Opta / Michael Lintorn / 25 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Here is Opta's verdict on the FA Cup fourth-round encounters taking place at QPR, Sheffield United, Stevenage and Sunderland this weekend...

QPR v Chelsea

Chelsea have only lost four of their last 35 FA Cup matches away from home.

The Blues have lost just two of the last 28 FA Cup matches and one of those was on a penalty shoot out.

QPR's win in a replay against MK Dons was their first win in 17 FA Cup games, the joint-longest run without a win by a league side in the competition (with Leeds United 1952-62).

The Hoops are in the fourth round for the first time since 2001, when they lost 0-6 at home to Arsenal.

QPR have lost 11 of their last 12 FA Cup meetings with top-flight sides, only beating West Ham in January 1995.

The last three meetings between QPR and Chelsea have ended 1-0 to the side playing at home.

None of the last nine meetings between the Hoops and the Pensioners has been won by more than a one-goal margin (two QPR wins, two draws, five Chelsea wins).

Sheffield United v Birmingham

Ched Evans is the top scorer in the FA Cup proper this season (five goals).

Sheffield United have won three of their last four at home to Birmingham.

Birmingham have eliminated the Blades on all three occasions that they have met in the FA Cup.

Sheffield United have scored exactly three goals in all three FA Cup games so far this season.

The Blades have progressed on five of the last six occasions that they have reached the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Birmingham have won four of their last five FA Cup matches on the road.

Stevenage v Notts County

Stevenage are in the fourth round of the FA Cup for the third time; they have been eliminated here on both previous occasions.

All three of Stevenage's FA Cup games so far this season have been away from home, though they have won all three without conceding a goal.

The Magpies won their only previous meeting with Stevenage 2-0 at Broadhall Way earlier this season.

County are in the fourth round for the third season running: they drew their previous two against Premier League clubs, going on to win one and lose one replay.

Notts County are unbeaten in their last seven FA Cup fourth round matches (excluding replays), winning three and drawing four.

The Magpies have won five of their last seven games away from home in the FA Cup, only losing at Fulham and Manchester City.

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Sunderland and Middlesbrough have been drawn together four times in the FA Cup. Sunderland have progressed twice, Middlesbrough once on the result and once because the Wearsiders were disqualified.

Middlesbrough have won none of the last four matches against Sunderland in all competitions (D2 L2), despite being ahead in three of the games.

The Black Cats haven't progressed beyond the fourth round since they made the 2004 FA Cup semi-finals.

Sunderland have won only five of their last 11 FA Cup games against sides from a lower division.

Boro have progressed to the next round on the last four occasions that they have reached the fourth round.

Middlesbrough have won only two of their last 13 FA Cup games against Premier League opponents.

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