Where are the Shocks Likely to be in the FA Cup Third Round?

One of the biggest sporting events in the UK will take place across this coming weekend. Starting Friday night and progressing through until Monday evening, the 32 fixtures in the FA Cup Third Round will be contested. 64 teams, 44 from the Premier League and Championship, plus 20 more from the lower reaches of the league and non-league, will battle it out over 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties used to decide the winner if required.

At stake is a place in the Fourth Round draw and also, uniquely, the Fifth Round draw, as both draws will take place back-to-back on Monday night to aid teams schedule fixtures through the end of January and into February.

FA Cup 3^rd Round weekend is always a massive deal in the UK, especially for punters looking to enjoy a bet on the action, and if that is something you would like to do then the latest Bet365 New Player Bonus is a great place to start. Why, there is even a special FA Cup themed bet365 Welcome Offer page that’s been designed especially for the tournament.

It is worth noting that it is not just in the UK that the FA Cup is very popular. Fans of UK football in the United States also like to tune in to have a bet and if you are based in a state that allows sports betting and fancy a flutter on the FA Cup action this weekend, then what are your options?

BetRivers Sportsbook and Casino operates in both Pennsylvania and Indiana but there are different offers available in each state. In Pennsylvania, you can sign up using the latest BetRivers Promo Code for a good value bonus, whereas in Indiana, the BetRivers Affiliate Code “HOOSIERBONUS” is the best way to get your hands on a starter bonus in the Hoosier State.

In other states, the latest DraftKings Online Sportsbook is a great option as it has a great selection of bets from UK Soccer fixtures, as well as a number of other sports, not to mention a good value welcome bonus for new players in the US too.

So now you have somewhere to place your bets, what are the matches that we feel could be the ones to bet on as they would offer you a great value return on a potential giant killing? We are going to highlight a number of these fixtures below and give you our thoughts on whether a giant killing is likely or not.

FA Cup Third Round Potential Giant Killings?

• Aston Villa v Liverpool

Odds of a Giant Killing – Good

Villa have thrashed Liverpool 5-0 and 7-2 in their last two home games against them at Villa Park. The Reds will likely be resting a number of key players for this game and could even change their entire team. Villa are not likely to do that and as such, I reckon the Villains will land another win. They are worth a bet to win at 23/10 with bet365.

• Everton v Rotherham

Odds of a Giant Killing – Slim

The Toffees have been strong in recent weeks moving back up the table after a run of poorer results. Rotherham are struggling in the Championship in 23^rd place and have lost four out of their last five. The chances of them landing a win at Goodison Park, even against an Everton side resting a few key players, is very slim indeed.

• Blackpool v W.B.A

Odds of a Giant Killing – 50/50

Sam Allardyce has no qualms about completely resting a team with Premiership survival on the line. He has done it numerous times before at other clubs and he will do it again here I feel. One of his former clubs, Blackpool, now have a great chance to capitalise on that and claim a win, although I don’t rate their chances at better than 50/50. They are 13/5 to win Blackpool, but I feel it may take extra time and even penalties to perhaps decide the outcome.

• Bristol Rovers v Sheffield United

Odds of a Giant Killing – Above Average

Sheffield United’s lack of wins in the Premier League is a big concern for Chris Wilder and they now face a tough trip to Bristol Rovers. If Wilder prioritises the Premier League he could come unstuck here. Rovers are 10/3 for the win here and that could be worth a bet against a side that while more talented, are clearly lacking confidence.

• Manchester United v Watford

Odds of a Giant Killing – Slim

After their Carabao Cup semifinals defeat to Manchester City in the week, Manchester United now face Watford trying to move into the 4^th Round. Even with some players rested, United should win this game very comfortably and it would be a massive shock if the Hornets can sting the Red Devils to land a win here.

• Chelsea v Morecambe

Odds of a Giant Killing – Slim

After a run of poor league performances, pressure has been heaped on Frank Lampard here and while he will rest a few key players for this game, the replacements he can bring in should be more than enough to avoid this potential banana skin against Morecambe and ease their way into the fourth round draw.

• Crawley Town v Leeds United

Odds of a Giant Killing – Below Average

Crawley have landed some big wins at home this season, while Leeds have been involved in plenty of games with lots of goals, so I think we will see goals in this game. The problem is that I think Leeds will play a strong team here and as such, I think that greatly diminishes Crawley’s chance of an upset win. I expect Leeds to win this one in an entertaining 3-1 or even 4-2 final score.

• Manchester City v Birmingham City

Odds of a Giant Killing – Average

Man City are in superb form at the moment, so how come Birmingham have a chance here? Well Pep Guardiola has already stated he is going to play an U23 team for this game given the problems in his first team squad with illness and fitness and as such, even a squad as talented as that U23 group, will have problems against a decent Championship side like Birmingham. This one will be close and at 12/1 to win the midland side could be worth a flutter.

• Marine v Tottenham

Odds of a Giant Killing – Virtually None

Tottenham will be in a good frame of mind after clinching a Carabao Cup final spot last week. Marine are the lowest ranked team still left in the competition and this is a huge test for them and in truth, it is one that they will likely fail by a considerable amount given the quality Spurs can bring into the team even if they rest a significant proportion of their first team. This will be an easy win for the visitors.

• Newport County v Brighton

Odds of a Giant Killing – Average

Graham Potter’s team have played well at times this season without picking up wins and going to a Newport County team flying high in League Two and who have performed well against Man City and Newcastle in recent times, will be tough. County have an outside chance here and if you fancy them to win they are 11/2, but I feel a Brighton victory in extra time is the morel likely outcome.

• Stockport v West Ham

Odds of a Giant Killing – Slim

Weirdly, historical records between these teams shows that Stockport have won 7 of their 14 encouners, to 4 for West Ham. However County have since dropped into non-league while West Ham have enjoyed a decent start in the Premier League. There won’t be a repeat of Stockport’s 2-1 home win in 1996 here. The Hammers should claim the victory.

*All odds shown were correct with bet365 Sport as of 8.30am on Thursday 7^th January 2021.