The numbers tell a haunting story: Never, 1938, 1957, 1959, 2023. These aren’t random digits but the last time seven of this season’s FA Cup quarter-finalists lifted the oldest cup competition in football. For clubs like Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, the FA Cup represents more than silverware—it’s a chance to rewrite history. Jeetbuzz dives deep into why this year’s tournament could deliver the most unexpected winner in decades.
The Underdogs’ Redemption Arc
Fulham: From Heartbreak to Hope
Two years ago, Fulham’s FA Cup dreams collapsed in spectacular fashion at Old Trafford—a Willian handball, Marco Silva’s dismissal, and Aleksandar Mitrović’s infamous red card turned a 1-0 lead into a 3-1 defeat. Fast forward to 2024, and the Cottagers exorcised those demons by knocking out Manchester United on penalties in the fifth round.
With a semi-final spot within reach (their first since 2002), Fulham’s blend of tactical discipline under Silva and Mitrović’s redemption arc makes them a dark horse.
Crystal Palace: Momentum vs. History
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace are the Premier League’s form team in 2024, winning nine of their last 12 matches. But their FA Cup narrative is laced with near-misses: runners-up in 1990 and 2016, and a semi-final loss to Chelsea in 2022.
Mateta’s resilience (25 stitches post-Millwall) mirrors Palace’s grit—but can they overcome their Craven Cottage curse?
With European qualification unlikely, the Cup offers a tangible trophy to crown their resurgence.
The Premier League’s Sleepers
Brighton: From Nearly Men to Contenders
Brighton’s rise under Roberto De Zerbi has been meteoric, yet their FA Cup record stings: semi-final defeats in 2019 (1-0 to Man City) and 2023 (penalties to United). This year, Danny Welbeck’s 114th-minute winner at Newcastle showcased their knockout pedigree.
Welbeck’s heroics kept Brighton’s dream alive—can they finally reach Wembley?
With seventh place in the Premier League secure, the Seagulls can prioritize ending their 41-year wait for a final.
Nottingham Forest: A Fairytale in the Making
Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton in February signaled their threat. Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed them into European contenders, but their FA Cup history (last won in 1959) adds emotional weight.
Sels’ shootout heroics vs. Ipswich kept Forest’s double ambitions alive.
For a club with two European Cups, ending a 65-year domestic drought would be poetic.
The Championship’s Cinderella Story
Preston: Defying the Odds
Paul Heckingbottom has guided Preston to their first quarter-final since 1966—a staggering feat for a club last crowned champions in 1938. With promotion unlikely, North End’s focus is clear: emulate Coventry’s 2023 run.
Preston’s tactical discipline could shock the Premier League elite.
The Heavyweight’s Last Stand
Man City: Guardiola’s Final Hope
For once, City aren’t favorites for the Premier League or Champions League. The FA Cup is their lone shot at silverware, but shaky wins over Leyton Orient and Plymouth exposed vulnerabilities.
De Bruyne’s creativity remains City’s X-factor—but Bournemouth await.
With Bournemouth having beaten them in November, Pep’s quest for a seventh semi-final in a row hangs in the balance.
Conclusion: A Trophy Worth Fighting For on Jeetbuzz
This year’s FA Cup isn’t just about glory—it’s about legacy. For Fulham, Brighton, and Forest, it’s a chance to end generational droughts. For Preston, it’s a dream. And for City, it’s salvation. Follow every twist on Jeetbuzz, where history isn’t just remembered—it’s made.
Which underdog will you back? Share your predictions below!
