before, they were crowned “the Champions of the world” but the club have had some lean years when it comes to silverware.
They were excellent last season upon their return to the top-flight but winning the FA Cup would be the icing on the cake for the success they have experienced under Nuno Espirito Santo. They last won the competition in 1960 so a meaningful trophy is long overdue with their last silverware coming in 1980 when they won the League Cup.
They have the quality and players to challenge and with Liverpool looking for a title and the other ‘big’ clubs trying to reach the top-four, this could be the perfect opportunity for Wolves.
Everton
Joe Royle was the last manager to lead the Toffees to FA Cup glory when a Paul Rideout goal decided the 1995 final against Manchester United. Marco Silva’s side have really struggled in the league so a cup victory could be just the remedy they need. FA Cup betting markets have them down at 20/1 to win the competition this season and it is certainly achievable with the quality in the squad.
Everton spent over £100 million on players this summer, including £29m on Moise Keane and £28m on Alex Iwobi, so one trophy should be the least they can reward the supporters and chairman with.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles have a fraught history with the FA Cup having never won the competition but been so close on a number of occasions. They were runners up in 1990 and 2016 but you feel they deserve something especially considering they have one of the most positive fan bases in London. Roy Hodgson has been doing a good job at Selhurst Park but a trophy would be a nice confirmation of the improvements made since the former England manager took charge.
West Ham United
The pressure is growing on West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini. The former Man City boss has not been able to demonstrate any improvement at the club even though he has spent a lot of money on bringing in players of his choosing. Being dumped out of the League Cup by third-tier Oxford United in a 4-0 humiliation didn’t help his cause so an FA Cup trophy would be a welcome relief from a disappointing Premier League campaign for Hammers fans.
