Myself and Ryan Deeney will predict all thirty-two matches which will be played
in the third round of the FA Cup. The key contest is undoubtedly the North
London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. In other games, Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer has his first match in charge of Cardiff at Newcastle, while Man Utd
hope to take a step towards a first major trophy without Fergie, when they host
Swansea. Wigan are unlikely to defend their FA Cup crown but begin their
attempt against MK Dons, and we look forward to seeing three non-league sides
in action. Here’s to some classic giant-killings.
Blackburn vs. Man City
Gabriel Home advantage is the one factor
which gives Blackburn a chance. The Rovers have taken two thirds of their
overall points tally from matches at Ewood Park, while Man City managed their
first back-to-back away wins only three days ago. The Citizens are also chasing
cup success in another competition. They play West Ham in the League Cup this
Wednesday, so you can expect Pellegrini to field a weakened team. 1-2.
Ryan No shock for this one. Having seen Manchester City rampage in the Capital One Cup so far, reaching the semi-finals of that particular cup, their strength in depth is as strong as it gets in British football. They'll have enough to get past a Blackburn side who have been in extremely inconsistent form throughout the Championship season. 0-3.
Aston Villa vs. Sheff Utd
Gabriel Sheffield United have improved
hugely in League One since Nigel Clough took over. They have recently been on
an eight match unbeaten run, and promise to climb further away from relegation
trouble. Premier League Aston Villa are a comfortable six points clear of the
drop themselves. However, they have only won twice at home, so the Blades could
earn themselves a replay. 1-1.
Ryan Paul Lambert made a horrendous comment that while perhaps true, showed a true lack of respect to the world's oldest cup competition. To say the F.A Cup isn't needed showed that lack of respect. Unfortunately for the lovers and true romantics of the competition, I believe they'll have just about enough in reserve to see off Sheffield United. 3-0.
Barnsley vs. Coventry
Gabriel Want entertainment? Watch a
Coventry City match. The Sky Blues have seen more goals be scored in matches
involving them, than any other Football League side. Coventry have conceded
forty-two goals, and are midtable in League One. Barnsley have let in exactly
the same number, but are struggling at the foot of the Championship. This
promises to be an entertaining contest, with a surprise away win on the cards.
1-2.
Ryan An interesting tie and one that certainly throws up a few questions. Coventry City have arguably been the side to watch this season in the Football League having been involved in a whopping 94 goals. They've scored more goals than anybody else and conceded only less than Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra. Barnsley have a new boss though and could do with a morale boosting victory. I'm going with a Coventry victory. 2-3.
Bolton vs. Blackpool
Gabriel No team in the Football League is
in worse form than Blackpool. Having been one of the early-season pace-setters
in the Championship, the Tangerines have taken just one point from their last
seven. Bolton are finding it difficult to gain momentum this season, and remain
only a few places above the relegation zone. With Blackpool in freefall though,
they can get their third home win of the season. 2-0.
Ryan It's been a frustrating start to the season for Bolton Wanderers fans yet results are improving for the Trotters with their position at the bottom of the table long gone as they look to head for mid-table at least. Blackpool meanwhile are 7 without a victory and are missing half of their squad through suspension and injury. A solid victory for the home side. 2-1.
Bournemouth vs. Burton
Gabriel Bournemouth are adjusting well to
life in the Championship, and are suitably free of relegation worries to enjoy
an FA Cup run. Burton currently take up an automatic promotion spot in League
Two, despite having scored less goals than all but one team in the top half. Thanks
partly to the signing of Phil Edwards this summer, the Brewers have massively
improved their defensive record of last season, and have only conceded three
goals in their last ten. Gary Rowett’s men will be difficult for Bournemouth to
break down. 1-0.
Ryan This is a potential surprise. Eddie Howe's Bournemouth play attractive football but the chances are that they will rest a few players and beyond the first XI, they don't possess the strongest squad. Burton will go all out to try and impress the neutrals and earn themselves a potential money spinner in the fourth round. 1-2.
Brighton vs. Reading
Gabriel Brighton are targeting a play-off
place in the Championship. They will be boosted by the fact that they have lost
just one of their last six, and have kept a number of clean sheets in recent
weeks. Reading are just one point behind their fellow-second tier opponents,
but will not be in as good a mood. The Royals have lost three of their last
four, and would do well to avoid another defeat. 2-1.
Ryan Both sides just outside the top six of the Championship. Things have hardly been easy for both clubs this season with relatively new managers trying to settle in to their new roles and take over clubs that very well run by previous managers. Expectations are high. 0-0.
Bristol City vs. Watford
Gabriel Two teams who appointed a new
manager last month, and in both cases the change has led to improved results.
Bristol City are showing promise of climbing out of the League One drop zone,
having just taken back-to-back wins, following the arrival of Steve Cotterill.
Watford have improved their form since Giuseppe Sannino took charge, and look
set to climb back into the top half of the Championship. A cup run would build
on a positive start for both managers. 1-2.
Ryan Away victory. Bristol City still possess a squad capable of plying their trade in the Championship on the whole yet they see themselves third from bottom in League One heading towards League Two if problems continue. Watford have a very strong squad of players though a shock would not surprise me. Bristol City beat Watford last season. 1-2.
Charlton vs. Oxford Utd
Gabriel This fixture was played back in
August in the first round of the Capital One Cup. Charlton ran away with a 4-0
win, yet both teams have since had contrasting first halves of a season.
Charlton are loitering above the relegation zone in the Championship, while
Oxford’s League Two promotion push has been helped by their superb away form.
The Us might just earn themselves a surprise replay. 1-1.
Ryan No shock in this one I'm afraid. Charlton have certainly been vulnerable this season both at home and on the road, but in spite of Oxford's bright start to the League Two campaign, Charlton will have enough. 3-1.
Doncaster vs. Stevenage
Gabriel Relegation threatens both clubs. After
late defeat at QPR, Doncaster have fallen inside the Championship relegation
zone. Paul Dickov’s side have taken just two points from their last seven
matches. Stevenage are in an even worse position in League One. They are now
bottom of the table, five points clear of safety, having shipped eight goals in
their last two games. Doncaster will not get a better opportunity to win a
match and boost morale. 2-0.
Everton vs. QPR
Gabriel Everton are chasing a European
spot in the Premier League, under the guidance of Roberto Martinez. QPR meanwhile,
are basing their promotion push in the Championship on defensive efficiency –
no team in the Football League has conceded less goals. With the aging Dunne
and Hill at the back however, QPR’s defence will be tested against a team who
play at a higher tempo to what they are used to facing. 2-0.
Ryan Impressively, Queens Park Rangers possess more Premier League appearances in their squad than Everton, showing the experience and quality that the away side will have in this fixture. Harry Redknapp isn't exactly a shrewd tactician though and they are lacking a striker. Everton's home record is exemplary, home win. 1-0.
Grimsby vs. Huddersfield
Gabriel Having been a second tier club
until 2003, a financial crisis hit Grimsby which led to a decline, and they are
now playing non-league football in the Conference. Currently operating without
a chairman, the Mariners are aiming to get back into League Two under the
guidance of Paul Hurst, who took the manager’s job this summer. On Saturday,
they face a Huddersfield side sitting midtable in the Championship. Mark Robins
has a number of experienced attacking options, so the Terriers can rotate their
forward line and still come out comfortable winners. 0-2.
Ryan This is what the neutrals want to see. Unfortunately, I don't see it going the way of the home side should the game take place. Huddersfield are hardly the most consistent outfit in the second tier of English football but they do possess quality in their side. 0-2.
Ipswich vs. Preston
Gabriel Ipswich are unbeaten in eight,
and Mick McCarthy’s side aim to hold onto their Championship play-off place. A play-off
spot is the least Preston should achieve in League One, they are now ten points
clear of seventh, having been helped by the goals of Joe Garner. The Lilywhites
have only lost once away from home all season, and could earn a replay from
their trip to East Anglia. 1-1.
Ryan As expected, Ipswich Town are going well under the management of Mick McCarthy and it comes as little surprise given the impression he has made with many of his clubs while managing in the Championship, even without the world's biggest budget. Preston are a much more stubborn side these days though under Simon Grayson. They may just miss out on this occasion in a dull affair. 2-0.
Kidderminster vs. Peterborough
Gabriel Kidderminster Harriers are just
outside the play-offs in the Conference. Having come close to promotion last
season, they are aiming to get back into the Football League for the first time
since 2005. Peterborough are falling away from the automatic promotion race in
League One, having lost eight of their last eleven games. Kidderminster don’t
go into this one with much more momentum though – they lost their last league
match 6-0. 1-3.
Ryan I told myself I would predict a real shock in this prediction piece and this is going to be that one. I'm a big fan of Darren Ferguson and Peterborough United because of their philosophy to football. Kidderminster Harriers were extremely unlucky last season not to win promotion but they'll get a taste of beating a Football League club on this occasion. 3-1.
Macclesfield vs. Sheff Wed
Gabriel Macclesfield might be midtable in
the Conference, but they are looking for a repeat of last season’s FA Cup
adventure. The Silkmen beat League One Swindon on their own turf, before
knocking out league leaders Cardiff in the third round, then losing narrowly to
eventual winners Wigan. Sheffield Wednesday have moved out of the Championship
relegation zone, since Stuart Gray became caretaker manager. The Owls must be
backed to beat a team three divisions below. 0-2.
Middlesbrough vs. Hull
Gabriel Middlesbrough have enjoyed an
upturn in form under new manager Aitor Karanka, having won three of their last
four Championship matches. Hull City are performing above expectations in the
Premier League, and now sit pretty in tenth. However, Steve Bruce admitted his
squad has not benefitted from playing many games lately, over the Christmas to
New Year period. He is unlikely to prioritize the FA Cup. 2-0.
Ryan Home win. I'll put it out there as Hull City are likely to ring the changes for this F.A Cup tie in a bid to keep players fresh for the Premier League season and their personal survival bid. Boro are flying at the moment with three wins and a draw from their last four. Must be new manager syndrome. 1-0.
Newcastle vs. Cardiff
Gabriel Newcastle are well established in
the top half of the Premier League, although they lost their last two matches.
Cardiff have just made the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will embark
on his first match as a manager in the Premier League. He reached the FA Cup
final four times in his Manchester United career, but further glory may not be
on his mind this time. His new Cardiff side are dangerously close to the
relegation zone. 2-1.
Ryan An interesting tie. Newcastle are in fine form and continue to stay in and around the top 7 clubs in the Premier League but they do face a Cardiff side with a brand new manager and something to play for. Solskjaer will be desperate to get off to a strong start. 3-1.
Norwich vs. Fulham
Gabriel Like Cardiff, both Norwich and
Fulham are battling relegation in the Premier League. Fulham’s survival bid has
been boosted by Rene Meulensteen, as the Cottagers have already won three
matches since his December appointment. One of those victories was in this same
fixture on Boxing Day, and it contributed to Norwich’s current run of five
games without a win. Avoiding the drop is a bigger priority for both clubs.
1-1.
Ryan Neither side are exactly enjoying things right now but floating above the drop zone is a relative success for both clubs. This head to head is perhaps one they could do without and the losers will certainly have reason to frown upon their progress. I'll play safe. 1-0.
Rochdale vs. Leeds
Gabriel A poor ‘goals against’ record
continues to be Rochdale’s problem. They conceded seventy last season, more
than any other top half team in the Football League, and their League Two
promotion hopes were recently dented by a 3-0 loss at Scunthorpe. They have not
got the best chance to re-organize here, when faced with Ross McCormack. In
England, only Luis Suarez has scored more goals than Leeds’ top marksman, who
holds the key to their play-off ambitions. This could be a high-scoring affair.
2-3.
Ryan No shock on the cards here. Leeds United have hardly been consistent this season but with strength in depth in midfield and a strong strike pairing currently banging in the goals, they have every reason to be optimistic about an away trip not to distant from their homes. 0-3.
Southampton vs. Burnley
Gabriel Southampton have only won one of
their last nine Premier League matches. Although, the Saints played five of the
top six teams in that time and remain fairly stable in the top half. Burnley
meanwhile, are fighting tooth and nail for automatic promotion in the
Championship. With a very small squad, Sean Dyche’s side would not benefit from
a run of games in the FA Cup. 3-0.
Ryan Sean Dyche would rather do without this game. His side have done superbly in the Championship and sit pretty in second position right now but they hardly have the strength in depth other sides around them possess in the Championship. The stability of the line-up each week has proved crucial. Southampton may run riot. 4-0.
Southend vs. Millwall
Gabriel Southend are well in the mix for
promotion in League Two, having lost just one of their last ten matches. Only
Chesterfield have conceded less goals than the Shrimpers, and since arriving in
the summer, Phil Brown has pulled off a coup by signing and captaining John
White in defence. Millwall have some history in the FA Cup. They reached the
final in 2004, and were semi-finalists last season. At the moment though, they
are struggling against relegation in the Championship, and are still deciding
on their next full-time manager. Southend can take advantage of this. 2-1.
Ryan I felt sorry for Steve Lomas being given the chop and the man following in his footsteps won't find things easy either. For now, caretaker boss Neil Harris takes his troops to Southend United and his former club could well provide a shock with the home side progressing well under Phil Brown in League Two.
Stoke vs. Leicester
Gabriel In the Premier League, Stoke have
not lost at home since September, with an excellent defensive record at the
Britannia Stadium. After a four game winning streak, Leicester have moved to
the top of the Championship, and Nigel Pearson’s side will fancy their chances
of getting into the Premier League. Stoke look comfortable in midtable and a
cup run would add some excitement to Mark Hughes’s first season in charge. 2-0.
Ryan I'm not quite sure what to make of this tie. I actually quite like what Mark Hughes is trying to do with Stoke City and they are playing much better football this season under his guidance and they are now 12th in the league, showing good signs of progress. Leicester are top of the league in the Championship and look on course for a shot at promotion once again. 2-2.
West Brom vs. Crystal Palace
Gabriel Keith Downing has steadied the
ship at West Brom, they have not lost any of his first few games in charge. The
Baggies are now four points from the Premier League drop zone, where Crystal
Palace currently sit. The Eagles have shown signs of revival under new manager
Tony Pulis. At Stoke, Pulis has often favoured a cup run, and notably took them
to the final in 2011. However, he will prioritize staying up this time, with
the relegation battle so tight. 2-1.
Wigan vs. MK Dons
Gabriel Uwe Rosler is unbeaten as manager
of Wigan, and that is unlikely to change against an MK Dons side who are stuck midtable
in League One. Patrick Bamford’s loan will expire after this match, which will
be a worry for boss Karl Robinson, as Bamford has scored fifteen of their
thirty-six league goals this season. Having already played six matches in the
Europa League this season, Wigan are hardly in need of another run of games,
but they have more quality than their opponents. 2-0.
Ryan Wigan are flying under new boss Uwe Rosler and the Latics could well find themselves defending their trophy in the fourth round of the competition as they face up to MK Dons who under Karl Robinson remain unable to push themselves back into the top six. 5-1.
Yeovil vs. Leyton Orient
Gabriel Two teams who look likely to swap
divisions this summer. Yeovil are joint-bottom of the Championship, and five
points from safety. As such a low-profile club, every league match they play
has the feel of a cup game for the Glovers. By contrast, promotion from League
One looks a real possibility for Russell Slade’s Leyton Orient. At the moment, the
Orient have arguably a stronger squad. 1-2.
Ryan Joint bottom of the Championship against third place in League One. Leyton Orient have somewhat shocked the Football League by flying to the top of League One and still look on course to repeat the feat Yeovil Town completed last season as Gary Johnson's love affair with the club carried on. Leyton Orient's boss is another former Yeovil Town boss who couldn't quite achieve the same feat as Johnson, losing in the play-off final. An interesting game - Yeovil Town. 2-0.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
Gabriel The highlight of the third round.
A North London derby between an Arsenal side top of the table, and a Tottenham
side who have made a strong start to life under Tim Sherwood. With an intense
battle for the title on his hands, Arsene Wenger might be tempted to rotate his
team slightly, after a congested period of matches. Tottenham recently won at
Old Trafford, and could be back in the race a Champions League spot. This match
might end up being something of an anti-climax. 0-0.
Ryan Ah, the big North London derby. Spurs are going all out attack at the moment with some real pace and precision - they might be able to get one over Arsenal. Nobody is actually testing Arsenal truly and the side that really did was Manchester City and look what happened there. 1-3.
Nottm Forest vs. West Ham
Gabriel Both teams have had their
respective ambitions hindered by crushing injury problems. Nottingham Forest
are seven Championship matches unbeaten, made all the more impressive by the
loss of key defenders, and captain Chris Cohen. West Ham have been without Winston
Reid and Andy Carroll for much of the season, meaning they are deep in
relegation trouble in the Premier League. If this is a top flight fixture next season,
both teams will have done exceptionally well. 1-1.
Ryan West Ham might need a victory in this to save Allardyce's job shamefully due to their frustrating run of form and there could be a lot of youngsters featuring in the side due to injury problems. Nottingham Forest are in decent form currently and could well come forth and produce again in front of their home crowd.
Sunderland vs. Carlisle
Gabriel Like West Ham, Sunderland are
looking more than capable of the drop, sitting bottom of the Premier League.
League One Carlisle have not won away since October, and are closer to the
relegation zone than the play-offs. Without home advantage, Graham Kavanagh’s
side do not look in the best place to force an upset. 2-0.
Ryan Fair play to Carlisle, they've got over their humiliating start to the season and are now in mid-table and looking quite rosy as they look to keep their place in the third tier. They could be just one division below Sunderland next season. Poyet should have his side raring to go for this one. 3-0.
Derby vs. Chelsea
Gabriel Home defeat to Wigan put end to
Derby’s incredible run of form, but the Rams still have automatic promotion in
their sights. Chelsea must always be fancied against Championship opposition,
simply due to the number of quality attacking players they have in their squad.
0-3.
Ryan Chelsea should win this. I'd be amazed if Jose Mourinho let his side fail to win against a Championship side in a cup competition he has been successful in during the past. A Cup win would go someway to making up for a potential failure to win the Premier League. Derby are going well, but won't have enough to beat Chelsea. 0-3.
Liverpool vs. Oldham
Gabriel In last season’s FA Cup, these
two teams provided the shock of the fourth round. Oldham knocked out Liverpool
in a 3-2 thriller at Boundary Park, thanks to two-goal hero Matt Smith. This
time around they will be without both Smith, who has signed for Leeds, and the
benefit of home advantage. Liverpool should put that result to bed with an easy
win. 3-0.
Ryan This was fun last season. I couldn't quite believe it when Oldham did get one of the red side of Merseyside but an away trip to Anfield won't serve them to well and despite last season's victory, they have a new manager in charge and were whacked 5-1 a couple of seasons back. 3-0.
Port Vale vs. Plymouth
Gabriel Port Vale are chasing a play-off
spot in League One. They have been fairly strong at home lately, having won
three of their last four at Vale Park, and had only been promoted from League
Two last season. They host Plymouth, who after a fine run of form, are eleven
points clear of the relegation zone in League Two. This good progress from the
Pilgrims after a couple of difficult seasons, but Port Vale should get the
better of them here. 2-1.
Ryan A true Football League match. Plymouth could provide a shock as Micky Adams look to rest one or two of his players in hope of a surprise play-off push come the end of the season. The Valiants are 8th in League One but Plymouth showed their mettle against Birmingham City in the first round of the Capital One Cup and could beat Port Vale if the home side rest players or fail to turn up. 0-2.
Man Utd vs. Swansea
Gabriel David Moyes will be targeting the
FA Cup, as potential salvation for Man United’s atrocious start to life without
Fergie. The Red Devils have a proud history in the competition, but have not
won it since 2004. Swansea have already got to cope with more Europa League
games this February, and their players are lacking some of the energy they had
last season. The last thing Laudrup will want is another series of games, so
this is United’s for the taking. 2-0.
Ryan Swansea seem to do well against the sides in and around them as they bid to finish in the top half of the Premier League but they have really struggled to beat the top sides with defeats against each of the top seven excluding the draw with Liverpool in September. 3-1.
*With a home tie against Crawley Town or Bristol Rovers to come, we're both predicting Birmingham City will be in the fourth round of the cup too*
My thanks to guest writer Ryan Deeney. Follow him on Twitter @RyanDeeney_T92
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