Let’s dive into the thrilling FA Cup third round fixtures featuring the top six Premier League giants this week.
This round boasts two electrifying all-Premier League showdowns: Liverpool hosting their local rivals Everton on Friday night, and Manchester City welcoming Burnley on Saturday. Meanwhile, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal will square off against determined Championship teams.
Friday 5 January
Liverpool 4/10 | Draw 7/2 | Everton 6/1 (21:55)
Liverpool are set to host Everton in the much-anticipated Merseyside derby, with fans eager to see the new £75 million signing Virgil van Dijk in action. Klopp’s Reds come into the clash unbeaten across the last 16 fixtures with 11 wins, though their recent FA Cup home record is patchy with only one win in six matches.
Everton have a history of draws at Anfield in the FA Cup, progressing thrice in replays. However, with recent struggles and losses against Bournemouth and United, Liverpool look like the solid pick here. Backing Liverpool to claim the win at 4/10.
Manchester United 1/4 | Draw 9/2 | Derby County 10/1 (22:00)
Old Trafford welcomes Derby County on Friday night. These two sides last met in the FA Cup in 2016, with United emerging 3-1 winners on the road to their trophy triumph that season. United are coming off a reassuring 2-0 win at Goodison Park but have had a mix of results lately.
Derby sit ninth in the Championship and are enjoying a fine run, unbeaten in their past seven with five victories. Despite missing key players like Lukaku and Ibrahimovic, United are tipped to win, while the Rams could well get on the score sheet. Tip: Manchester United to win & Both Teams to Score at 21/10.
Saturday 6 January
Manchester City 1/6 | Draw 6/1 | Burnley 25/2 (17:00)
Premier League leaders Manchester City host Burnley, fresh off a 3-0 victory in their last encounter. Though Burnley have stumbled lately, including home losses to Spurs and Liverpool, they’ve been resilient on the road.
Burnley have posed problems away to City recently by scoring in five of the last six matches. With Guardiola likely to rotate, backing a Manchester City win & Both Teams to Score at 14/10 looks enticing.
Norwich 52/10 | Draw 34/10 | Chelsea 9/20 (19:30)
Chelsea, last year’s FA Cup finalists, travel to Carrow Road to meet Norwich for the first time since 2016 where they hold a strong winning record.
Norwich presently sit 13th in the Championship and are unbeaten in three, while Chelsea are in excellent form with five wins in their past six. Backing the Premier League champions at 9/20 is a safe bet.
Sunday 7 January
Tottenham 1/10 | Draw 15/2 | AFC Wimbledon 23/1 (17:00)
Tottenham face League One’s Wimbledon at Wembley. Spurs have been on fire with five wins in their last six matches, including four successive wins at Wembley.
Wimbledon, sitting 15th in League One, haven’t won any of their last four away games. Backing Spurs to lead at half-time at 4/10 is the call here.
Nottingham 9/2 | Draw 33/10 | Arsenal 5/10 (18:00)
Holders Arsenal visit Nottingham Forest who are struggling in the Championship, winless in their last five outings.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five away games but have only triumphed twice in that spell. With three FA Cup wins in the past five years, look for the Gunners to continue their success. Arsenal to win is the tip.
MULTIPLE @ 30/1
Liverpool Win 4/10
Man Utd Win & BTTS 21/10
Man City Win & BTTS 14/10
Chelsea Win 9/20
Tottenham HT Win 4/10
Arsenal Win 5/10
