The most open FA Cup quarter-final draw in years has handed the only remaining Championship side a home tie against Aston Villa.
Preston North End breezed past Burnley in the fifth round to earn their spot in the last eight, but Unai Emery‘s side visiting Deepdale will present an entirely different challenge.
Manchester United‘s penalty shootout defeat to Fulham means Manchester City are the only one of the traditional Premier League “Big Six” remaining in the competition.
Last season’s losing finalists City will have to beat Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth for a spot in the final four – a stage the Cherries have never reached in their history.
Pep Guardiola’s waning force had to overcome an early scare from Plymouth Argyle to reach this point, eventually prevailing in a 3-1 win.
Meanwhile, Brighton are aiming to reach their third FA Cup semi-final in seven years after their controversial victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey were both sent off before a Fabian Schar goal was ruled out in added time after semi-automated technology revealed a marginal offside.
Danny Welbeck’s extra-time finish earned Fabian Hurzeler’s side a match against either Nottingham Forest or Ipswich, who play their fifth-round tie on Monday evening.
The final tie is a London derby between two teams who have never won this competition, with Fulham not reaching the final since 1975.
They host Crystal Palace after Oliver Glasner’s side beat Millwall in a tense clash on Saturday defined by Liam Roberts’ dangerous flying kick on Jean-Philippe Mateta early in the game.
An own goal from Japhet Tanganga and goals from Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah earned their semi-final spot.
Fulham had not beaten United in the FA Cup since 1908, but they weathered a chaotic match to get the better of the penalty shootout.
Calvin Bassey’s goal shortly before half-time gave Marco Silva’s side the lead, but Bruno Fernandes equalised midway through the second half.
But missed penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee cost United the chance to defend their title and raised the chances a new name will be engraved on the trophy in May.
FA Cup quarter-final draw in full
Matches to be played the weekend of 29 March
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Preston vs Aston Villa
- Bournemouth vs Man City
- Brighton vs Nottingham Forest/ Ipswich
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