FA Cup Third Round Preview
Its Cup action again, the FA Cup’s third round starts tomorrow and teams all around are gearing up after the busy Christmas period. Its not exactly a blockbuster fixture, but its cup football, and the unexpected sometimes does happen. Lets see what the Premier League sides have on their hands.
Burnley v Arsenal
League leaders Arsenal visit Burnley, and I’m quite sure Arsene Wenger would be fielding his reserve side here, and said that it will be cruising win for them. The team has got too much quality for Burnley and I just cant think of any other result than a comfortable Arsenal win.
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Now this should be a great game. Its like a last season’s replay when United met Aston Villa. Manchester United hasn’t been firing on all cylinders lately, but vital players like Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs would have had sufficient rest before the game and should provide the edge over Villa. Its going to be a very tough game nevertheless as Aston Villa has been very good at home this season and it will be a close game. Although United has had the upper hand over the years at Villa Park still I won’t be surprised to see another draw here.
Chelsea v QPR
Chelsea still has injuries to deal with, but I think they still have enough quality over QPR. Chelsea is always a difficult side to play at Stamford Bridge, and with Michael Ballack back in the side, I think it will be a comfortable victory for the Chelsea.
West Ham v Man City
Another of the all premiership sides clash, promises to be a high voltage game. West Ham has been playing good lately, and although City’s away form isn’t that great, will still give a fight at Upton Park. I reckon both the sides would be fighting it off in the midfield and would be in for a draw, but City should still nick it in the end. A late goal by Elano to win it for City.
Luton v Liverpool
Liverpool isn’t really in the form it should be, but enough for them to see out Luton. Liverpool should win it, but I wont be surprised to see Luton score here. Playing at home, they might fancy an upset but I don’t see it coming. Liverpool should win it in the end if not comfortably.
Everton v Oldham
Now I don’t see any other result than a very comfortable victory for Everton. They are in excellent form and being at home it will be a walk in the park for them. The goals are coming for them easily and I don’t think scoring will be a problem at all here.
Ipswich v Portsmouth
Pompey’s away form will be the key here. They have been exceptionally good playing away this season and although Ipswich will be a good enough side to play, I’ll still go for a Pompey win. Redknapp knows its a tough game and I won’t be surprised to see a lot of the first team players on the field.
Blackburn v Coventry
Another premiership side on a good run. Although hasn’t got the result they might want wanted recently in the premier league but still more than a match for Coventry. They should find goals easily and the home advantage coupled with good form should make it an easy win for Mark Hughes’ side.
Stoke v Newcastle
Sam Allardyce is under some pressure and Stoke would want to take advantage of that, playing at home they would go all out attack on Newcastle and things will be pretty close. Newcastle hasn’t been convincing lately and a win will be a hard to come. They might want to force a replay and win it at home.
Tottenham v Reading
Another all premiership side game, and will be a closely fought affair. Reading is spirited side but Spurs have a big squad and should be able to hold on to a lead, which won’t be a problem, as Berbatov is in hot form. Reading will still manage to score but I don’t see any other result other than a Spurs victory.
Bolton v Sheff Utd
Now this will be a cracking game. Bolton hasn’t been really good this season and Sheffield United would want to expose more of their problems. It will be a very closely fought game and could really go either way.
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Another game like Bolton v Sheffield United and promises to be a narrow game. Boro are away at Bristol City and will have a fight on their hands and might even loose. It will be a narrow win although, and Bristol City might win it.
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Alex McLeish’s side has definitely improved a lot under him, and this should be a win for them. They are playing better football and Jerome should find the net easily.
Sunderland v Wigan
I have to go for a Sunderland win. The spirits will be high at the Stadium of Light and although Wigan came out with a point from Anfield, I still think Sunderland will be a tough side to play on the day. Roy Keane will make sure his players are up for it and will provide a very tough game for Lactics, and should win it eventually.
Fulham v Bristol Rovers
Fulham has to win it, the new manager wouldn’t have wanted to have a cup game so early in the new office, but that shouldn’t be a problem for the premiership side. They have been showing signs of improvement and would win it on home advantage.
Derby v Sheff Wed
Derby has been finding net often lately and thats good news for them really, as they are looking like to return to Championship next season and would want to go as further as they can in the cup competitions. So I fancy a Derby win here with goals being scored more than once.
Here is the complete list of fixtures:
Saturday, 05 January 2008
Aston Villa v Man Utd, R3, 17:15
Barnsley v Blackpool, R3, 15:00
Blackburn v Coventry, R3, 15:00
Bolton v Sheff Utd, R3, 15:00
Brighton v Mansfield, R3, 15:00
Bristol City v Middlesbrough, R3, 15:00
Charlton v West Brom, R3, 15:00
Chasetown v Cardiff, R3, 13:00
Chelsea v QPR, R3, 15:00
Colchester v Peterborough, R3, 15:00
Everton v Oldham, R3, 15:00
Huddersfield v Birmingham, R3, 15:00
Ipswich v Portsmouth, R3, 15:00
Norwich v Bury, R3, 15:00
Plymouth v Hull, R3, 15:00
Preston v Scunthorpe, R3, 15:00
Southampton v Leicester, R3, 15:00
Southend v Dag & Red, R3, 15:00
Sunderland v Wigan, R3, 15:00
Swansea v Havant and W, R3, 15:00
Swindon v Barnet, R3, 15:00
Tottenham v Reading, R3, 15:00
Tranmere v Hereford, R3, 15:00
Walsall v Millwall, R3, 14:00
Watford v Crystal Palace, R3, 15:00
West Ham v Man City, R3, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Cambridge Utd, R3, 14:00
Sunday, 06 January 2008
Burnley v Arsenal, R3, 14:00
Derby v Sheff Wed, R3, 14:00
Fulham v Bristol Rovers, R3, 14:00
Luton v Liverpool, R3, 16:00
Stoke v Newcastle, R3, 18:00
Bleh!!
Villa Park = New Home:)