4 Potential FA Cup Giant Killings in This Season's Third Round

04 January 2020 12:53

​Who doesn't love an FA Cup third round giant killing? 

Sutton defeating Coventry in 1989, Wrexham beating Arsenal in 1992, Havant and Waterlooville setting up a tie at Anfield by besting Swansea in 2008 - all iconic moments in footballing history. 

As recently as last season the giant killings have kept on coming as well, with Newport County beating Leicester and Barnet defeating Sheffield United at this stage of the competition during the 2018/2019 campaign. 

Will the trick be repeating again this year? 90min certainly hopes so. Here's the most likely third round ties to end in an upset over the next few days...


 Rochdale vs Newcastle

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-LEICESTER

​Sorry Steve Bruce, but we may even go as far as to put Rochdale as favourites for this one... 

The Magpies incredibly had FOUR players forced off with injury during their 3-0 defeat to Leicester on New Year's Day, which added to their already mounting absentee list. 

Add to that the fact that the Dale have reached the fourth round more frequently than ​Newcastle over the past few years - at Bruce's own admission - and things really do not look good for the Toon. 

Put your house on a home win ladies and gentlemen.


Cardiff City vs Carlisle United

Jeffrey Monakana,Gethin Jones

​After defeating football hipsters Dulwich Hamlet in the second round, Carlisle have been rewarded with a long trip to Wales to face Championship side Cardiff.

Yes, the Cumbrians may be 21st in League Two but with Bluebirds boss Neil Harris confirming that he is likely to rotate his squad, perhaps the fourth round is not such an unattainable goal.

Carlisle will be boosted by the fact that Cardiff bowed out ot lower league opposition at this stage of the FA Cup last season, losing 1-0 to Gillingham.


 Sheffield United vs AFC Fylde 

Jordan Williams

​A quick search of this game on Google reveals a mouth watering ​BBC headline for any FA Cup giant killing aficionado. 

"Sheffield United will change their entire starting 11 for their FA Cup third-round tie against AFC Fylde on Sunday, says manager Chris Wilder."


This is never, ever, ever a good idea, as Leicester's defeat to Newport last season demonstrated. Fylde will seriously fancy their chances... despite the fact that they currently sit in the National League relegation zone.


Manchester City vs Port Vale

Tom Pope

​The mind games have already been started for this one by professional lower league rent-a-mouth Tom Pope.


Back in the summer, Pope sent a few shots at John Stones on Twitter, by claiming that if he played against the former Everton centre-back every week he'd get 40 goals a season. 


Well, well, well Tom... time to put your money where your mouth is. If he somehow manages to inspire his beloved Vale to victory make sure to keep an eye on his Twitter account after the game. Provided he doesn't get banned from the platform again, as he has been a few times before. 


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Source: 90min