FA Cup Third Round Fixtures 2nd January Part 4

Portsmouth v Coventry City
Portsmouth might be floundering at the foot of the Premier League table but then Coventry aren’t that far from the foot of their own league. But on the other hand. Freddy Eastwood – despite being ill at the moment - is on great form for Coventry so if a giant-killing is going to happen anywhere, it could well be in Portsmouth.

Preston North End v Colchester United
After a 5-0 victory over Norwich at the start of the season, Norwich stole Colchester’s manager. But while Norwich are now above Colchester, it’s not by much and Colchester are still pushing for the play-offs. And without Lee Beevers too.
Preston could be without Paul Parry who didn’t train today and will have a fitness test before the match.
Colchester might not want the distraction of a Cup run. But beating the off-form Preston would be proof that they’re in the Championship hunt for real.

Reading v Liverpool
Earlier this week, Simon Church completed his first ninety minutes for Reading for quite a while. He didn’t actually score a goal but maybe he’ll be all warmed up in time for Liverpool’s game and ready to show the former top 4 side that Reading mean business. But I still think Liverpool will win.

Southampton v Luton Town
Southampton are obviously much better than their league form suggests. But then, Luton are at least a whole division better than their league form suggests.
Southampton have been going well lately with young Lloyd James one of their star players. But let’s not forget, Luton beat Scunthorpe United to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final last season. And Scunthorpe went on to win promotion to the Championship.

Stoke City v York City
This is probably the match with the biggest potential for romance. Stoke are off-form and Ryan Shawcross suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card, leaving only Danny Collins (okay and their other great players) between them and embarrassment - but a win for York would be pretty amazing. But then again, York could have star player Alex Lawless, their captain Danny Parslow, Kevin Gall (who featured in at least three of Yeovil Town’s Magic Moments from 200-2009 – I refuse to say ‘noughties’), loan star Luke Graham from Mansfield and anchorman Levi Mackin in the team.