FA Cup Third Round Tips And Predictions (2024/25)

THE assorted fixture list for our Emirates FA Cup Third Round Proper is truly fascinating.

Obviously, heavily funded Premier League big boys enter this stage of the competition. But a gaggle of unfancied teams are still involved – including two battling Non-League sides who will attract football betting activity aiming to pull off giantkilling upsets.

Here are the pairings I am looking forward to most accompanied by my considered score predictions to assist your FA Cup betting…

SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025

Manchester City v Salford City

(Live on BBC One, kick-off 5.45pm)

Rankings: 6th in the Premier League versus 3rd in League Two

This contest between two clubs based just five miles apart was inevitably going to make national headlines due to much publicised Manchester United connections among the Salford City owners.

Their team are doing well protecting six successive League Two maximum pointers. Saturday’s host Manchester City are also picking up with two straight wins following an uncharacteristically dismal return of one victory in 13 League and Cup engagements.

Score prediction: Manchester City slickers 4-0.

Liverpool v Accrington Stanley

(Live on ITV1, kick-off 12.15pm)

Rankings: 1st in the Premier League versus 19th in League Two

On seeing this FA Cup draw, I immediately thought of a famous 1989 TV advert by the Milk Marketing Board featuring two young Liverpool fans.

One says Liverpool’s star striker Ian Rush had told him he would only be good enough to play for Accrington Stanley when he grew up if he didn’t drink milk. The other youngster replied: “Accrington Stanley, who are they?”

In those days, Stanley were members of the Northern Premier League but now go to Anfield as an established EFL League Two outfit piecing together two wins on the spin.

Contrastingly, Liverpool’s six point cushion at the top of the Premier League is solidly built on merely one defeat all season back on 14th September against Nottingham Forest.

Score prediction: Liverpool milking it 6-1.

SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 2025

Arsenal v Manchester United

(Live on BBC One, kick-off 3pm)

Rankings: 2nd in the Premier League versus 13th in the Premier League

This undoubted tie of the round embraces two clubs displaying outstanding FA Cup records.

Current holders Manchester United have graced 22 Finals – more than any other participant in our great competition’s existence – incorporating United lifting the coveted trophy on 13 occasions in total.

However, Arsenal better that boasting 14 triumphs across 21 Finals. In the 2024/25 Premier League, Arsenal haven’t lost since 2nd November whereas United nurse three defeats during four winless matches.

Score prediction: Arsenal 3-2 replicating the 1978/79 FA Cup Final scoreline.

Tamworth v Tottenham Hotspur

(Live on ITV1, kick-off 12.30pm)

Rankings: 16th in the National League versus 12th in the Premier League

Unique glittering FA Cup magic is encapsulated at the 4,000 capacity Lamb Ground. Non-League underdogs Tamworth are equalling their best ever Cup run entertaining eight time winners Tottenham Hotspur.

Presently, Tamworth reflect on a solitary victory in five National League encounters whilst Spurs haven’t won amidst four Premier League attempts encompassing three losses.

I am hearing increasing rumours suggesting the employment future of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou depends on expected FA Cup progress this season.

Score prediction: Terrific Tamworth 1-0.

MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2025

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge

(Live on ITV4, kick-off 7.30pm)

Rankings: 14th in the Championship versus 15th in the National League

My initial memory of visiting Dagenham’s Victoria Road ground was sitting in front of an elderly woman wearing a long knitted football scarf. All of a sudden, she loudly started the distinctive chant of “DIGGER, DAGGER, DIGGER, DAGGER…OI…OI…OI…” and everyone joined in!

Similar words of encouragement should ring out at The Den on Monday evening as 1,200 Non-League supporters undergo the 13 mile trip traversing the River Thames.

Incidentally, Daggers sacked manager Ben Strevens on 27th December in light of a disappointing sequence of League form. Although they had previously won away to EFL clubs Crewe Alexandra and AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

Assistant manager Lewis Young has assumed temporary charge of team affairs lately. I recall their most notable FA Cup performance in 2002/03 attaining the Fourth Round before losing 1-0 at Norwich City.

Meanwhile, Millwall are on four games lacking victory. Therefore new head coach Alex Neil is hungry for his first win after being installed on 30th December.

Score prediction: Lions edge it 2-1.