03 December 2006

FA Cup draw + midweek Premiership games

The FA Cup 3rd round draw took place today, and let’s say it’s left something to be desired. This is the stage where all the Premiership sides enter the tournament, and they usually come up against lower-league opposition. In the last two years, Liverpool has faced Burnley (not going there) and Luton at this stage.

There are 4 all-Premiership fixtures this round (don't believe there were any last year): Pompey v Wigan, Man U v Villa, Everton v Blackburn, and Liverpool v Arsenal. Great. The first game of the FA Cup, as defending champions, and it’s against the Arse.

Well, at least with this, the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup, and the still-to-come home league game, Liverpool will have ample opportunity to make amends for the performance at the Emirates. All three games are at Anfield, and games, especially cup games, at Anfield usually turn out different than away fixtures. Remember, last season, it seemedFA like Liverpool exorcised a tough loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford with a home win in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

Games will be played the 6th or 7th of January. Full draw.

Quick Prem predictions:
Monday
Man City v Watford (3pm, FSC): 2-0 City

Tuesday
Charlton v Blackburn (3pm, FSC): 1-2 Blackburn
Tottenham v Middlesbrough (3pm, Setanta Xtra): 3-1 Spurs

Wednesday
Newcastle v Reading (2:45pm, FSC): 1-1
West Ham v Wigan (2:45pm, Setanta Xtra): 1-1

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