With the Premier League’s Christmas schedule out of the way, much to the relief of many of the managers, the focus now shifts to the FA Cup Third Round this weekend. This is one of the highlights of the English football calendar for many fans, and we should get some traditional upsets across the four days of matches from this round of the world’s oldest cup competition.
Ahead of this season’s Third Round weekend, we’ve picked a game from each of the four days to preview. With TV matches being spread out between Friday and Monday, we thought we’d have a prediction for the most interesting clash on each day. So let’s see if we can earn you a bit of New Year cash.
Friday 5th January 2018
Liverpool v Everton (19:55) – Under 2.5 Goals (13/11 with Betfair)
There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than with the Merseyside derby on Friday night. This huge game may not be the kind of David vs Goliath clash that the cup is known for, but there’s always a little extra edge to derby clashes when they are knockout ties. However, some of that edge could be lost through Jurgen Klopp’s team selection here. The German rested some of his big names for a league clash with the Toffees recently, and he’s not likely to risk too many of his stars in the FA Cup.
The German has traditionally sent out a weakened Liverpool side in this competition, and that’s likely to be the case once again. The Reds have seen 76% of their goals this season come from their four main stars, and all four of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are likely to be rested for one reason or another. That’s bound to hit Liverpool in attacking terms, especially with the Toffees so well organised. As a result, we’re backing under 2.5 goals in this clash, which can be backed at 13/11 with Betfair
Saturday 6th January 2018
Fleetwood v Leicester (12:45) – Leicester to win and Over 2.5 Goals (29/20 with Betfred)
Could we see one of the upsets of the round as Jamie Vardy returns to his former club? The England striker is in a race against time to feature as he returns from injury, with manager Claude Puel agreeing to play him because of how much the tie means to the Premier League title winner. Vardy is expected to feature in a strong side here, with Leicester chasing more success after their title win. They may not have any European football to play this term – or much to accomplish in the league – but the Foxes could make a splash in the FA Cup if they take it seriously.
Fleetwood have changed significantly since Vardy departed the then Conference side back in 2012. He helped them to reach the Football League before departing for Leicester, and they’re not mid-table in League 1. However, we can’t see a big giant-killing in this one, especially with Leicester set to take it seriously.
Puel took his Southampton team to the League Cup final last season, and Leicester pushed Man City close in the quarter-final of that competition last month. We expect more cup success for them this week, as we’re backing the Foxes to edge a high scoring tie, given the attacking talent they’re likely to feature against a League 1 side. We’re going with Leicester to win and over 2.5 goals to be scored in the game at 29/20 with Betfred.
Sunday 7th January 2018
Shrewsbury v West Ham (14:00) – Prediction/tip (3/4 with Coral)
Sunday’s big game is another League One versus Premier League clash, as struggling West Ham head to Shrewsbury. The way these two sides are playing at the moment, this could end up being a Championship fixture next season. The hosts are flying high in League One, sitting in second place. They’re two points off the top, and five clear of third placed Blackburn. Meanwhile, David Moyes’ West Ham are only a point above the drop zone in the top flight, with relegation becoming a real concern around the Olympic Stadium.
That obviously makes the FA Cup of little concern to the Hammers, who need to focus on staying in the top flight. While a cup run is something every side wants, the Hammers could probably do with an extra weekend on the training ground rather than playing in the Fourth Round.
We’re likely to see rotation from the top flight side, while David Moyes doesn’t have the great cup pedigree. Moyes’ saw his Sunderland side crash out in the Third Round last season, and we’re backing his West Ham team to struggle this time around. With Shrewsbury boasting the best home form in their division, we’re backing them to avoid defeat at 3/4 with Coral.
Monday 8th January 2018
Brighton v Crystal Palace (19:45) – Both Teams to Score (19/20 with Ladbrokes)
The final match of the round is a derby clash at Brighton, with Crystal Palace travelling to the Amex. These two have waited a few years for a reunion, and now they’ve been drawn together in the cup alongside their two Premier League meetings this term. Like the Merseyside derby clash, there’s likely to be a heated atmosphere around this one, with a cup match under the lights. The question is, just which of these two sides will make it through?
Palace are in fine form, especially after their 2-1 win at Southampton which kicked off 2018 for them. The Eagles will be pushing for a place in the next round after battling out of the drop zone, but they’re up against a Brighton side who have lost once in their last 10 home league games. The hosts will be out to add to their good form here, but Palace pack a punch going forward. With Brighton drawing 2-2 in their last home game, we think there’s great vale on BTTS here at 19/20 with Ladbrokes.