FA Cup 2025 Quarterfinals: Fixtures & Updates

**🏆 FA Cup Quarterfinal Fever & Transfer Window Drama: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide 🚨**

The football world is buzzing with excitement as the **2024/25 FA Cup quarterfinals** kick off today, March 29, 2025, alongside a *blockbuster transfer saga* involving **Manchester United** and **Arsenal**. From underdog showdowns to high-stakes negotiations, here’s everything you need to know—packed with stats, streaming details, and insider updates!

### **🔥 FA Cup Quarterfinal Fixtures: March 29, 2025 – Dates, Times & How to Watch 🔥**

The oldest football competition in the world delivers another thrilling chapter with four electrifying matches today. Let’s break down the fixtures, key storylines, and where to catch the action live!

#### **1. 🦁 Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest 🦊 (12:30 PM GMT @ Stamford Bridge)**

**The Lowdown**: Premier League giants Chelsea face Championship surprise package Nottingham Forest. Forest, unbeaten in their last 10 FA Cup matches, aim to replicate their 2022 Cinderella run.

- **Key Stats**:

- Chelsea: 14 FA Cup titles (2nd all-time).

- Forest: 2 wins in their last 5 meetings vs. Chelsea.

- **Player to Watch**: *Cole Palmer* (Chelsea) – 8 goals in this year’s competition.

**How to Stream**: *BBC One (UK)*, *ESPN+ (USA)*, *Sony Sports Network (India)*.

#### **2. ⚔️ Manchester City vs. Newcastle United 🦅 (3:00 PM GMT @ Etihad Stadium)**

**The Clash of Titans**: Defending champions Man City host Newcastle, who haven’t lifted the Cup since 1955. Pep Guardiola’s side is chasing a historic *quadruple*.

- **Key Stats**:

- Man City: 75% possession average in FA Cup 2024/25.

- Newcastle: *Alexander Isak* – 6 goals in 4 Cup appearances.

- **Injury Alert**: Kevin De Bruyne (City) – doubtful with a hamstring strain.

**How to Stream**: *ITV1 (UK)*, *Paramount+ (USA)*, *DAZN (Canada)*.

#### **3. 🌟 Liverpool vs. Leicester City 🦊 (5:30 PM GMT @ Anfield)**

**The Red Resurgence**: Liverpool, unbeaten in 18 home games, take on Leicester’s counter-attacking maestros.

- **Key Stats**:

- Liverpool: 8 FA Cup titles; *Mohamed Salah* needs 1 goal to break Ian Rush’s club Cup record (42).

- Leicester: 3-2 upset vs. Spurs in the Round of 16.

- **Wildcard**: Leicester’s *Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall* – 4 assists in the Cup.

**How to Stream**: *BBC iPlayer (UK)*, *FuboTV (USA)*, *Optus Sport (Australia)*.

#### **4. 🛡️ Brighton vs. Blackburn Rovers 🌊 (8:00 PM GMT @ Amex Stadium)**

**The Underdog Derby**: Brighton’s possession-heavy style meets Blackburn’s gritty Championship resolve.

- **Key Stats**:

- Brighton: Reached the semifinals in 2023; *Kaoru Mitoma* – 3 goals, 5 dribbles per game.

- Blackburn: First quarterfinal since 2015; *Sammie Szmodics* – top scorer (12 goals) in Championship.

**How to Stream**: *ITVX (UK)*, *Peacock (USA)*, *SuperSport (Africa)*.

### **💥 Transfer Window Thunder: Man United & Arsenal Battle for “Exciting” Signing 💥**

While the FA Cup takes center stage, the transfer rumor mill is in overdrive! **Manchester United** and **Arsenal** are locked in a tug-of-war for a *mystery star*, with the Gunners reportedly holding “advanced talks” this week.

#### **🚨 The Target: Who Is It? 🚨**

Though sources are tight-lipped, speculation points to **RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old midfielder Xavi Simons** (on loan from PSG). The Dutch wonderkid has 12 goals and 9 assists in the Bundesliga this season.

- **Key Stats**:

- Simons: 4.3 dribbles per game (top 5% in Europe).

- Market Value: €75 million (Transfermarkt).

- **Arsenal’s Edge**: Mikel Arteta met Simons’ agent in London last week.

#### **🔴 Man United’s Play: Ten Hag’s Rebuild 🔴**

Erik ten Hag aims to overhaul United’s midfield, with *Casemiro* likely departing. Simons’ creativity fits Ten Hag’s Ajax-style system.

- **Roadblocks**:

- PSG’s buy-back clause (€60 million).

- United’s FFP restrictions after €200M summer spend.

#### **⚪ Arsenal’s Strategy: Arteta’s “Project Youth” ⚪**

The Gunners see Simons as a *Martin Ødegaard* understudy. With Champions League football secured, they can offer European allure.

- **Stat Attack**:

- Arsenal’s midfield goals in 2024/25: 18 (2nd in Premier League).

- Transfer Budget: €150 million (The Athletic).

#### **💰 The Financial Chessboard 💰**

- **PSG’s Role**: Can veto any move; might demand Simons back for 2025/26.

- **Wage War**: Arsenal offers €180k/week; United ready to go to €220k.

- **Fan Reaction**: #Simons2025 trends on Twitter/X for both clubs.

### **📊 Key FA Cup & Transfer Stats Recap 📊**

1. **FA Cup Giant-Killers**: 6 Championship clubs have beaten Premier League teams since 2020.

2. **Transfer Success Rate**: Arsenal’s last 5 “mystery target” signings (Rice, Havertz, etc.) boosted their points by 22% year-on-year.

3. **Historic Quarterfinals**: 80% of home teams in FA Cup quarters since 2010 have advanced.

### **🔮 Predictions & Final Thoughts 🔮**

- **FA Cup Upset Alert**: Leicester to stun Liverpool 2-1.

- **Transfer Winner**: Arsenal to sign Simons if PSG cooperates; United pivots to João Neves.

- **Fan Takeaway**: “This Cup could save Ten Hag’s job!” – @UnitedFanTV.

**📣 Engagement Time!**

*Who’s your FA Cup favorite? Should Arsenal break the bank for Simons? Comment below! 👇⚽*