FA Cup Third Round Preview: Manchester United Faces Brighton And Liverpool Welcomes Barnsley

FA Cup Third Round delivers a weekend of giant-killings, history, and Premier League heavy rotation.

Manchester United vs Brighton

‎United have beaten Brighton in all six previous FA Cup meetings. Fletcher’s first game showed signs of a tactical reset with a more balanced 4-2-3-1. Brighton have won three of their last four Premier League visits to Old Trafford.

‎Prediction: Manchester United 2–1 Brighton

Crystal Palace vs Macclesfield

‎Palace are the reigning holders. Macclesfield enter the competition proper for the first time in their history. Palace have won six straight FA Cup ties against non-league opposition.

‎Prediction: Crystal Palace 3–0 Macclesfield

Manchester City vs Exeter City

‎City have won 15 straight home FA Cup matches since 2015, scoring 65 goals. Exeter have lost ten straight cup ties against top-flight opposition. City expected to rotate heavily.

‎Prediction: Manchester City 5–0 Exeter City

Chelsea vs Charlton

‎Rosenior’s first match in charge. Chelsea have beaten Charlton 3-0 in both previous FA Cup meetings. Charlton have exited in the third round in five straight seasons.

‎Prediction: Chelsea 3–0 Charlton

Arsenal vs Portsmouth

‎Portsmouth haven’t beaten Arsenal in any competition since 1958. Arsenal have been knocked out at the third round in each of their last two seasons.

‎Prediction: Arsenal 3–0 Portsmouth

Newcastle vs Bournemouth

‎Bournemouth are unbeaten in six against Newcastle and have won their last four FA Cup away matches. Newcastle have lost their last four third-round ties against PL opposition.

‎Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Bournemouth

Liverpool vs Barnsley

‎Liverpool have progressed from 13 of their last 14 third-round ties. Barnsley have lost six straight ties against PL opposition. But Barnsley’s unique Anfield streak (last two visits both wins) adds intrigue.

‎Prediction: Liverpool 3–0 Barnsley