EXCLUSIVE: We turned to Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence powered large language model called Grok for predictions for the FA Fifth Round after its Premier League predictions fared well
The FA Cup has reached the business end, with the fifth round taking place across the weekend. Highlight ties include Plymouth – who shocked the world by beating uncrowned Premier League champions Liverpool – travelling to Manchester City, and Manchester United taking on Fulham.
And while the cup might have lost its shine in the eyes of some pundits in recent years, it is still full of thrills, spills and upsets. So in the vein hope of trying to see where the big teams might fall, we turned to Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence powered large language model called Grok for predictions.
Last week we asked it for Premier League predictions, and it actually performed well – with one correct score, two correct results, and two correct goal amounts for two teams – but how will it fare with the oldest cup competition in the world?
Let’s find out, with Groks predictions below:
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City (8pm, February 28, 2025)
- Prediction: Aston Villa’s quality should prevail, but Cardiff’s cup-fighting spirit could make it close. I predict a 2-0 win for Aston Villa, leveraging their home advantage and squad depth.
Crystal Palace vs Millwall (12.15pm, March 1, 2025)
- Prediction: Crystal Palace’s current form and home advantage at Selhurst Park should see them through. I predict a 2-0 victory for Crystal Palace, as Millwall struggles to score against a Premier League defence.
Preston North End vs Burnley (12.15pm, March 1, 2025)
- Prediction: This Lancashire derby could be tight, but Burnley’s defensive record and slight edge in experience give them the advantage. I predict a 1-0 win for Burnley, as they edge out in a low-scoring affair.
AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (3.00pm, March 1, 2025)
- Prediction: Bournemouth’s current form and home advantage at the Vitality Stadium should see them through. I predict a 2-1 win for AFC Bournemouth, as they capitalize on Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle (5.45pm, March 1, 2025)
- Prediction: Manchester City’s quality and depth should dominate. I predict a 3-0 win for Manchester City, as Plymouth struggles to create chances against their defence.
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (1.45pm, March 2, 2025)
- Prediction: This could be close, but Newcastle’s home advantage tips the balance. I predict a 2-1 win for Newcastle United, as they exploit Brighton’s occasional defensive lapses.
Manchester United vs Fulham (4.30pm, March 2, 2025)
- Prediction: Manchester United is likely to edge this one, but it could be tight. Fulham’s attacking prowess means they could grab a goal, especially if they exploit any defensive lapses from United. I predict a 2-1 win for Manchester United but possibly only after a close, hard-fought contest.
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town (7.30pm, March 3, 2025)
- Prediction: Ipswich’s current form makes this competitive, but Forest’s Premier League depth should prevail. I predict a 2-1 win for Nottingham Forest, narrowly advancing at home.