FA CUP THIRD ROUND TIPS: HARSH WELCOME TO WREXHAM FOR FOREST
The famous FA Cup third round is back. The draw has thrown up some fascinating ties, pitting the minnows against the giants and setting the scene nicely for a cup upset or two.
Non-league and lower-league clubs see their names up in lights as they dream of a run in the historic competition.
Manchester City welcome League One Exeter to the Etihad, National League North side Macclesfield host holders Crystal Palace, while Charlton take on Chelsea and third-tier Barnsley head to eight-time winners Liverpool.
We’ve scoured the extensive fixture list and have compiled three of the best bets for the third round…
Tip 1 – Wrexham to beat Nottingham Forest @ 18/5
Wrexham haven’t lost at the Racecourse Ground since September.
After a shaky start to life in the second tier, Phil Parkinson’s Dragons have been enjoying a fruitful campaign and remain firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot as they chase an unprecedented fourth promotion in a row and the Premier League promised land.
They take on last season’s semi-finalists and twice FA Cup winners Nottingham Forest here, with an upset firmly on their minds.
Forest are embroiled in a relegation battle, although Monday’s vital win at West Ham has given them breathing space over their rivals.
That said, things can change quickly in the Premier League and, with injuries to key players like Chris Wood, it remains to be seen whether Sean Dyche and his team have the depth or appetite for a cup run.
They were dumped out at this stage in 2023 by Championship side Blackpool – so they do have a recent history of a cup upset – and performances this season have been a long way off last campaign, which saw them secure European football.
Wrexham fans will be right behind their side and their home in North Wales is a tough place to go; they have lost just seven of their last 59 league matches there.
They also have a squad full of talent and experience. Kieffer Moore is one of those players – the Welshman has 13 goals so far this season and will be one to watch for the Forest backline here.
Of course, the Tricky Trees have a talented squad and will be buoyed by the West Ham win, but that was preceded by four consecutive defeats.
On a Friday night under the lights, Wrexham will be licking their lips at the prospect of dumping out a Premier League side as their meteoric rise continues.
At 18/5 for a home win, that is a price that warrants some serious consideration.
Tip 2 – Everton-Sunderland draw in 90 minutes @ 47/20
It was a disappointing midweek result at Brentford for Sunderland, in a season which has brought them much promise.
The 3-0 reverse may have been slightly different had Enzo Le Fee not comically missed a penalty with the Black Cats just 1-0 down.
Miss he did, though, and they slipped to a first defeat in six.
Everton will be similarly flat about their result. Although not a defeat, a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves, and being reduced to nine men, isn’t something David Moyes or the home fans will have had in mind.
This, then, represents a chance for both sides to bounce back.
Over 7,000 fans are making the trip from Wearside but they may well be travelling to see two much-changed sides.
Sunderland were evidently feeling the effects of their missing AFCON contingent at Brentford, meaning the likes of Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey could sit this one out. Everton, meanwhile, are definitely without the suspended Jack Grealish and Michael Keane.
The players who do come in should be keen to impress and stake a claim for a first-team spot, however.
These two met in November at the Stadium of Light and the 1-1 draw from that day could well be repeated here.
The last week aside, they have both been tight defensively and goals haven’t exactly flowed at the other end with just 44 between them in the Premier League.
A draw, at 47/20 is the standout selection. The Black Cats have drawn four of their last five games and have a Premier League-high nine stalemates overall.
Tip 3 – Aston Villa to beat Tottenham in 90 minutes @ 17/10
It wasn’t supposed to be like this for Tottenham.
With Ange Postecoglou delivering the Europa League, but sacked because of a poor Premier League campaign, Thomas Frank was the man chosen to add some stability.
The Lilywhites sit 14th in the table, though, and one win in six has led to growing frustrations among the fanbase. The side they face here, Aston Villa, could not be in a more contrasting place.
Unai Emery’s men are third in both the Premier League and Europa League standings and well placed for an FA Cup run – a competition they have won seven times but last back in 1957.
They will relish the opportunity to kick Spurs while they are down.
Recent history is on their side too – the Villans have won six of the last eight meetings, including on this ground earlier this season.
They also met at the fourth round stage of the FA Cup two years ago at Villa Park, with the home side once again victorious.
It should be an entertaining clash. Spurs’ recent 0-0 draw at Brentford was their first for 137 Premier League games while, for all Villa’s league success, Emery’s men have just one clean sheet in their last eight games.
We’re going with the visitors to win the game in 90 minutes at 17/10, to take one step closer to a first trophy for almost 30 years.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
