The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well in 2025, with this year’s competition producing the most shocking underdog stories in recent memory. As we approach the quarterfinals, three non-Premier League teams remain in contention, each with a legitimate chance to make history.
In this 2,000-word exclusive, we:
✔ Profile the giant-killers still standing
✔ Analyze their paths to Wembley glory
✔ Break down tactical approaches that work against elite clubs
✔ Reveal the financial impact of a deep cup run
✔ Predict which Cinderella story has the best shot
1. The 2025 FA Cup Underdogs Still Standing
League One’s Lincoln City: The Tactical Masterclass
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Road to Quarters:
✅ Beat Southampton (PL) 2-1
✅ Eliminated Crystal Palace (PL) on penalties -
Secret Weapon: Manager Mark Kennedy’s 5-3-2 low block
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Key Player: Ethan Erhahon (3.8 tackles/game)
Lincoln’s full scouting report
⚔️ Championship’s Coventry City: The Comeback Kings
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Dramatic Wins:
✅ 3-2 vs Tottenham (from 2-0 down)
✅ 120′ winner vs Fulham -
X-Factor: USMNT’s Haji Wright (5 cup goals)
National League’s Bromley FC: The Ultimate Cinderella
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First-ever non-league quarterfinalist since 2017
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Shock Results:
✅ 1-0 vs Championship leaders Burnley
✅ 2-1 vs Championship’s West Brom -
Home Advantage: Artificial turf at Hayes Lane
2. Historical Context: When Minors Made History
Last Non-PL Winners
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2013 – Wigan Athletic (Relegated same season)
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2008 – Portsmouth (Last non-“Big 6” winner)
Modern Giant-Killing Trends
Fewer upsets since 2015 (PL squad depth increased)
2025 resurgence (3 non-PL teams in QFs first time since 2008)
3. Tactical Blueprint for Cup Success
Defensive Mastery (Lincoln’s Approach)
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5-4-1 formation (Only 28% avg. possession)
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Set-piece focus (78% goals from dead balls)
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Counterattack triggers (Exploit slow CB pairings)
⚡ Transition Play (Coventry’s Strength)
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Direct passes to Wright (4.3 long balls/game)
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Press-resistant midfield (Sheaf 88% pass accuracy)
️ Home Fortress (Bromley’s Edge)
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Artificial surface advantage (Opponents’ win rate: 19% at Hayes Lane)
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12th man effect (8,000-capacity crowd sounds like 80,000)
4. The Financial Windfall at Stake
Prize Money Comparison
| Round | Prize | Total If Bromley Wins Final |
|---|---|---|
| QF | £450K | £3.9M |
| SF | £1M | |
| Final | £2M |
Additional Value
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Player valuations increase 200-300%
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EFL TV revenue bonuses
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Sponsorship bumps (Lincoln’s kit deal doubled)
5. The Quarterfinal Matchups: Path to Glory
Lincoln City vs Manchester United
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Key Battle: Erhahon vs Fernandes (Who controls tempo)
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United’s Weakness: Set-piece defense (Conceded 12 this season)
Coventry City vs Liverpool
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Liverpool’s Rotated Squad? (Prioritizing PL title race)
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Wright vs Van Dijk: Aerial duel to watch
Bromley FC vs Newcastle
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Newcastle’s Injury Crisis: 5 defenders out
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Artificial Turf Factor: Toon never played on it
6. Expert Predictions: Who Advances?
Paul Merson (Sky Sports)
“Coventry has the best shot – Haji Wright is unplayable right now.”
Chris Sutton (BBC)
“Bromley will shock Newcastle. The magic of the cup lives!”
Our Projected Semifinals
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Man City vs Coventry
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Chelsea vs Bromley
7. What a Win Would Mean for These Clubs
Lincoln City
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Biggest payout in club history (£4M+)
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Championship football likely in 2026
Coventry City
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Premier League promotion push boosted
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Wright’s transfer value hits £25M+
Bromley FC
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Non-league to Europa League? (If City win UCL)
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Stadium expansion plans fast-tracked
8. How to Watch & Support the Underdogs
UK Viewing: BBC One (Bromley match), ITV4 (Coventry)
International: ESPN+ (US), DAZN (Canada)
️ Tickets: Bromley’s sold out in 9 minutes
Final Verdict: Believe the Hype
This could be the year when:
✅ A non-league team reaches Wembley
✅ Championship clubs outspend PL giants
✅ The FA Cup regains its magic
Our Pick: Coventry to reach final, Bromley to semifinals
Your Turn: Who’s Your Favorite Underdog?
Vote at @SoccerNewsz
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