FA CUP THIRD ROUND PREVIEWS – SATURDAY JANUARY – SUNDAY JANUARY 10

Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa – Saturday 1245

Positions: Wycombe 6^th (League Two), Aston Villa 20^th (Premier League)

·         On the one hand, Villa may think it is a blessed relief to be playing cup football with their winless run in the league now standing at 19 matches. However, confidence will not be high at Villa Park and few would be surprised to see them lose here. Villa’s Adama Traore is facing a 10 week lay off.

Arsenal v Sunderland – Saturday 1500

Positions: Arsenal 1^st, Sunderland 19^th (both Premier League)

·         Both clubs may be tempted to rest players, but Sunderland may make the most changes, given how anxious they are to stay up and benefit from next season’s massive increase in TV revenue. Because of this, and the fact Arsenal have greater strength in depth, expect the league form book to be maintained here.

Eastleigh v Bolton Wanderers – Saturday 1500

Positions: Eastleigh 4^th (National League Premier), Bolton 24^th (Championship)

·         Things could scarcely be worse at Bolton, with financial troubles mounting and the players’ salary payments delayed in both November and December. Eastleigh are the last non-league side in the competition, and their biggest problem might be how they cope with being seen as favourites for this match in many quarters.

Everton v Dagenham & Redbridge – Saturday 1500

Positions: Everton 11^th (Premier League), Dagenham 22^nd (League Two)

·         Dagenham sit just two places above the bottom of the lowest tier of the English Football League, and their chances at Goodison appear slim – they should be able to concentrate on preserving their League status once this match has concluded. The money they earn from the match will be very welcome though.

Norwich City v Manchester City – Saturday 1500

Positions: Norwich 15^th, Man City 3^rd (both Premier League)

·         Norwich have produced some memorable wins this season, and City are always vulnerable when Vincent Kompany does not play. But City’s goal threat – some of their recent strikes have been genuine Goal of the Season contenders – must make them favourites.

Manchester United v Sheffield United – Saturday 1730

Positions: Man Utd 5^th (Premier League), Sheff Utd 8^th (League One)

·         The pressure on Louis van Gaal appears to have eased, and this match is certainly not comparable to Alex Ferguson’s situation going into his third round match back in 1990 – was British football’s most successful manager really just one game from the sack? After good performances against Chelsea and Swansea, Manchester United start as favourites, especially given Sheffield United’s inconsistent form. After going six without a win, the Blades then put together a winning run of three matches, before losing last time out. But with the Old Trafford side this season, sometimes you just never know!

Oxford City v Swansea City – Sunday 1200

Positions: Oxford 3^rd (League Two), Swansea 17^th (Premier League)

·         If you’re seeking a genuine upset where a small club beats a team from several divisions higher, is this the one? Swansea are struggling in the league and may rest players, while Oxford are riding high three divisions lower.

Chelsea v Scunthorpe – Sunday 1400

Positions: Chelsea 14^th (Premier League), Scunthorpe 15^th (League One)

·         As with Manchester United, one could say that anything can happen with Chelsea this year. However, they come into this fixture on the back of their best league performance of the season, and opponents Scunthorpe are not having a great season. Given Chelsea are so far off the pace in the Premier League, expect them to give the Cup a higher priority.

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City – Sunday 1600

Positions: Tottenham 4^th, Leicester 2^nd (both Premier League)

·         Two of the top four in English football meet here, just days before the league encounter between the same teams. Either side could win if they play to their potential, but with Leicester’s goals starting to dry up and their defensive record far from exemplary, Spurs may be marginal favourites.