SUPER SATURDAY: FA CUP QUARTER-FINALS MEET SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWNS!
This is it. The biggest Saturday of the sporting calendar so far. Three FA Cup quarter-finals including the Hollywood storyline of Wrexham vs Chelsea, TWO massive Six Nations clashes, and nearly ten hours of non-stop action. If you're not at The Bedford today, where on earth are you?
⚽ MANSFIELD VS ARSENAL — 12:15
The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well! Mansfield Town, the League One side, have somehow battled their way to the quarter-finals and now face the Gunners at Field Mill. Arsenal will be heavy favourites but they'll need to show more cutting edge than they've managed in some Premier League outings.
Expect Mansfield to give absolutely everything. Their fans have been brilliant all cup run, and the atmosphere will be hostile. But class usually tells in the end. Arsenal to progress, but don't expect a cricket score.
🏉 SCOTLAND VS FRANCE — 14:10
Murrayfield will be absolutely bouncing for this Six Nations clash. Scotland have been building nicely under Gregor Townsend, while France remain the team everyone wants to beat. Les Bleus have the firepower to hurt anyone, but Scotland at home in the Six Nations is always a massive occasion.
The French backs are scary good, but Scotland's pack will look to dominate at the breakdown. Expect a physical, attritional battle with moments of magic from either side.
🏉 ITALY VS ENGLAND — 16:40
The one England fans have been waiting for — and possibly dreading. Italy have shown signs of life in recent years and can no longer be considered the whipping boys of the tournament. Rome will be hostile, the Azzurri fans will be in full voice, and England need to deliver after some inconsistent performances.
England should have too much firepower, but they need to start fast and kill the game early. Let Italy hang around and Stadio Olimpico will become a cauldron. Marcus Smith at 10 is key — give him time and space and he can unlock any defence.
⚽ WREXHAM VS CHELSEA — 17:45
THIS IS THE ONE. The Hollywood story continues! Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham have captured the world's imagination, and now they host Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals. You couldn't write a better script.
The Racecourse Ground will be absolutely rocking. Wrexham have shown they can compete at higher levels, and their organisation and spirit are immense. Chelsea have the quality to blow them away, but will they have the mentality? This could be box office.
⚽ NEWCASTLE VS MAN CITY — 20:00
The perfect nightcap. Two heavyweights going toe-to-toe at St James' Park. Newcastle have become a genuine force under Eddie Howe, while Manchester City remain the benchmark despite a more challenging season than usual. This has goals written all over it.
Expect an open, entertaining game. Newcastle won't sit back at home — that's not Howe's style. But City have the quality to hurt anyone in transition. Erling Haaland vs Newcastle's defence will be unmissable. This could be the game of the round.
🍺 DON'T WATCH AT HOME!
Ten hours of world-class sport. Three FA Cup quarter-finals. Two Six Nations showdowns. Multiple screens. Great pints. Even better atmosphere.
The Bedford is THE place to be this Saturday.
Call 01892 578538We'll have all five fixtures across our screens with full sound on the big games. First kick-off is 12:15 and we're going right through to the final whistle at St James' Park (probably around 10pm). That's a serious session, so pace yourselves!
Our kitchen will be running all day with proper pub grub to keep you fuelled. Pints are cold, atmosphere is buzzing, and the only decision you need to make is which seat to grab.
See you at the bar,
— The Bedford Team 🍺