Milner expects a tough FA Cup test

Premier League champions Manchester City face a tough challenge when they travel to Stoke City in the FA Cup fourth round. Roberto Mancini's side are seeking FA Cup success for the second time in three years after beating their opponents 1-0 in the 2011 final. Midfielder James Milner said: "It should be a really good old fashioned FA Cup tie but we're confident, going there on the back of five straight wins. The Britannia Stadium is not the easiest of venues to go to but if we can quiet the home crowd early on then so much the better." "The fact that we're taking more than 4,000 fans is really important because the Stoke fans make a lot of noise, but our supporters are brilliant and will give as good as they get when it comes to creating an atmosphere." Stoke manager Tony Pulis is also aware of how big a role the fans can make in the outcome of the match. "We have to play to our maximum, and the crowd have to be at their maximum, for us to get a result on Saturday." In other fourth round fixtures, Manchester United host Fulham. Alex Ferguson's men have not won the competition since 2007 and equally shocking is the fact that the majority of his side have failed to win the competition in their careers. Martin Jol will lead his Fulham side to Old Trafford in the search of an FA Cup shock. "Hopefully we can come up with a surprise against Man United in the Cup," said the Dutchman. Arsenal, who travel to Brighton and Hove Albion, have already been the victims of a shock this season when they lost to Bradford City in the League Cup. However, the London club is showing signs of improvement after their 5-1 victory against West Ham United in the league. Following their victory, striker Lukas Podolski said: "After the two defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea, the atmosphere was not so good, but now we have won 5-1 and we look to the next game." Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful for the trip to the south coast after twisting his ankle in the win against the Hammers. There is good news on the horizon for the Gunners, however, with midfielder Abou Diaby in contention for a start as his long term rehabilitation continues after a thigh injury. From FIFA