The predictability of the FA Cup has been blown to bits by the most remarkable group of semi-finalists for decades. The absence of the Big Four won't be missed by most people amid the true magic of the competition.
'The early exit of the Big Four has blown ''predictable'' out of the water and shown the FA Cup to be an exciting competition once more'
The 2008 FA Cup Final will be one to remember. No Big Four means no forgone conclusions and no ''seen it all before''. No 11-time champions here.
Cardiff City, Portsmouth and Barnsley have won the FA Cup once each, in 1927, 1939 and 1912 respectively. The team with the most silverware is West Bromwich Albion who have lifted the trophy five times, the last occasion being 1968. But with none of 2008’s semi-finalists having made the final in 40 years, this year’s showdown promises to be fresh and exciting.
With one of these four sides gaining automatic entry into the UEFA Cup, it is not just the FA competition that will see some fresh blood this year – and that can only be a good thing for a competition that has been accused of being ‘stagnant’ in recent years.
By this stage, supporters of the Big Four are usually looking forward to their team fighting for a place in the FA Cup final in a ‘Clash of Titans’ whilst other fans lose interest. But not this year. Those who stick by their less-successful sides through thick and thin are finally being rewarded for their patience and the four semi-finalists are gaining more and more new fans as the tournament progresses.
More support for the three Championship clubs can only lead to bigger gates, more income and better prospects for the second tier of English football as a whole. This year's outcome could also see the poor relation of the Premier League getting a long-overdue boost in both money and popularity.
In recent memory, the theory behind the FA Cup – that any tiny minnow has the opportunity to beat off the giants and win, regardless of league standing – has been little more than just theory. This year, however, the David versus Goliath nature of the competition has returned, a very good thing for football as apathy has been developing towards the ‘predictable’ nature of the Cup.
The early exit of the Big Four has blown ‘predictable’ out of the water and shown the FA Cup to be an exciting competition once more.
With a fresh, new mix of teams, 2008’s FA Cup promises to be both original and interesting, as the FA Cup is supposed to be. It’s anybody’s game.
Which two teams will reach the 2008 FA Cup Final? Tell us in the comments box below - or write an article for Sportingo.