FA Cup Preview (Part One)

This weekend sees the kick off, for the top teams at least, the oldest knockout cup competition in sports, the FA Cup. Joining at the 3rd round, the Premiership sides get to join a competition which is already seen numerous rounds, including pre qualifying, with the lower league sides mouths watering at the prospect of traveling to or welcoming Premier League sides and big name players to their homes. This is part one of my two part look at the fixtures involving Premier League sides.




FRIDAY:

EXETER v LIVERPOOL:

It all kicks off Friday evening with just such a fixture as Exeter host Liverpool at St James Park. Currently in League Two, the Grecians are a full 76 league positions below the visitors, and, although the hosts can boast two FA Cup quarter final appearances in 1931 and 1981, where, in the latter, they were knocked out by eventual winners, Tottenham, it doesn’t compare to the visitors pedigree in this competition.
Seven FA Cups from 1965 through to their last triumph in the competition in 2006 when they beat West Ham on penalties. New manager, Jurgen Klopp, will be looking for some silverware as quickly as possible and the FA Cup will again represent their best opportunity, at least this season, considering they are currently twelve points behind the current Premier League leaders.
While you may see other Premier League sides rotate their squads I think it will be a good indication to where each side are putting their priorities. Either way, it will be a great day for Exeter fans and a big scalp if they can pull it off.

Prediction: Liverpool win.


SATURDAY:

WYCOMBE v ASTON VILLA:

This is a very difficult one to think about because my gut reaction is for Villa to play a reserve side and if they get knocked out then so be it. With the Villains eleven points behind Premiership safety at the moment the key target for them would have to be focus on survival, and not a potential cup run.
That said, at a time when confidence must be close to rock bottom, maybe another defeat would not be the best result. From that point of view I believe Remi Garde should certainly play his strongest side for this tie just for the sole purpose of proving he can win a game, something he is yet to do at Villa.
It will not be the easiest of tasks though as Wycombe have a history in this cup. Eventually defeated by Liverpool in the 2001 running of the competition at the Semi Final stage, beating Leicester, Wimbledon and Wolves along the way, winning them the FA Cup Giant Killers award for that season. Paul Lambert, John Gregory and Martin O’Neill have managed both clubs to different levels of success, all of which is still way ahead of the current manager at Villa Park.

Prediction: For Villa fans I hope it’s a win.


ARSENAL v SUNDERLAND:

The current holders, Arsenal should have no issues getting through this tie. Sunderland are struggling in the League and their boss has already stated that he will rotate on Saturday in order to concentrate on the League. This could be double talk but realistically I think as soon as the draw was made, and no matter of their position, I think he would have made the same decision.
Sunderland have won the competition twice before, in 1937 and 1973 with the ‘73 cup being the last major trophy the club lifted.
Their hosts, however, have won the cup a record twelve times, the last two back to back. Half of those were under their current manager, in a competition he seems to like. Another trip to Wembley may be hampered if they are still in a League title and/or Champions League title chase, either way, Arsenal will be in round four.

Prediction: Arsenal.


BIRMINGHAM v BOURNEMOUTH:

The Brummies are just outside the play off places and the potential return to the Premier League while Bournemouth are just above the relegation zone in the top flight. At the seasons end it would not be too surprising if the two sides switched leagues and for this reason, and other factors, I think Birmingham stand a great chance.

Prediction: Birmingham.


DONCASTER v STOKE:

Manager Darren Ferguson will meet up with ex team mate Mark Hughes. Both at United under Darren's father, Sir Alex, their careers went in very different directions with Hughes becoming the United legend and Ferguson plying his trade in the lower leagues.
Stoke find themselves in a good League position as they head into this fixture with two wins in the last three while Doncaster find themselves off the pace in League One. Progression for Stoke should be relatively easy and, if they can get into a good cup run, it could benefit their League form.

Prediction: Stoke.


EVERTON v DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE:

I would expect to see wholesale changes from the side who beat Manchester City in the League Cup Semi Final midweek. Even with numerous changes I think it would be considered a massive upset if the visitors were even to get a replay after this game, never mind winning the tie outright. The Daggers fans will no doubt enjoy the trip to Merseyside from East London and come away with nothing but memories.

Prediction: Everton.


NORWICH v MANCHESTER CITY:

Nothing to lose for Norwich and no real way to win for Manchester City, barring a huge score line. Coming off the back of a disappointing result at Goodison Park midweek, and with the Champions League still to come, it will be interesting to see what, if any, youth players will make the start at Carrow Road.
Certainly back at the Etihad in a few weeks the 2-1 deficit in the League Cup could certainly be overturned and then they are in a final, which is decided at the end of February, which means no distractions, fixture congestion as City look to regain the title and progress in the Champions League.
It doesn’t mean that Norwich will be looking for progress at any expense in the competition though as their primary target for this season would have to be secure their Premiership status for another season. Maybe both sides will rotate their teams going in to this tie and in that case who will know what the outcome will be.

Prediction: Tied game with Manchester City winning the unwanted replay. 


SOUTHAMPTON v CRYSTAL PALACE:

Southampton certainly need the win much more than Crystal Palace. At home, sitting thirteenth in the Premier League with only one win in the last eight seeing a side expected to challenge for European places closer to the side third from bottom than the side currently in fifth.
Palace, on the other hand, have just been through a three game streak without a win but are still only two points behind Manchester United. A draw and replay will not be beneficial to either side and so I would expect the tie to be sorted out at the first time of asking.

Prediction: Southampton.


Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979