<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fa-cup-trophy-wembley1.jpeg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-74356 size-full" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2013/05/fa-cup-trophy-wembley1-580x326.webp" alt="fa-cup-trophy-wembley" width="580" height="326" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px"></figure></div></a>
It’s the third round of English football’s most prestigious cup competition and indeed the oldest cup competition in world, the FA Cup. It’s that time when the bigger boys in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/leagues-epl/">Premier League</a> are paired with the survivors from the earlier rounds to determine who will move on to the next stage.
I bring to you my picks and predictions for five of the best third round clashes. Let’s get right into it:
Sunday, January 4
Manchester City vs Sheffield Wednesday
Manchester City host Championship side Sheffield Wednesday for the second time this season after trashing them 7-0 in the Capital One Cup last September. The visitors capitulated in the second period after keeping Manuel Pellegrini’s men at bay for the entire duration of the first half. This will be another tough game for the Owls who are having a mixed season so far, but come into the match on the back of two consecutive wins and will hope to perhaps earn a replay from this match. Pellegrini will shuffle his side, but you can be sure there will be enough quality to see off the Owls and comfortably too.
Manchester City 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Yeovil Town vs Manchester United
Louis Van Gaal takes charge of his first ever FA Cup match against a Yeovil side that have lost their last three in a row in League One. The Dutchman will be keen to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing 4-0 loss to MK Dons that greeted his debut appearance in the Capital One Cup. With no European distractions and a fresher squad than most, Van Gaal can name a strong XI that should be able to beat the Glovers comfortably.
Yeovil Town 0-3 Manchester United
Arsenal vs Hull
The first of the two all Premier League encounters we shall be previewing occurs at the Emirates Stadium where stuttering Arsenal host Hull City in a repeat of last year’s FA Cup final. The Tigers will be looking to exert some revenge on the Gunners who came from two goals down to beat Hull at Wembley in that memorable encounter. Hull City come into this match on the back of a convincing win at home to Everton while Arsenal lost to Southampton. With the Gunners missing out on a number of key players, it’ll be interesting to see how Wenger sets up his side.
This match has got the makings of a possible upset. Arsenal are at home and should win but with all the injury problems and poor form of the North London side, Hull have got themselves a real chance here.
Arsenal 1-1 Hull
Monday, January 5
Wimbledon vs Liverpool
Real chance of an upset here. The morale at Liverpool Football Club took a hit after Steven Gerrard announced on Thursday that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season and that was after another atrocious performance at Anfield on New Year’s day where they let a two goal lead slip against Leicester City. It’ll be a great game to watch especially invoking memories of that FA Cup final in 1988 where the unfancied Dons shocked the Reds at Wembley. History may just repeat itself at the Kingsmeadow on Monday.
Wimbledon 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday, January 6
Everton vs West Ham
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/everton/">Everton</a> have been so abysmal of late and have lost the last four matches in a row. They need a morale boosting win and they need it fast with tougher matches on the horizon. A good place to start is Tuesday’s FA Cup tie at home to high-flying West Ham. The Hammers endured mixed results in the festive period and will want to kick-start their year with a win. Both sides are likely to shake things up a bit after a busy festive period and it’s unlikely that there will be much between them after 90 minutes.
Everton 1-1 West Ham

FA Cup Third Round Match Previews And Predictions

FA Cup Third Round Match Previews And Predictions - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/spurs-chelsea.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-125775" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/12/spurs-chelsea-550x387.webp" alt="spurs-chelsea" width="550" height="387" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px"></figure></div></a>
Chelsea take the short trip to North London where they face a rejuvenated Tottenham side in the late kickoff on Thursday, New Year’s Day.
This match marks the end of the hectic festive period that has seen the Premier League clubs play four matches in 12 days and ushers in the beginning of the second-half of the season. Both sides come into the game on the back of December 28 draws, Spurs at home to Manchester United and Chelsea away to Southampton.
The latter remained three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after Manuel Pellegrini’s side succumbed to a 2-2 draw with Burnley despite going two goals ahead in the first half.
The result somewhat relieves the pressure on the Blues who have not been so great away from home in recent matches. Spurs, who have shown solidity of late, will surely want to capitalize on that when they file out against José Mourinho’s men at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
The Lilywhites are starting to find some&nbsp;consistency under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after an indifferent start to the season, and they could move into the Champions League spots with a victory against Chelsea if other results go their way.
Pochettino has no new injury worries and will name a largely unchanged XI that held United last Sunday. Nabil Bentaleb is a major doubt after missing the last match due to an illness but he could return in place of Benjamin Stambouli if passed fit before kickoff
Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen have been pivotal in Spurs’ good run of late and it’s expected that both will be in the starting XI for the match, while Kyle Walker and Erik Lamela should replace Vlad Chiriches and Andros Townsend in the line-up.
On the other hand, John Obi Mikel and Andre Schurrle will likely be dropped to the bench after both players put in uninspiring displays against Southampton, with Oscar and Willian serving as replacements.
Cesar Azpilicueta will also return to the left-side of the defense to add to Chelsea’s defensive solidity, while the rest of the starting line-up will remain unchanged from the last game.
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/spurs-chelsea-predicted-lineup.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-125776" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/12/spurs-chelsea-predicted-lineup-500x614.webp" alt="spurs-chelsea-predicted-lineup" width="500" height="614" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px"></figure></div></a>
Head to head 
Games played – 151; 
Tottenham wins – 49; 
Chelsea wins – 64; 
Draws – 38.

Tottenham vs Chelsea: Preview and Predicted Lineups for New Year's Day Derby

Tottenham vs Chelsea: Preview and Predicted Lineups for New Year's Day Derby - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/stoke-city-e1416432434207.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-122234" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/11/stoke-city-600x400-600x400.webp" alt="stoke city" width="600" height="400"></figure></div></a>
The Potters have continued in their inconsistent start to the season and are yet to find their best form so far. In the five Premier League matches played in October and November, they won twice, lost twice and drew once, not forgetting their Capital One Cup misfortune at home to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/southampton/">Southampton</a>. The mixed results have seen Stoke go up and down the table, but they are perched in 9th place at the moment.
Best starting XI
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/stoke.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-122233" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/11/stoke-600x675-439x494.webp" alt="stoke" width="439" height="494" sizes="(max-width: 439px) 100vw, 439px"></figure></div></a>
Best performer
Victor Moses. The on-loan Chelsea winger has continued to register good displays for his side in almost every single match. His direct pace and dribbling ability – only bettered by Eden Hazard – makes him a constant threat and fun to watch. Always looking to wreak havoc on the opposition, Moses will be key to his team’s fortunes this season. The rumor is that Stoke are keen to secure a permanent deal in January.
Most improved player
Bojan Kirkic. The 24-year-old Spaniard has endured a disappointing start to the season but he has shown signs of a renaissance in recent matches, especially against West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur where he put in man of the match performances. With the striker scoring his first Premier League goal at Spurs last Sunday, the expectation is that he can only get better in the coming weeks. Jon Walters also deserves a special mention after a massive improvement from him in the past few games.
Injury news
Mark Hughes’ side remain handicapped with several players on the treatment table. Peter Odemwingie is the major casualty and he will be out for an estimated seven months after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September. Other casualties include Robert Huth, Glen Whelan, Phil Bardsley, Marc Wilson and D Teixeira all of whom are expected to have returned to action by the end of the month.&nbsp;
Managerial progress&nbsp;
Hughes has not done a lot wrong so far this season and I think he’s still the right man to lead the team to prosper, despite a not-so-convincing start to their 2014-15 campaign. He just needs to get his side to finding that consistency going forward, but that remains to be seen especially with games against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/liverpool/">Liverpool</a>, Arsenal and Manchester United on the horizon.
Weakness
Set-pieces. I mentioned this in my August-September report and apparently, nothing has changed since then. The Potters are the only team yet to score a league goal via a set-piece which shows how much the team has evolved since Mark Hughes came on the scene last year. Maybe they ought to get someone like Roy Delap in January.
January Transfer window needs
Stoke already have a fairly decent squad, especially going forward, so I see no reason to plunge into the January transfer market except if there’s another long-term injury.
Overall Team Rating (out of 5 stars):&nbsp;2.5/5.
It’s been a decent season thus far for Stoke, who many would consider a top half team nowadays. With attacking talent on display and that typically resilient defense they should be aiming for yet another highly credible top 10 finish.

Read Our Progress Report on Stoke City's Performances for October-November

Read Our Progress Report on Stoke City's Performances for October-November - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mark-hughes.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-96958" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/03/mark-hughes-600x400-600x400.webp" alt="mark-hughes" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></div></a>
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/22/previewing-the-eagerly-anticipated-film-marvellous/">Stoke City</a> have had a mixed beginning to the 2014-15 Premier League season and have posted mixed results since the start on the campaign. With one win, two draws and two losses, the Potters are perched in 13th spot on the log.
The highlight of their campaign thus far certainly has to be the 1-0 victory against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/24/premier-league-tactics-corner-round-5/">Manchester City</a> at the Etihad. Mark Hughes’ men had come into that game as overwelming underdogs following a poor start to the season, but they shocked the champions on their home turf with Mame Biram Diouf netting the solitary goal.
That win was supposed to kick start their season but for some reason, they have been unable to replicate their performance against City, and subsequently succumbed to a home loss to Leicester before dropping two points against QPR on Saturday.
The Team
Stoke City did some good business in the transfer window bringing in a couple of players including Steve Sidwell and Phil Bardsley from Fulham and Sunderland respectively, before securing Victor Moses and Oussama Assaidi on loan.
Perhaps more surprising is the capture of Barcelona academy graduate Bojan Kirkic. The 24-year-old has not hit the ground running for the Potters so far, but the signs are there that he could come good as the season progresses.
One player who has started in impressive fashion is Diouf who was signed from Hannover on a free transfer. The Senegalese has scored twice already including the winner against City and another against Rangers on Saturday.
With these acquisitions, it is fair to say Mark Hughes has done his best to improve the fortunes of his side. Mame Diouf and Bojan should solve the goal scoring problem from last season while Moses and Assaidi will add much needed pace and creativity on the flanks.
However, two areas where they failed to strengthen are at centre-back and central midfield. Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth and Marco Muniesa are their only senior central defenders, while Stoke also lack a good creative midfielder.
The side’s inability to get in behind defences is a major worry and as evidenced against Leicester, they can’t seem to get a lot of meaningful attempts on goal and are useless from set-pieces.
Injury Concerns: The Potters have concerns over Jonathan Walters (calf) and Arnautovic (foot), while Peter Odemwingie faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Manchester City.
The Manager
Mark Hughes must take responsibility for his side’s poor form as his selections have been questionable in recent weeks. One such example is when he played Jon Walters on the flanks against Leicester who was absolutely useless in attack, instead of a proper winger like Marko Arnautovic or Assaidi. The result was that Hughes’ side was unable to create anything from the flanks and mustered just three shots on target.
Best Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Nzonzi,Whelan, Diouf, Adam, Moses, Crouch.
Overall team rating (out of 5 stars): 2.5/5.

Stoke City's August-September Progress Report

Stoke City's August-September Progress Report - World Soccer Talk

Ayo is a football enthusiast from Lagos, Nigeria who is passionate about the English Premier League and has contributed to a number of online publications including Goal.com Nigeria, Outside90 and World Soccer Talk. A staunch admirer of José Mourinho's football philosophy, he prefers a more pragmatic approach to aesthetics. Visit his blog at Voomfootball.com.

Ayoisaiah

experience

latest articles by ayoisaiah

News

FA Cup Third Round Match Previews And Predictions

News

Tottenham vs Chelsea: Preview and Predicted Lineups for New Year's Day Derby

News

Read Our Progress Report on Stoke City's Performances for October-November

News

Stoke City's August-September Progress Report