FA Cup, more third-round matches are on the cards on Sunday: latest news, stats and predictions
In England it’s cup time. The Premier League is at a standstill after the binge of matches played between Christmas and New Year, and this weekend makes way for the third round of the FA Cup. The spotlight is therefore shining on the most important national cup now that the big names of the English top league are also in play. On Sunday, another round of matches is scheduled. In addition to the prestigious challenge between Manchester City and Chelsea, two Premier League clubs, Leeds and Aston Villa, are also on the pitch.
Like last year, the Whites – coached by American Jesse Marsch – are involved in the fight not to relegate. And, barring an upset, they will be until the end of the tournament. For the time being they remain out of the red zone but third-last Everton are barely two points away: the bottom of the Premier League table is very short and a false step can be fatal. Leeds, however, are coming off two important draws with Newcastle (0-0) and West Ham (2-2), which followed a narrow home defeat to Manchester City. The FA Cup is not a priority, but the Whites’ fans will be hoping to get through at least the third round, a hurdle they have not passed in five seasons. They are favourites for the trip to Cardiff, a side who are currently unable to climb out of the lower reaches of the lower division and have not won for six games.
FA Cup: for Aston Villa there’s a League Two side
At least three goals are expected in the match to be staged in the Welsh city, as well as in Birmingham in the encounter between Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and lowly Stevenage, a club who play in League Two, the fourth tier of the English football system.
Aston Villa’s Ings
The Spanish coach, who took over from the exonerated Steven Gerrard in November, has managed to shake up a team that, despite summer investment, was floundering and lacking in terms of play. The Villans recently collected four points between Liverpool, Tottenham and Wolverhampton, moving away from the red zone. Swansea are also likely to win at Bristol City: The Swans are coming out of a difficult period and want to redeem themselves in the cup.
Norwich will avoid defeat against Blackurn in a balanced match with at least one goal each, while in the clash between League Two teams Stockport City should prevail against Walsall, already beaten 2-0 on 29 December.