It’s always nice to see the big-name Premier League clubs face a tricky away trip in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, and so it proved in the case of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.
The Gunners have demonstrated in the Carling Cup that their second-string is more than a match for most top flight clubs, yet this won’t stop Burnley eyeing up a potential giantkilling. After all, it was only three seasons ago that the Clarets dumped Liverpool out of the competition at the same stage. With Owen Coyle proving an immediate success at Turf Moor, following wins at Charlton and Watford, it could be some match.
It could be a case of deja vu for Liverpool who face a trip to either Luton or Nottingham Forest. Two seasons ago, they were involved in arguably the match of the whole competition at Kenilworth Road, with the Hatters racing into a 3-1 lead, only to lose 5-3 to the Reds. That said, Forest will also be keen for a packed gate that a team like Liverpool would draw.
Many observers will also be forecasting a shock at the Brittania Stadium, where Stoke host Newcastle United. It’s been a miserable start to the season for the Magpies and they’ll have to be at their best against a resilient Championship outfit. The Potters are currently going well in seventh place and would like nothing better than to boost revenues with a thrilling Cup run.