The FA Cup third round is a weekend like no other, with a mouth-watering number of matches across the country. In previous years we’ve seen nail-biting finishes, giant killings, and goals galore as teams from every corner of England, often with leagues between them, battle it out for the oldest football trophy there is. Whoever you support, you are probably playing this weekend.
So, for the biggest weekend in the FA Cup calendar, we’ve had a word with our football tipster for some much-needed council on this weekend’s action. We’ve looked at the football odds and put together an acca that could win you a massive £55 from just a fiver! With our Acca Boost, you can get enhanced odds up to 50% this weekend. For all your sports betting needs, log in to NetBet.
Leicester City to beat Millwall @ 1.87
Leicester are flying high in the Championship and have been in run-away form. The Foxes haven’t lost in 10. There is still a core of players here that remain from their FA Cup victory back in 2021 when they beat Chelsea in the final. This side has lifted the trophy before and although they will be concentrating on a first-place finish in the League, they won’t want to crash out early here.
They travel to The Den where a Millwall side that has been inconsistent will be waiting. While they will be boosted by the home crowd, this Leicester side will simply have too much quality for a Millwall team that isn’t getting the most of itself. Although Millwall did win their last FA Cup meeting at The Den back in 2017, you can’t see it happening again here against the in-form Foxes.
Bournemouth to beat QPR @ 1.49
Bournemouth are surprising a lot of people in the Premier League. Without sounding condescending, the plucky South Coasters are performing far better than most people expected. Bournemouth, who had a winning streak before a setback at Tottenham, are determined to bounce back. With spirits high, the Cherries aim to extend their winning record against QPR, making them strong contenders for a comfortable victory in this upcoming clash.
For QPR, they have had a good upturn of fortunes since new boss Martí Cifuentes took over. But they still find themselves battling at the bottom of the Championship, which is where their priorities will be. With four losses in their last five Championship matches, things aren’t looking good. Struggling to find the net recently, they confront a formidable challenge in Bournemouth.
Newcastle to beat Sunderland @ 1.71
It’s the big one! We just had to get this one in here. The Tyne-Wear derby promises thrilling action on Saturday lunchtime. Sunderland kicked off 2024 with a stellar 2-0 win against Preston North End in the Championship, while Newcastle United faced a challenging 4-2 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League. Sunderland and their good recent form under manager Micheal Beale will be optimistic, but since the two sides last met Newcastle have become one of the top sides in England, even Europe, and there will certainly be a gap in quality.
It’s the first meeting in seven years for these two sides and Newcastle will want to flex their new(ish) muscles. Despite the challenging season for the Magpies, the noticeable gap in quality between the two teams gives them confidence for success. With the FA Cup serving as their sole opportunity for silverware this season, expect Eddie Howe to unleash the full force of his squad.
West Ham to beat Bristol City @ 1.41
All hail David Moyes and his brilliant job at West Ham. They seem to find themselves in somewhat of a purple patch. Despite being a Premier League top-six team, West Ham’s squad depth could pose challenges against a formidable, in-form Bristol City side currently sitting 11th in the Championship.
The Hammers have a historical edge, winning both previous FA Cup encounters with Bristol City, but the last showdown dates back to January 2015. However, Bristol City will be eager to break their 11-match winless streak against West Ham, with only three encounters in the 2000s. But the Irons Premier League quality and home advantage should shine through here.
Manchester United to beat Wigan @ 1.22
Wigan know a thing or two about causing FA Cup upsets against Manchester giants. But if they manage to take down United in this third-round face-off, it would be an even more jaw-dropping surprise than their unforgettable win over City in the 2013 showdown. But Manchester United will want to pick up their form early in the new year.
Although it has been a tough start for United, Wigan now find themselves sitting just a few points clear of the drop zone in League One and could suffer successive relegations if results don’t pick up soon. Although they travel to the DW Stadium, United will want their big players to turn up and put this League One side to bed.
*Odds subject to change.
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