As the FA Cup third round takes center stage, Saturday promises a spectacle of football battles and potential upsets. Let’s dive into the predictions for some of the intriguing clashes set to unfold.
AFC Wimbledon vs. Ipswich (Saturday, 12.30 pm)
Plough Lane witnesses an enticing face-off between AFC Wimbledon and Ipswich Town. While AFC Wimbledon triumphed twice to reach this stage, Ipswich returns to FA Cup action after last season’s fourth-round defeat.
- Prediction: AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Ipswich Town
Despite potential challenges for Ipswich, they’re favored to navigate past AFC Wimbledon.
Millwall vs. Leicester (Saturday, 12.30 pm)
Runaway Championship leaders Leicester City aim to secure a fourth-round spot against Millwall. Both teams enter with recent wins, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.
- Prediction: Millwall 1-2 Leicester City
Anticipate lineup changes, but Leicester’s strength could see them through.
Coventry vs. Oxford Utd (Saturday, 12.30 pm)
Championship’s Coventry City faces League One’s Oxford United. Coventry’s recent form suggests confidence, but Oxford, with two wins in the competition, seeks an upset.
- Prediction: Coventry City 3-1 Oxford United
Coventry’s form might prove decisive.
Maidstone vs. Stevenage (Saturday, 12.30 pm)
National League South’s Maidstone United clashes with League One’s Stevenage. Maidstone’s impressive cup run faces a stern test against Stevenage.
- Prediction: Maidstone United 1-2 Stevenage
Maidstone’s form meets its biggest challenge.
Sunderland vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 12.45 pm)
The Tyne-Wear derby headlines the third round as Sunderland faces Newcastle United. Sunderland’s momentum clashes with Newcastle’s Premier League experience.
- Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Newcastle United
A fiery derby with fewer than 4.5 goals, Newcastle eyes a breakthrough in the Tyne-Wear rivalry.
Stoke vs. Brighton (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Stoke City seeks revenge against Brighton & Hove Albion. Expect a closely-fought contest, with Brighton as favorites for progression.
- Prediction: Stoke City 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Norwich vs. Bristol Rovers (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Norwich City takes on Bristol Rovers, aiming to snap a winless run. Despite Bristol’s attacking prowess, Norwich is favored.
- Prediction: Norwich City 3-1 Bristol Rovers
Norwich’s quality should prevail.
Southampton vs. Walsall (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Southampton welcomes Walsall in a clash of in-form teams. Southampton, facing injury concerns, aims to overcome Walsall’s challenge.
- Prediction: Southampton 3-1 Walsall
Expect an offensive clash. Tipsters favor a home win.
Watford vs. Chesterfield (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Watford faces Chesterfield with a home advantage. Chesterfield’s National League success meets a Championship test.
- Prediction: Watford 3-0 Chesterfield
Watford’s depth shines through. Tipsters predict a comfortable home win.
Blackburn vs. Cambridge (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Blackburn Rovers face Cambridge United, aiming to end their recent struggles. Despite frailties, Blackburn’s quality should secure victory.
- Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Cambridge United
Blackburn’s attack prevails. Tipsters suggest a home win.
Gillingham vs. Sheff Utd (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Gillingham challenges Premier League’s Sheffield United. Gillingham’s resilience meets Sheffield’s top-tier quality.
- Prediction: Gillingham 0-1 Sheffield United
QPR vs. Bournemouth (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Queens Park Rangers faces Bournemouth in a potential close affair. Bournemouth eyes a smooth progression.
- Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Bournemouth
Plymouth vs. Sutton (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Plymouth Argyle meets Sutton United, seeking a win after a draw. Sutton looks to upset higher-league opposition.
- Prediction: Plymouth Argyle 3-0 Sutton United
Plymouth likely breaks the winless streak. Tipsters predict a home win.
Newport vs. Eastleigh (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Newport County faces Eastleigh in a clash of League Two and National League sides. Newport aims to overcome Eastleigh’s potential challenge.
- Prediction: Newport County 1-2 Eastleigh
A potential upset, with tipsters predicting over 2.5 goals.
Hull City vs. Birmingham (Saturday, 3.00 pm)
Hull City and Birmingham City seek FA Cup progress after disappointing Championship displays. Hull’s home advantage might prove decisive.
- Prediction: Hull City 1-0 Birmingham City
A tense contest with tipsters predicting fewer than 3.5 goals.
Sheff Weds vs. Cardiff (Saturday, 5.30 pm)
Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City kick off their FA Cup campaigns. Expect rotations, but Cardiff holds a slight advantage.
- Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Cardiff City
Cardiff’s quality to shine through. Tipsters predict over 1.5 goals.
Middlesbrough vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 5.30 pm)
Aston Villa heads to Middlesbrough for an FA Cup clash, stepping away from their Premier League title pursuit. Middlesbrough faces a challenging fixture. A potential win for Villa.
- Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-3 Aston Villa
Swansea vs. Morecambe (Saturday, 5.30 pm)
Swansea City hosts Morecambe, aiming to continue their revival. Morecambe seeks to cause an upset. Swansea likely takes advantage. Tipsters predict a home win.
- Prediction: Swansea City 2-0 Morecambe
Chelsea vs. Preston (Saturday, 5.30 pm)
Eight-time FA Cup winners Chelsea face Preston North End, aiming to avoid another third-round exit. Chelsea’s recent form suggests a comfortable victory. Chelsea’s firepower to secure a routine win. Tipsters predict a home win.
- Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Preston North End
As Saturday unfolds, brace yourself for FA Cup excitement, potential upsets, and thrilling football encounters across the pitches. The stage is set for a day of unpredictable drama in the world of English football.