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The Magic of the FA Cup Third Round
For many football fans, the FA Cup third round is the most exciting weekend in the English football calendar. This stage of the world’s oldest football competition introduces the top two divisions of English football, bringing with it the potential for giant-killings, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments.
This year marks a historic change: for the first time in the competition’s 153-year history, all 32 fixtures will be decided on the same day they kick off, with no replays. The addition of penalty shootouts increases the unpredictability, making this round even more thrilling. Below are predictions for each fixture of the third round.
Thursday 9 January
Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (19:00 GMT)
Championship rivals clash at Bramall Lane. Sheffield United, riding high in the league, are expected to edge past struggling Cardiff City. Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Cardiff City
Everton vs Peterborough United (19:45 GMT)
Everton’s focus may be on the league, but they should have enough to progress past third-tier Peterborough. Prediction: Everton 1-0 Peterborough United
Fulham vs Watford (19:45 GMT)
Fulham face second-tier Watford at Craven Cottage. Despite a poor historical record, Fulham are favorites. Prediction: Fulham 3-1 Watford
Friday 10 January
Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth (19:45 GMT)
Wycombe’s form could give them the edge over Championship side Portsmouth, who struggle away from home. Prediction: Wycombe 2-0 Portsmouth
Aston Villa vs West Ham United (20:00 GMT)
An all-Premier League affair sees Villa tipped to come out on top. Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 West Ham United
Saturday 11 January
A packed day of fixtures offers the potential for surprises and dominant displays from top teams.
Early Kick-offs
Birmingham vs Lincoln (12:00 GMT): Birmingham to narrowly win. Prediction: 2-1
Bristol City vs Wolves (12:00 GMT): Wolves to deliver a dominant performance. Prediction: 0-3
Middlesbrough vs Blackburn (12:00 GMT): A tight victory for Boro. Prediction: 1-0
Afternoon Matches
Liverpool vs Accrington (12:15 GMT): Liverpool to cruise past the League Two side. Prediction: 4-0
Leicester vs QPR (14:00 GMT): High-scoring draw with Leicester winning on penalties. Prediction: 3-3 (Leicester pens)
Chelsea vs Morecambe (15:00 GMT): A rout expected at Stamford Bridge. Prediction: 7-0
Other Key Fixtures:
Bournemouth 2-0 West Brom
Brentford 3-0 Plymouth
Norwich 2-2 Brighton (Norwich pens)
Man City 4-1 Salford City (17:45 GMT)
Evening Matches
Coventry vs Sheffield Wednesday (18:00 GMT): Coventry to prevail. Prediction: 2-1
Leyton Orient vs Derby (18:00 GMT): Derby to edge through. Prediction: 2-3
Mansfield vs Wigan (18:00 GMT): A penalty shootout likely. Prediction: 1-1 (Wigan pens)
Sunday 12 January
Arsenal vs Manchester United (15:00 GMT)
The highlight of the third round sees Arsenal host Manchester United. A tightly fought match could be decided by penalties. Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United (Arsenal pens)
Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 GMT)
Non-league Tamworth face Premier League Spurs in a classic David vs. Goliath encounter. Spurs should advance comfortably. Prediction: Tamworth 1-3 Tottenham
Newcastle United vs Bromley (15:00 GMT)
Newcastle to continue their strong form against League Two Bromley. Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Bromley
Monday 13 January
Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (19:30 GMT)
Championship side Millwall are expected to overpower their non-league opponents. Prediction: Millwall 3-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
