Michael Owen’s FA Cup Preview

This looks like a complete mismatch. City are unstoppable in the cups. Pep will rotate a few players, but Man City’s squad is exceptional, so that won’t be an issue. I’m going for Man City to win this 4-0.

The atmosphere in this one should be good. Burnley are obviously having a difficult league season, but I actually think this game could be a good thing for them. They don’t have to worry about picking up points and can try to get some confidence back. I think Burnley will win 2-0.

This should be a cracker. I’m sure The Den will be bouncing for this one. Millwall are sitting mid-table in the Championship and have a habit of doing well in the FA Cup. Palace look like they will be safe though so I’m sure Vieira will play a good side here. I’m going for a comfortable win for Palace.

Leicester haven’t quite been at their best in the league, so they’ll be really up for the FA Cup. The winners last season, I can see them going far this season as well. I’m going for 2-0 Leicester against struggling Watford.

This is a big month for Newcastle, and they can start it with a win. It’s going to be a packed crowd at St James’ and that should inspire the team. The club is desperate for a cup run and they can start it with a win here. 4-0 Newcastle.

West Brom are on a poor run of form and have lost their place in the automatic promotion spots in the Championship. Brighton are having a fantastic season and can look to add to it in the FA Cup. I think this will be close, but I think Brighton will edge it.

What a story this is for non-league Chesterfield. I hope the club enjoys their day at Stamford Bridge. It might be less enjoyable on the pitch though. I can only see a comfortable win for last season’s beaten finalists. 5-0 Chelsea.

Hull are having a difficult season in the Championship and are firmly in a relegation battle. The confidence in the squad must be low and it’s an ideal game for a struggling Everton side. I’m predicting 3-1 Everton.

This should be a comfortable away win for Southampton. Swansea are having a poor season and Southampton come into this on the back of four very good points in their last two. I can see a 2-0 Southampton win.

The FA Cup third round is known for upsets, and I’m predicting one here. The confidence in the Norwich dressing room can’t be good. I think League one Charlton can add to their woes and win this 2-1.

FA Cup glory is the one thing missing in Jurgen Klopp’s trophy cabinet, so I’m sure he’ll want to go far this season. This should be a comfortable tie. Liverpool will no doubt rest players, but they will have too much quality. 5-0 to Liverpool.

This should be a straightforward tie for a Spurs side, who have improved under Antonio Conte. Morecambe are in a relegation battle in League 1, so I’m going for 3-0 to Spurs.

West Ham are having such a good season and can add it to it by going far in the FA Cup. They showed how good they are in the cups when storming through their Europa League group and I think they will beat Leeds here. 2-1 West Ham.

Wolves are having an excellent season under new boss Bruno Lage. They got to the semi-finals under Nuno Espirito Santo a few years ago, and I can see them going far this season. They’ll start with a win over Sheffield United.

He’s only been in the job for a short time, but pressure is on Ralf Rangnick. Performances haven’t been good, and the club is desperate to win some silverware. Villa will be up for this and there’s no way Steven Gerrard will play a weakened side here. United might, and I can see Villa edging this. 2-1 Aston Villa.