LEEDS UNITED vs MILLWALL (1215)
Alphabetically, just, the weekend’s FA Cup games start with a contest between two of Britain’s gentlest and most inoffensive clubs. The hosts are in a rich vein of form and sit atop the Championship, readying themselves for a return to the big time and then possibly another return to the Championship. The visitors, in contrast, have the benefit of mid-table mediocrity and probable safety. ‘Mid-table’ could be misleading, as an additional three points could see them climb into the play-off places. So dismiss Wall’s prospects at your peril. Could be interesting, but don’t expect any feats that buckle the form book. Eh up, you’re nicked. Home win.
LEYTON ORIENT vs MANCHESTER CITY (1215)
Just as City look to have got themselves back on track, along come Arsenal and dish out a good old trouncing. Should League One’s Orient take encouragement from that? Of course they should. Just think of the anticipation if the O’s score the first goal. City will shit themselves – as will commentators up and down the land. Then turn the alarm clock off. Away win.
COVENTRY CITY vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
The Championship Sky Blues (in-form, unbeaten in six) host Premier League strugglers Ipswich. Coventry’s Frank Lampard has a full squad, while Ipswich aim to avoid an upset. Expect a tight contest, but don’t expect any one outcome, because this could end as anything. Penalties – then home win.
EVERTON vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500)
Everton, revitalized under David Moyes (three straight wins), face Bournemouth, who have beaten them twice already this season. Three times today? Yeah, go on then. On second thoughts… Away win.
PRESTON NORTH END vs WYCOMBE WANDERERS (1500)
Honestly, not the faintest idea what will happen here. Let’s go with territorial advantage. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs BURNLEY (1500)
Burnley have got an incredible defence. They last lost (by a solitary goal at Millwall) at the beginning of November. But their goals for aren’t too good either. The Saints, sadly for them, haven’t got an enviable record and could end the season waving to today’s opposition as they pass each other in the league’s snakes and ladders. This could be a drab nil-nil, followed by penalties, in which case anything could happen. Home win.
STOKE CITY vs CARDIFF CITY (1500)
Another one that’s really impossible to predict. The two sides are 18th and 19th in the Championship, so both may not be disappointed if this distraction just goes away. Home win.
WIGAN ATHLETIC vs FULHAM (1500)
This should be comfortable for Fulham (if not necessarily for their travelling fans). What are the Wigan pies like? Away win.
BIRMINGHAM CITY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1745)
Newcastle are on form and wouldn’t object to adding a nice little FA Cup run to their League Cup final place. Away win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs CHELSEA (2000)
The Seagulls had their wings clipped good and proper as Forest ran riot in a 7-0 win last time. Ouch. Chelsea, well… Come on, Brighton. Not gonna happen. Home win.
The FA Cup, sponsored by Emirates. Second from right: "You say you'd like a cup of tea, sir?"
SUNDAY
BLACKBURN ROVERS vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1230)
Rovers and Wanderers. Where’s Roy of the ? Away win.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE vs LIVERPOOL (1500)
Ah, the romance of the cup. First XI vs Third XI. Away win.
ASTON VILLA vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1735)
Cloudy days for the travelling team. Home win.
MONDAY
DONCASTER ROVERS vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Away win.
