FA Cup / Nik Wardle / 02 January 2008 /

Can Luton topple Liverpool? Will Big Sam's Newcastle come a cropper at Stoke? Have Villa got the measure of Man Utd? Find out here as Nik Wardle looks ahead to the weekend's big FA cup clashes.

This weekend sees one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the football season: the FA Cup third round. It's certainly a time for clichés - David v Goliath, tie of the round, the banana skin and, er, Spurs are on their way to Wembley. I look at four interesting ties here and try to predict the results.

Luton Town v Liverpool: David v Goliath. Cash-strapped Luton entertain Liverpool in what Sky and the neutrals are hoping is a repeat of their scintillating clash two years ago. Liverpool came from 3-1 down to win 5-3 and the game is well-remembered for Alonso scoring from inside his own half. I can't see a repeat of such entertainment this year, as Luton have since dropped a division and Liverpool have strengthened their squad further still - their third team would probably be stronger on paper. The fact Sky have picked this game rather than West Ham v Man City tells much about their doting on the 'grand slam' clubs.

Aston Villa v Man Utd: Tie of the round. This is the fourth time in seven seasons that these have been paired together. Man Utd won the first three and should continue that trend. They don't have many below-par performances and they've just had one at West Ham - bad news for Villa. The Villains have shown spirit in recent displays against Arsenal and Chelsea but will need an epic performance and probably a fit John Carew to stand a chance of repeating of their 1957 cup final victory. Sir Alex doesn't tend to tinker too much with his team selection in this competition, proof that he and his men will be 'up for the cup'.

Stoke City v Newcastle Utd: The banana skin. At the time of writing, Stoke are unbeaten since mid-November - Newcastle have only won away once since the opening day of the season. If Newcastle crash out here, there's a strong possibility it may see the end of Big Sam's reign. Ricardo Fuller is in good form for Stoke and will be a handful for whoever's turn it is to play centre back for Newcastle. If ever a first goal in a game was vital, it's in this one. Due to the chasm between the Premiership and the rest, I think Big Sam will earn a reprieve here - and I think Newcastle should stick with him till the season end, at least.

Tottenham Hotspur v Reading: Spurs are on their way to Wembley? Probably not in this competition but I think they'll win this tie. Steve Coppell normally gives a few fringe players a run out in this tournament, whereas Juande Ramos will want to keep the home fans happy. Another ten goals is too much to ask for but these are two sides that are good to watch. Outside of the big four, I think Spurs have the best chance of winning the cup, especially if they hang on to Berbatov and Defoe.

If I have one unselfish footballing wish for 2008 it's that the FA Cup final be contested by two teams outside of the big four - to prove to the rest of the world there's more to our 'brand' than them.

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