FA Cup 3rd Round Predictions

FRIDAY:

MAN UNITED V EVERTON

Man United have won every game since Cristiano Ronaldo left and his departure has definitely benefitted the team. There is a better feeling around the camp with him gone and the players are really enjoying themselves for the first time in a while.

There is a good feel around United as a whole with the form they're in and the way they're playing on the pitch. There will always be that question over the ownership but on the pitch the team have delivered.

Everton could really do with this cup tie given their current form in the league as it could give them a welcome distraction. Some clubs who have struggled in the league in the past have used the FA Cup to help them kick start their season and Frank Lampard will be looking to do the same here.

There will be a lot of pressure on Frank Lampard going into this game and he really needs a good performance from his side as well as a good result. I hope he gets the time to turn things round with the January transfer window open but with the pressure he's under, he might not get it.

PREDICTION: 2-0

I'm backing Man United to win this one as they have more confidence on board than Everton do. Erik Ten Hag may make some changes to his side for this game but but I still expect them to field a strong enough team to win this game.

SATURDAY:

CRYSTAL PALACE V SOUTHAMPTON

Crystal Palace will probably be kicking themselves for the chances they missed against Spurs in midweek and particularly during the first half. They were on top much of that period of the game but weren't able to make the most of their advantage.

The Eagles reached the semi finals of the FA Cup last season and will surely be looking to this competition another good shot this season. They have a very good squad and with potential it has, they should go on another run like they did last season.

Southampton will be hoping to use this tie as an opportunity to kick-start their season as many struggling Premier League clubs have done over the years. They've lost all their league games under Nathan Jones and win here will give them some much needed confidence to take into the league.

PREDICTION: 2-0

I'm going for a Palace win here as they have more quality in their side which will help them win this game. With Southampton very low on confidence at the moment, the Eagles will look to to make the most of that with the quality they have in their side.

GILLINGHAM V LEICESTER

Gillingham are having tough time this season as they're bottom of the Football League after their relegation from League One last season. This tie should give them plenty of optimism and give the fans something to cheer about with it being against a former FA Cup and Premier League winning side in Leicester.

Manager Neil Harris has experience of knocking out Premier League in this competition from his time at Millwall including a win over Leicester in the 5th Round back in 2017. This should give his side some much needed confidence going into this game knowing that they have a manager who knows what it take to cause an FA Cup upset.

Leicester had a lot of chances in their midweek defeat to Fulham but were wasteful when they came to them. That was their third straight loss after the World Cup break and the pressure might be back on Brendan Rodgers with his side now two points above the drop zone.

This cup tie should give them some renewed confidence were they to win it as the FA Cup has done that for teams who are either struggling or out of form. The Foxes do have a number of injury concerns going into this game but they still have players who are capable of stepping up.

PREDICTION: 0-3

I'm backing Leicester to win this one as I think their quality will see them through to the next round. They are missing a number of players through injury but they do have players who can come in and step up. I can see Kelechi Iheanacho be one of those players due to the record he has in this competition.

TOTTENHAM V PORTSMOUTH

Spurs are a side at the moment who start games slowly but end them brilliantly. They looked rather flat in the first half against Crystal Palace in midweek but they did put in a good response in the second where they upped the tempo and put in a clinical display.

This competition is their last realistic chance of ending the season with a trophy as they're out of the Carabao Cup and unlikely to go far in the Champions League. They can't afford to let this opportunity slip through their fingers. Especially with serial winner Conte in charge.

I remember Portsmouth beating Spurs the last time the two sides met in this competition back in 2010 at the semi final stage. The result gave the Pompey fans something to cheer about that day as it was a tough time for them both on and off the pitch. They were just relegated from the Premier League and put into administration for the first time.

There is not a good feel about Pompey going into this tie as they're in poor form and have just sacked manager Danny Cowley. Sacking a manager going into a big cup tie isn't always a good move as it could give them a small chance of pulling off an upset. Their chances certainly are small after doing exactly that.

PREDICTION: 5-0

I'm going for a Spurs win here simply because Portsmouth go into this game without a permanent manager. Conte should play a strong team here with this competition being Spurs' best chance of winning silverware and if he does I can see his side winning this one rather comfortably.

BLACKPOOL V NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Blackpool are having a tough season in the Championship this season with their current form playing a huge part. They haven't won since the end of October when they won at Coventry and have dropped a number of points from winning positions during that time.

This cup tie could give them the confidence to turn their season around no matter what the score is as the FA Cup has a tendency to do that. Their league form doesn't give them much hope but in Michael Appleton, they have a manager who has beaten Premier League opposition i this competition before. He knocked out then Premier League Swansea at this stage back in 2016.

Nottingham Forest went on a good run in this competition last season in reaching Quarter Finals where they beat the likes of Arsenal and Leicester along the way. Another cup run this season could give his side the momentum they need to pull themselves further away from the drop.

They played with an unchanged side against Southampton in midweek which was rare due to the amount of changes they've made to their team throughout the season. They're likely to make a load of changes here with this one being a cup tie.

PREDICTION: 0-1

I think Forest will win this one because they should have enough quality in their side to win this game. They might make a lot of changes but I still think Steve Cooper's side will have enough here.

BOURNEMOUTH V BURNLEY

Bournemouth have lost all three of their games since Gary O'Neil became their permanent manager and their current form as a whole hasn't been exactly brilliant. This cup tie could give them the opportunity to restore some confidence in an attempt to recapture the form they showed during O'Neil's caretaker spell.

Burnley are flying high in the Championship this season under Vincent Kompany who is arguably doing better than a lot of people thought. He had big shoes to fill in replacing a club icon in Sean Dyche and has since got his side playing an attractive brand of football after years of being dogged and difficult to beat under Dyche.

Letting some of the player they had in the Premier League go has benefitted them this season as it enabled Kompany to bring in his own players that suit the way he wants his team to play. They have the most goals in the Championship this season and they'll go into this cup tie believing that they can cause an upset.

PREDICTION: 0-2

I fancy Burnley to win here as I can see them cause Bournemouth a number of problems both from open play and set pieces. They've been great to watch in the Championship this season and with Bournemouth not in great form, the Clarets could cause a shock here.

HULL V FULHAM

Hull have made steady progress under Liam Rosenior who has only lost one game since he took over. The Tigers were a point above the relegation zone in the Championship when Rosenior took over in early November and are now 16th and sitting comfortably in mid-table.

They go into this game off the back to two straight wins which will give them confidence of causing an upset. They like to play high up the pitch and with Fulham likely to make changes here, the Tigers might fancy themselves for the win.

Fulham don't have a great record in the FA Cup and Marco Silva will surely want his side to go on a cup run with their Premier League safety pretty much secured. They're currently 7th in the league and a good run in the cup would make their season even better.

The Cottagers will probably make a number of changes for this game with it being a cup tie and the fact that they have Chelsea in their next league game. Marco Silva may want to rest some of his regulars so they can be ready for that tough London Derby next week.

PREDICTION: 1-3

I'm backing Fulham to win this one as I think they'll have enough quality to win the game. Hull will give it a good go as they like to play on the front foot but with Fulham likely to play Mitrovic as he's suspended for the Chelsea game, the Cottagers should win this one.

MIDDLESBROUGH V BRIGHTON

Middlesbrough have completely turned their season around under Michael Carrick who has taken them from 22nd to 5th in the space of two months. I was surprised to see them struggling at the start of the season under Chris Wilder as Boro were my favourites for promotion. But that obviously didn't turn out well for clear reasons.

Boro surprised the big boys in this competition last season where they reached the Quarter Finals beating the likes of Man United and Spurs along the way. Those kind of results give the belief that they can cause another shock here because of the experience they had last season.

Brighton would love to go on a cup run this season as they're a club who will surely be looking to go far in the cup competitions. They're having another good season in the Premier League and they certainly have the potential to give this competition a good shot.

They were outstanding in their win over Everton in midweek with the result being one I was not expecting. They were clinical in front of goal which is something that's rarely said about them and their performance was arguably their best one of the season so far.

PREDICTION: 1-2

I can see this one being a good and close game as both sides play a similar way and are good to watch. Brighton will probably make a number of changes with it being a cup tie but with the strength in depth they have, I think they'll see themselves through to the next round.

BRENTFORD V WEST HAM

Brentford were excellent in their win over Liverpool on Monday with their performance deserving a lot of credit. They caused Liverpool a number of problems with their pace and runs in behind and for them to win without Ivan Toney deserves even more credit.

The Bees beat West Ham in the Premier League not that long ago and will believe that they can do the same again in this cup tie. They'll be full of confidence after their win over Liverpool and Thomas Frank will be hoping that side will carry that confidence into this game.

A good run in the cup could be what West Ham need in order to kick-start their season. They need results to get them away from the relegation zone and a good run in the FA Cup can help with that.

They stopped the rot with their draw at Leeds in midweek and they'll surely be looking to use that result as a platform to build on in terms of results. The performance was much improved but David MOyes was not happy with the goals they conceded.

PREDICTION: 1-0

Brentford haven't lost to West Ham since they've been in the Premier League and I think they'll beat them again in this one. They might be without Ivan Toney but with the form they're in, I can see them get through this game and reach the next round.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY V NEWCASTLE

Sheffield Wednesday are right in the promotion mix in League One this season with Darren Moore's side currently 2nd in the table. They were beaten in the play offs last season in Moore's first full season in charge and with the form they're currently in, they're on course for promotion back to the Championship.

There is a good balance to their side as they're solid defensively and can also pose a threat when they go forward. With how well organised they are at the back, they'll look to frustrate Newcastle by getting men behind the ball before attempting to hit them on the counter.

Newcastle have a great opportunity to go far in this competition with the form they've been in this season and you never know they might be looking to win the whole thing. The fans will certainly want them to as they haven't seen their club win anything since 1955.

PREDICTION: 0-3

I've got to back Newcastle here mainly because of the form they're in. They might make some changes here with it being a cup tie but with this competition being one they're looking to take seriously, I think they'll field a strong enough side to win them this game.

LIVERPOOL V WOLVES

The FA Cup is Liverpool's last realistic chance of ending the season with a trophy and it so happen to be the trophy they're the current holders of. They're well out of the Premier League title race, out of the Carabao Cup and unlikely to win the Champions League. Especially with Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Liverpool could hand Cody Gakpo his debut here following his arrival from PSV. He will have trained with his new team for the first time since his transfer was confirmed and because of that I expect him to play some part in this game.

The reds will probably make some changes for this game with it being a cup tie and especially after their sloppy performance against Brentford. They're obviously going to be without Van Dijk who is set to be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury but Jurgen Klopp will still make some changes to his team here.

Wolves will be looking to use the FA Cup as a confidence builder like some of the other struggling Premier League sides. The competition has been seen in that way in the past and Wolves will surely be see it as a welcome distraction like the other struggling Premier League sides.

They've made an ok start under Julen Lopetegui but their old problems are still there. They have played some good football at times but they just don't have that cutting edge in front of goal. Lopetegui needs to address that and quickly if his side are to get results.

PREDICTION: 1-0

I'm backing Liverpool to respond here as I can see them play a strong team and having enough quality to win the game. They won't play brilliantly but I still think they'll get the job done.

SUNDAY:

CARDIFF V LEEDS

Cardiff have found themselves in unfamiliar territory in the Championship this season as they're currently sitting just two points above the relegation zone. They're usually a side who are either sitting comfortably in mid-table or making a push for the play offs but both seem so far off for them this season.

Their current form doesn't look great going into this one as they're without a win in 8 games. What will give them a lift though is Leeds' poor record at this stage of the FA Cup.

Leeds have gone out at this stage of the FA Cup for the last five seasons and they'll no doubt want to avoid another early exit. It will be interesting to see which version of them turns up for this game as they've had an up and down season so far in terms of both performances and results.

They're a team who can look brilliant for one moment until they later shoot themselves in the foot. That's what happened in their midweek game against West Ham with the penalty they conceded being the moment where they shot themselves in the foot. They need to find ways of avoiding this in the long term if they're to progress.

PREDICTION: 0-2

I think Leeds will end their curse here as they're more likely to score than Cardiff who are the lowest goal scorers in the Championship. Jesse Marsch's side are likely to make a number of changes here but I still think they'll have enough quality to win the game.

ASTON VILLA V STEVENAGE

Aston Villa were disappointing in their draw with Wolves in midweek especially after their victory over Spurs. They did however improve in the second half as they had more clear cut chances including Leon Bailey's unfortunate miss.

The owners at Villa have big ambitions for their club and one them will surely be to win a trophy. Unai Emery said in his first press conference that he'd like to win a trophy with Villa and he has the opportunity to do so this season with the FA Cup. It's been a long time since Villa last won something.

Stevenage are right in the promotion mix in League Two this season and also right in the mix for the title as they're two points behind leaders Leyton Orient. They haven't been a club who have hit the high spots in recent years but in Steve Evans, they have an experienced manager who knows the Football League very well.

They haven't had a game like this in a long time and it will no doubt be one that the fans and the players will look forward to. They'll go into the game with confidence with the form they've been in this season and they'll just go out there and enjoy this rare opportunity.

PREDICTION: 3-0

I'm backing Villa to win here because they should have more than enough to win this game. They might make some changes with this game being against lower league opposition but I still think they'll field some of their big hitters and I can see them winning the game for them.

MAN CITY V CHELSEA

After facing each other in the Premier League last night both sides go head to head once again three days later.

Man City weren't at their brilliant best in the game in midweek but they got the job done which was all that mattered. They offered more of a threat in the second half with the introduction of Jack Grealish from the bench being the difference. The other subs made a difference as well but Grealish coming on was the game changer.

City faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season where they ran out 2-0 winners. It was a reasonably straightforward win for them that day and this one will probably be the same. But they'll need to play more like their usual selves if they are.

Chelsea showed some fight in the first half in the game in midweek as they created a number of good chances. But were again wasteful when they came to them. Despite that Graham Potter will still have been happy with the performance they put in.

The blues lost Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling to injuries during their game in midweek which extended their injury list even further. They're already without Kante and James who have both been badly missed and the amount of players they have out as a whole is worrying.

Chelsea have reached the FA Cup final for the last three seasons and have lost on all occasions. Their chances of making four successive finals at the moment look very slim given the quality of opposition they'll be facing in Man City who are no doubt going to be one of the favourites to win this competition.

PREDICTION: 3-0

I've got to go for a City win here because I can see them being too strong for Chelsea. The blues did put in a spirited display in midweek against City which will give them some encouragement. But with the amount of injuries they have and City's squad being so strong, I think Pep's boys will win this one comfortably.

MONDAY:

OXFORD V ARSENAL

Oxford have been a well established side in League One ever since they first got promoted and have even been pushing for promotion in recent seasons. But this season has been more challenging as they're 14th and 11 points off the play offs.

Karl Robinson's side haven't faced a club the stature of Arsenal in a long time and especially in this competition. The players will just go out there enjoy the occasion knowing that they have nothing to lose and this game being a rare opportunity. With this tie being at the Kassam, having home advantage will give them a chance as they'll have the crowd on their side and they'll be playing on a pitch that suits their style.

Arsenal were unfortunate to come away with a draw against Newcastle in midweek as they should've had at least one decision go in their favour. That result could be seen in two ways. It could be seen as a crucial point in their bid to win the title or it could be seen as two points dropped. This result could come back to bite them later in the season.

Mikel Arteta will want his side to take this competition seriously with it being an opportunity to win some silverware. They've been in great form this season in the Premier League and a good cup run alongside that would make their season even better.

PREDICTION: 0-3

I'm going for an Arsenal win here because I can see their quality shine through. They will make changes as Mikel Arteta will want to rest his big guns ahead of some tough Premier League games but they should still have enough quality to see themselves through to the 4th Round.