FA Cup Preview (Part Two)

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.



SATURDAY:

WATFORD v NEWCASTLE:

This is an interesting one, with Watford much higher in the League than maybe they thought they would be at this point in the season. Newcastle are struggling again this season and find themselves currently in the relegation zone with three wins in their last ten games.
For both sides this competition could be a catalyst and kick start their run in the second part of the season. Newcastle’s rivals, Sunderland, certainly benefitted from a cup run a couple of seasons ago and maybe a good cup run could give the Toon Army something to look forward to.
For Watford, currently ninth, are coming off three games without a win, albeit against Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea, and will look to get back to winning ways in a bid to regain the momentum and push for a possible European place.

Prediction: Newcastle win after replay. 


WEST BROM v BRISTOL CITY:

Tony Pulis has said he will not play a weakened side for the FA Cup and talked in his pre match press conference about his love for the competition. Despite their position in the League I think it would be good to focus on potentially having a decent cup run.
For the visitors, who are 30 positions below Albion, are at the wrong end of the Championship. The best the Robins have done in this competition was to finish runners up to Manchester United in 1909. 107 years on and I think their trip will end at the Hawthorns.

Prediction: West Brom.


WEST HAM v WOLVES:

This is an interesting one for me as I actually think Wolves could provide a bit of an upset for West Ham. In mid table in the Championship it is actually Wolves who have the most FA Cup Final appearances, last lifting the trophy in 1960.
It wouldn’t be a major upset for West Ham fans though because their League form and current position is showing great potential in being their best for some time.

Prediction: Wolves in a replay.


MANCHESTER UNITED v SHEFFIELD UNITED:

How good do Blades fans feel about their trip to Old Trafford this weekend? Their side have stuttered a little in League One but are still in the mix for at least a play off place at the seasons end.
Manchester United have been poor, by their standards, for the last few seasons under David Moyes and LVG but I think they will still have too much for the League One side. That said, with home support not best pleased with the current regime, if the Blades can frustrate United and possibly get the opening goal then watch the fans turn and, at that point, all bets are off.

Prediction: Manchester United.


SUNDAY:

OXFORD v SWANSEA:

I am not sure I can see Swansea making this easy for themselves. Oxford might be 54 places below their Premiership visitors but their form is fantastic right now, with just one defeat in the last ten.
The Swans, by contrast, have only won one in their last ten and are looking at being in a relegation battle. The two sides actually met in the FA Cup third round back in 1993 when the sides went to a replay before Swansea won on penalties and I can see something similar happening this time around.

Prediction: Swansea after replay.


CHELSEA v SCUNTHORPE:

Had this game been scheduled a couple of months ago then I would have given Scunthorpe more of a chance. However, Chelsea are now getting some consistency in their games now, undefeated in four.
As I said in my Premier League prediction review piece Chelsea might be too far away from a top four finish and focusing on Champions League and the FA Cup could salvage some pride from their season.

Prediction: Chelsea.


TOTTENHAM v LEICESTER:

Played each other in last seasons FA Cup where Leicester beat Spurs at White Hart Lane 2-1 thanks to a stoppage time goal. Both sides have progressed somewhat since then and both find themselves in the top four of the Premier League at the moment.
Both sides will certainly want to finish as high as they can in the Premier League and so therefore both Managers may look at implementing many changes for this game. If that is the case I certainly it gives the home side the advantage as I believe they are better equipped with strength in depth than the visitors. Neither side would want a replay I don’t think and so I can see this one being wrapped up on the night.

Prediction: Spurs.


OTHER GAMES:

SATURDAY(winners in bold):

Brentford v Walsall

Bury v Bradford

Colchester v Charlton

Eastleigh v Bolton

Hartlepool v Derby

Huddersfield v Reading

Hull v Brighton

Ipswich v Portsmouth

Leeds v Rotherham

Middlesbrough v Burnley

Newport v Blackburn

Northampton v MK Dons

Notts Forest v QPR

Peterbro v Preston

Sheff Wed v Fulham

SUNDAY:

Carlisle v Yeovil

Cardiff v Shrewsbury


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