FA Cup Third-Round Predictions
FA Cup Third-Round Predictions
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has shared his predictions for all 32 ties in the FA Cup third round.
Sutton is competing against DJ and producer Shadow Child, also known as Simon Neale, as well as an AI tool.
Do you agree with their predictions? You can select your expected winners for each match below.
Shadow Child, a Portsmouth supporter, reminisces about his long-standing connection with the FA Cup, which extends beyond Portsmouth's victory in 2008. He remarked, "That was a significant moment, as was our narrow defeat in the final two years later. However, my fondest FA Cup memory dates back to 1992, when we made it to the semi-finals before losing to Liverpool in a replay. At 15, I stood on the Clock End at Highbury for the first match, and it was then that I truly grasped the emotional weight of football. I had been attending games at Fratton Park since I was five, but that moment defined my understanding of the sport's power. A run like that stays with you for a lifetime. The year we won, all five matches from the third round to the final ended in 1-0 victories. While those matches weren't particularly glamorous, the highlight was our 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Rio Ferdinand ended up in goal when we scored the winner from the penalty spot. It's a memory I will cherish forever."
The AI predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat, which was tasked with predicting the scores for each tie.
Note: There are no replays in this round; matches will be decided by extra time and penalties.
Friday, January 9
Stadium MK, 19:30 GMT
5th in League Two vs. 23rd in Championship
Gap = 30
Oxford United enters this tie struggling for confidence, embroiled in a relegation battle with four losses in their last five games, and still without a manager following Gary Rowett's dismissal before Christmas. Interim coach Craig Short is likely prioritizing Championship survival over the FA Cup.
MK Dons, managed by Paul Warne, who is a former teammate of Sutton, are performing well in the league, and Sutton believes they could cause an upset in the Cup.
Sutton's prediction: 2-2 after extra time, MK Dons to win on penalties
Simon’s prediction: 1-2 after extra time
AI's prediction: 2-1
Vale Park, 19:30
24th in League One vs. 13th in League Two
Gap = 13
Port Vale is in a difficult position, having recently appointed Jon Brady as manager after sacking Darren Moore. Despite a significant win over Blackpool on New Year’s Day, they hold the worst home record in League One.
Fleetwood Town, having eliminated Luton on penalties in the previous round, will approach this match with confidence.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Shadow Child's prediction: 1-1 after extra time, Port Vale to win on penalties
AI's prediction: 2-1
Deepdale, 19:30
4th in Championship vs. 15th in League One
Gap = 35
Preston North End, under the management of Paul Heckingbottom, are focused on promotion and might weigh the merits of another FA Cup run after reaching the quarter-finals last year. Wigan Athletic, having navigated two penalty shootouts to reach this stage, will be eager to upset their former manager's team.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Shadow Child's prediction: 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
Stok Cae Ras, 19:30
9th in Championship vs. 17th in Premier League
Gap = 12
Wrexham has shown improvement in the Championship, with Conor Coady providing stability in defense. Nottingham Forest achieved a crucial victory against West Ham and will seek to maintain that momentum. Although Wrexham is unbeaten at home for ten games, Forest is expected to bring more quality to the match.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Shadow Child's prediction: 3-2 after extra time
AI's prediction: 2-1
Saturday, January 10
EV Charger Points Stadium, 12:15 GMT
18th in League Two vs. 12th in Championship
Gap = 54
Cheltenham Town is struggling, as noted by a regular caller on 606, while Leicester City is also underperforming this season after their relegation from the Premier League. This match is crucial for Leicester's manager, Marti Cifuentes, who is facing pressure due to their mid-table position.
Cheltenham will be motivated, but Sutton believes Cifuentes will secure a much-needed win.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Shadow Child's prediction: 0-3
AI's prediction: 0-3
Hill Dickinson Stadium, 12:15
12th in Premier League vs. 10th in Premier League
Gap = 2
Both Sunderland and Everton will be eager to make a strong impression in the FA Cup this season, as neither team faces relegation concerns. However, both enter this match following disappointing results. Sunderland's recent loss to Brentford was uncharacteristic, while Everton will be frustrated with their home draw against Wolves.
Sunderland last reached the final in 1992, where they defeated Sutton's Norwich in the semi-finals, a loss that still haunts him. With only one fourth-round appearance in the last decade, Sunderland is due for a Cup run, but Sutton predicts this match will go to penalties, with Jordan Pickford leading Everton to victory.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1 after extra time, Everton to win on penalties
Shadow Child's prediction: 1-0 after extra time
AI's prediction: 1-2 after extra time