Published
Updated
Author

One of the world’s most famous soccer competitions heats up on Thursday, as the third round gets underway. This is the stage of the competition when Premier League and Championship sides enter the fray, and there are some interesting cross-league matches on the first day of the third round on Thursday.

If you’re new to the competition, you can find out everything you need to know about the FA Cup here.

FA Cup Picks Today

Sheffield United vs. Cardiff

An all-Championship affair is set for Bramall Lane on Thursday, as the high-flying Sheffield United host Cardiff City.

The Blades have won their last two competitive home matches against the Blue Birds, while Cardiff have exited the FA Cup in seven of the last nine occasions when they have faced a team from Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Cardiff have also lost their last four away matches in the FA Cup.

Sheffield United have won three of the last four clashes in the competition between the sides, which includes a famous win in the 1925 final. The Blades look good value to put their name in the fourth-round draw.

Everton vs. Peterborough

Premier League Everton welcome League One strugglers Peterborough to Goodison Park on Thursday. This will only be the second competitive meeting between the sides, with the Toffees previously recording a 2-1 League Cup success in September 2006.

However, Everton have won just once in their last five FA Cup matches. Peterborough will be coming up against top-flight opposition for the 15th time in cup history, but they have lost each of the last 14.

Everton have progressed from 14 of their last 15 ties against lower league opponents. Despite their league issues, the Toffees look far too strong for the Posh, considering the traveling side’s recent struggles.

Fulham vs. Watford

Watford and Fulham will be meeting in the FA Cup for the fourth time this week, but each of the last three have required a replay following a draw.

The Cottagers have failed to win in their last six competitive matches against the Hornets, conceding 14 goals across that period. However, Watford have progressed from just one of their last five ties at this stage of the competition.

Fulham have a much better recent record in the third round, winning each of their last five. The Cottagers get the narrow preference after winning each of their last four in the FA Cup against sides in lower divisions.

Leave a Comment