FA Cup Third-Round Fixtures – Selected Match Previews

by Luke Andrews, 5 January 2024

The FA Cup third-round graces the main stage as we take a break from the Premier League. The top teams in the Premier League join the adventure of the world’s oldest football cup competition. Our resident sports expert, Luke Andrew, looks into third-round fixtures, going into details of the five main games. He will investigate the factors that could influence the match results, including injuries, festive season fatigue, Africa Cup of Nations, and Asian Cup preparations.

The third round of the FA Cup is one of the most eagerly anticipated football events, featuring teams from all levels of English football competing fiercely. This weekend’s highlight is the much-awaited match between Arsenal and Liverpool, two teams currently engaged in the title race, who will now confront each other in this knockout stage of the competition.

Sunderland is set to host fierce rivals Newcastle, presenting Eddie Howe with the dilemma of whether to rotate his squad or fully commit in pursuit of a trophy. Despite their unfavourable history against Middlesbrough, Aston Villa finds the odds in their favour.

Chelsea, currently in excellent form, faces challenges in their league campaign. Securing a spot in European football by triumphing in the FA Cup could prove to be a remarkable tactic for them. The defending Champions, Manchester City, welcome Huddersfield Town to the Etihad in what could be a high-scoring encounter.

FA Cup Betting – Sunderland vs Newcastle United

A bitter England North East rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland rekindles back for the first time since 2016 when both sides were in the Premier League.

The Black Cats have fallen behind since then and are underdogs despite having a superior record against the Magpies. They have been unbeaten in the last nine head-to-head games (winning six, drawing three).

Sunderland has a great spell in the Championship with three consecutive home wins and will be motivated to play on their turf.

Jack Clarke. A winger with end product pic.twitter.com/LTxKjrJyCI

— Hammerz Reels (@ReelHammerz) January 4, 2024

Jack Clarke has a goal involvement (two goals, one assist) in his last three appearances for Sunderland. They have not won at home in the competition since 2015 when they beat Leads, and a good result would end a seven-game winless run (three draws, four defeats).

Home team top scorer: Home team top scorer Jack Clarke – Anytime goal scorer 10/3 & first goal scorer 9/1.

Newcastle United has emerged as the dominant team against Sunderland, breaking a streak of previous disappointments and losses. The Magpies have successfully expanded their influence to European competitions, and although they were eliminated from the Champions League, reaching such a level is a significant accomplishment.

Eddie Howe has to motivate a team with one win from the last eight games and would be relieved with the January transfer to reinforce a side plagued with injuries, although financial fair play may prevent him from spending as freely as he would like.

Newcastle’s previous FA Cup campaigns ended in the third round, with two recent defeats coming against teams in the lower league.

Alexander Isak scored his side’s opening goal in their last two games, which will be their hope in front of the goal. It’s an exciting time to be a Magpies fan, but the recent run of games, form, and injuries has them worried; with a good result, here’s a sigh of relief.

Away team top scorer: Alexander Isak – Anytime goal scorer 5/4 & first goal scorer 4/1.

Selected bets: Sunderland 18/5, Draw 16/5, Newcastle 3/4. OVER 2.5 4/6, UNDER 2.5 13/10. BTTS: No 13/10 Yes 7/10 at bet365.

FA Cup Betting – Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa

Middlesbrough faces concerning challenges as they approach their FA Cup match against Premier League team Aston Villa. Following a 3–1 defeat to Coventry City and the absence of many key players, they will still be short-handed for the upcoming cup game. Additionally, a daunting match against Chelsea awaits them next Tuesday in the EFL Cup, setting up a tense week for Michael Carrick and his team.

The Championship team, currently in the middle of the table with one win and two losses in their last three matches, is up against a formidable opponent in Aston Villa. Aston Villa, sitting in the top four of the Premier League, will be looking to replicate their underdog success from 2022, when they famously eliminated Tottenham and Manchester United.

🗣️ “I think he’s just a bit of a nuisance, he causes a bit of havoc” 💪@JonnyBullock1 is happy with Josh Coburn returning to the team after injury 🔴

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Josh Coburn opened Boro’s goal-scoring account and was the scorer when they beat Spurs in 2022.

Home team top scorer: Home team top scorer: Matt Crooks – Anytime goal scorer 24/5 & first goal scorer 12/1.

Aston Villa are in the form of their lives, riding high at the top end of the Premier League. Villa faced Middlesbrough in the 2017-18 season when they played in the Championship playoffs. However, Villa has been the most successful side since then, making strides in the Premier League and going the extra mile under Unai Emery.

The West Midlanders are Premier League contenders just three points from the top. They have their eyes on Champions League football, having featured this campaign in the UEFA Conference League.

The seven-time FA Cup winners have kept five straight clean sheets against their weekend opponents and are favourites with a superior squad to outscore their opponents.

John McGinn has been a revolutionary player ever present in the Villa, outstandingly attacked, resilient, and fit enough to feature in almost all their games this campaign. He is the one to look out for as they work on dominating the midfield and securing a win in their quest for silverware.

Away team top scorer: Away team top scorer: Ollie Watkins – Anytime goal scorer 11/10 & first goal scorer 5/1.

Selected bets: Middlesbrough, 5/1, Draw 7/2, Aston Villa 5/9. Over 2.5 8/13, Under 2.5 7/5, BTTS Yes 8/11 No 5/4.

FA Cup Betting – Arsenal vs Liverpool

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This weekend, Arsenal, who have won the FA Cup fourteen times, will host Liverpool, the current league leaders and title contenders. The Gunners aim for redemption against Klopp’s team after their last encounter with Liverpool at Anfield before Christmas Eve ended in a 1-1 draw. In that match, both Gabriel and Mo Salah found the back of the net.

Arsenal has won the last three FA Cup fixtures against Liverpool and has an incredible run against Premier League sides for the FA trophy.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is hopeful that their recent form will lead to a decisive victory against Liverpool. In recent fixtures, Arsenal has been a strong contender in the Premier League title race, but they have slipped slightly, losing their last two matches. In contrast, Klopp’s Liverpool has excelled under pressure, securing wins in their last two games.

Home team top scorer: Gabriel Jesus – Anytime goal scorer 9/4 & first goal scorer 13/2.

Klopp’s side significantly threatens the Gunner’s impressive home FA Cup record and seems to have a slight advantage against them in depth and form.

Liverpool aims for their 12th victory in the third round of their last 13 attempts. However, they will be without Mohammed Salah, who is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations starting mid-this month. Fortunately, they can rely on the versatile Diogo Jota, who has recently returned from injury, to bolster their lineup.

Liverpool boasts a squad with significant depth, allowing for effective rotation. Klopp’s team has shown strong performance at the Emirates, winning their last three matches there without conceding a goal, until they faced a 3-2 defeat in the Premier League last season against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

"I would be happy if they go out at the Group stage!" 😅

Jurgen Klopp jokes about his parting words to Mo Salah and Wataru Endō before they went to represent their national teams 🇪🇬🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/6kXARrwIzK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2024

Additionally, Liverpool will be missing Wataru Endo, who is set to represent Japan in the Asian Cup.

Away team top scorer: Darwin Nunez – Anytime goal scorer 11/4 & first goal scorer 8/1.

Selected bets: Arsenal 21/20, Draw 5/2, Liverpool 13/5. Over 2.5 4/6, Under 2.5 5/4. BTTS Yes 8/13 No 11/8.

FA Cup Betting – Chelsea Vs Preston

Eager to secure their first trophy since 2018, Chelsea aims to bring their fans joy amidst the challenges they’ve faced since the season’s start. The eight-time FA Cup champions, now undergoing a transition phase under Mauricio Pochettino, have shown promising progress with four wins in their last five games. Their recent 3–2 victory over Luton Town in the year’s final match concluded on a high note, positioning them in the top half of the table.

Chelsea is set to face Preston North End for the third time, having previously won by a two-goal margin in their encounters. The Blues maintain an impressive record at home, unbeaten in their last six games at Stamford Bridge, with five wins and one draw. They haven’t lost an FA Cup match at their home ground since 2019, securing nine victories since then. Cole Palmer has emerged as a key player for Chelsea, contributing three goals in the last five games.

Home team top scorer: Home team top scorer Cole Palmer – Anytime goal scorer 7/5 & first goal scorer 5/1.

Preston’s most recent triumph over Chelsea dates back to 1981, when both teams competed in the second tier. Since then, there have been significant changes, with Preston now positioned as the clear underdog against Chelsea, an established Premier League team that has achieved numerous accolades.

Preston suffered a 2-0 defeat in their New Year match against Sunderland, yet they still have an opportunity to reach the Championship playoffs. However, their recent away record in the FA Cup shows just one win in their last five matches (along with one draw and three defeats), indicating only a slim chance for an underdog victory, particularly when playing at Stamford Bridge.

10 years of Alan Browne! 🇮🇪

What a servant! #pnefc

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— 𝕆𝕟 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖 (@_OnTheConcourse) January 1, 2024

Notably, each of Alan Browne’s last three goals has been the match’s opening scorer, with two of these strikes occurring in away games. This suggests that if Preston is to create a surprise, Browne could be the key player to spark that magic.

Away team top scorer: – Delvid Washington – Anytime goal scorer 21/20 & first goal scorer 4/1.

Selected bets: Chelsea 1/5, Draw 7/1, Preston 18/1. Over 2.5 4/9, Under 2.5 19/10. BTTS Yes 23/20, No 10/13.

FA Cup Betting – Manchester City vs Huddersfield

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Manchester City, having recently been crowned the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup champions, boasts a collection of five trophies from the previous season in their cabinet. Among these is the FA Cup, which they won, and they will commence their defence of this title with a match against Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium.

In their current form, despite missing Erling Haaland, it’s hard to see them lose as they are unbeaten in six games (four wins, two draws).

Pep Guardiola is likely focused on strengthening his team’s defence, as they have managed only one clean sheet in their last ten games, not counting their matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Citizens have not lost any previous thirty-three home games at their haven, making this a likely routine encounter.

Phil Foden has been involved in seventeen goals this season (nine goals, eight assists), filling in for the injured Kevin De Bruyne. The English star is now showing reward for his true potential as we have seen his talent.

Home team top scorer: Phil Foden – Anytime goal scorer 19/20 & first goal scorer 5/1.

Huddersfield might feel daunted at the prospect of facing Manchester City in the FA Cup, especially considering their current position. They are just three points above the Championship relegation zone, following a 4–1 defeat to Leicester City on New Year’s Day.

The Terriers are in a challenging phase, with only one win in their last eight games (including three draws and four losses), which is not an ideal form as they head to the Etihad. Their defence has been particularly vulnerable, conceding forty-four goals in their last twenty-six games, including three or more goals in eight of these matches.

Facing a team like Manchester City, known for their goal-scoring prowess, Huddersfield might find themselves in a situation where managing many goals against them becomes crucial. In their last five games alone, they have conceded sixteen goals.

Players with the most interceptions in the Championship:

1️⃣ Wesley Hoedt – 53
2️⃣ Dimitrios Goutas – 52
3️⃣ Michal Helik – 51
4️⃣ Jordan Storey – 47
5️⃣ Ryan Porteous – 45
6️⃣ Perry Ng – 44
7️⃣ Trai Hume – 43#WatfordFC #CardiffCity pic.twitter.com/zzQIU8eVNU

— The Second Tier (@secondtierpod) January 4, 2024

However, Michal Helik could potentially disrupt the defending champions’ plans with his tally of seven goals.

Away team top scorer: Mahamadou Susoho – Anytime goal scorer 18/1 & first goal scorer 5/1.

Selected bets: Manchester City 1/22, Draw 20/1, Huddersfield 66/1. Over 2.5 3/16, Under 2.5 4/1. BTTS Yes 9/5, No 4/7.

At this stage of the competition, the excitement of the upset makes it so thrilling. Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all anticipated to secure victories, but the unpredictable nature of football means anything can happen, adding to the excitement of football betting. The Arsenal vs Liverpool match is particularly uncertain, promising to be a highly entertaining game for neutral fans, as it could swing in either team’s favour.

All stats are taken from SoccerSTATS.com and WhoScored.com, and the odds are from bet365 and are correct at the time of writing but can fluctuate, especially in play.

All tips are provided as entertainment only; the author’s opinion should not be considered financial guidance. Always bet responsibly; if you need help with problem gambling, you can find organisations that offer support in this page’s footer.