Five biggest FA Cup fourth-round upsets including Bradford’s shock win over Chelsea and Middlesbrough KO’ing Man City
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SEVERAL lower league sides head into this weekend dreaming of conjuring up a classic FA Cup fourth round shock.
Plymouth travel to Chelsea and Hartlepool go to Crystal Palace, while Kidderminster host West Ham - with all three believing they can upset the apple cart.
While most EFL and Non-League sides have already bowed out of the Cup by this stage, those that remain know that they could really mix it with the big boys if they can reach round five.
Ahead of a thrilling FA Cup weekend, we round up some of the best fourth round upsets from recent years.
CHELSEA 2 BRADFORD 4 - 2015
When offering Argyle inspiration, where better to start than with another League One side that managed to pull off the improbable in West London.
Chelsea, who went on to win the Premier League title that year, were 2-0 up and cruising through goals by Gary Cahill and Ramires.
But the then-third tier side came roaring back, giving their 6,000 travelling supporters a day to remember.
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Jon Stead's effort on the stroke of half-time set the ball rolling, with Chelsea old boy Filipe Morais then finding a 75th minute equaliser.
Andy Halliday gave the Bantams an incredible lead eight minutes from time, while Mark Yeates added gloss deep into stoppage time - with the comeback leading Jose Mourinho to label his side a 'disgrace'.
OLDHAM 3 LIVERPOOL 2 - 2013
Oldham overcame Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool in a topsy-turvy cup classic back in 2013.
Paul Dickov's League One strugglers unleashed unorthodox 6ft 6in striker Matt Smith at the Reds, with defenders Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates unable to cope with his physicality.
Smith gave the Latics a third minute lead, although Luis Suarez levelled for Liverpool shortly after.
The lanky Oldham forward wasn't to be outshone, however, putting Oldham back in front on the stroke of half-time.
Ex-Man City youngster Reece Wabara made it 3-1 just after the break, and Joe Allen's late goal was merely a consolation - with Rodgers blasting his side's 'poor' mentality.
SUTTON 1 LEEDS 0 - 2017
Then in Non-League, Sutton United shocked English football when they defeated 1972 winners Leeds United at Gander Green Lane.
The Whites were 83 places above Sutton in the pyramid at the time, but that enormous gap was bridged on the plastic pitch.
Jamie Collins converted from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute, before Leeds defender Liam Cooper was red carded late on.
In addition to Cooper, fellow current Elland Road stars Stuart Dallas and Kalvin Phillips were also in action that day.
After the game, Leeds boss Garry Monk said: "It was a very frustrating performance, but it's my responsibility and I take it on the chin."
MAN CITY 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 2- 2015
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were handed a shock when they fell at home to Championship Boro in 2015.
With his side flagging in the league, Manuel Pellegrini's side hoped to salvage their season with a strong cup showing.
But it wasn't to come in this competition.
Patrick Bamford stunned City by giving his side a 53rd minute lead, before Kike sealed the upset deep into stoppage time.
On the secret to his side's success, Boro boss Aitor Karanka revealed: "At half-time I told my players - and maybe they thought I was crazy - 'Manchester City are in our hands because the only chances they had in the first half came from our mistakes.'"
AFC WIMBLEDON 4 WEST HAM 2 - 2019
Pellegrini was on the wrong end of another fourth round upset in 2019, this time as manager of West Ham.
The veteran Chilean described this Hammers debacle as a 'disaster'.
And it's no wonder, with the third-tier Dons having raced into a 3-0 lead at Kingsmeadow through Kwesi Appiah and a Scott Wagstaff double.
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Lucas Perez and Felipe Anderson did threaten to spare West Ham's blushes, but Toby Sibbick secured the win with a late header.
Pellegrini, 68, then claimed he was 'ashamed' of his players after the match.
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