FA Cup Third Round: A Festive Feast of Football
The Christmas and New Year festivities may be over, and the harsh reality of returning to work in the cold, dark, and rainy weather may be setting in, but there’s still plenty to celebrate. A bizarre turn of events saw every single London team (unless you count Sutton United) drawn at home in the third round of the FA Cup. The matches are spread out over five glorious days, starting with Thursday’s clash between Crystal Palace and Everton under the Selhurst Park lights.
Exciting Fixtures
Friday brings us Brentford vs. Wolves, Tottenham vs. Burnley, and Fulham vs. Rotherham, guaranteeing that at least three Premier League clubs will be knocked out before Saturday’s matches kick off. Saturday’s blockbuster sees Sunderland entertain Newcastle at lunchtime, while Sunday’s box office attraction is the cracker between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. The exciting run of matches concludes with Manchester United’s short trip to Wigan on Monday.
Manchester United FC
Wide Open Field
The big question is who is going to lift the cup at Wembley in May. Just like the race for the Premier League title, the field is wide open. Manchester City are the 3/1 favorites, but their recent form and focus on the Champions League and Premier League title defenses may hinder their FA Cup campaign. Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, and Brighton could all enjoy deep runs, but their involvement in energy-sapping European activities may take a toll. This leaves just four teams – Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham – who can concentrate on the FA Cup while seeking to finish strongly in the top flight.
Tottenham’s Potential
Ange Postecoglou has worked wonders at Tottenham. With core players returning to the fold and a few January additions on the horizon, they are worth an each-way wager at 14/1 to win their first silverware since claiming the League Cup in 2008.
Backing any of the top contenders comes with a degree of trepidation. Manchester United’s inconsistencies are showing no signs of abating, Newcastle is not as good as last year, Chelsea is improving but still has work to do, and Tottenham desperately needs to strengthen their thin squad devastated by injuries.
As the FA Cup third round kicks off, football fans are in for a festive feast of exciting matches. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be a thrilling ride to see who will lift the cup at Wembley in May.
• Premier Greyhound Racing has set up a wonderful new daily service broadcast on Sky Sports Racing. King Memphis, the winner of the Olympic at Hove just before