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Premier League clubs dominate FA Cup after fifth-round draw

After what was a great afternoon for Chelsea, a combination of Mark Lawrenson and Ruud Gullit have drawn the Blues against Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

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Their reward for advancing to the FA Cup fifth round is a home date with Premier League rivals and current title challengers Manchester City. Also, it’s: Bournemouth vs. Everton; Reading vs West Bromwich Albion/Peterborough; Watford vs. Leeds; Blackburn vs. Liverpool/West Ham.

The two sides met in the 2014 final and the third round of last year in the previous two years, with the Gunners winning both fixtures and going on to secure the FA Cup in both seasons.

Chelsea are unbeaten in nine games under interim boss Guus Hiddink, who led the club to victory in the 2009 final during his first spell in charge.

With the FA Cup fourth round ties this weekend, clubs have been allocated ball numbers for the next stage of the competition.

They have had an inconsistent year in League One, being thrashed 7-1 by Chesterfield in early January before a good win against league leaders Burton Albion.

It is a classic FA Cup tie, but the television executives will be debating its merits as tie of the round as the draw also threw together Chelsea and Manchester City.

Dates: The fixtures will be played from February 19 to February 22.

United have never faced Shrewsbury competitively but will be hoping to get off to a good start against their 214th competitive opponent.

Louis van Gaal’s side progressed comfortably to the fifth round after beating Derby County 3-1 at Pride Park, and United will be looking to overcome the League One side easily again.

Holders Arsenal, bidding to become the first team since 1886 to win the FA Cup for three years in a row, will meet Championship side Hull City in the competition for the third year running.

“It’s a final”, Hiddink said.

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Sky Bet League 1 Peterborough battled to a 2-2 draw at West Brom, and if they win through the replay would head to Championship side Reading, who beat Walsall 4-0.

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