FA Cup Third Round Fixtures 2nd January Part 5

Sunderland v Barrow
Another possibility for romance, this time starring Barrow’s fantastically-named Gareth Jelleyman. Just don’t get sent off, Gareth. The Soccer Saturday team might find it amusing but most people with a bit of romance in their soul will be very disappointed. Two more Welshman could feature for Barrow - Simon Spender, who is said to be the most annoying person in the world (but only by someone who hasn’t met me) and Mike Pearson. A year ago this weekend, Mike played against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup but was carried off with a double fracture of his right leg. He thought he might never play again so naturally he’s going to be relishing every moment of playing Sunderland.

Torquay v Brighton & Hove Albion
Andrew Crofts should play for Brighton after serving his suspension. But manager Gus Poyet said he’d make his final decision on the captaincy in the New Year and Andrew’s getting himself sent off probably didn’t help a great deal. There might also be a place in the squad for Craig Davies.

Tottenham Hotspur v Peterborough United
Apparently, Benoit Assou-Ekotto is not going to the African Cup of Nations after all but he’s going to have an operation instead so Gareth Bale is still likely to get his promised run in the team. And where better to start than Peterborough? As well as showing all the fans that he’s not a useless jinx, Gareth also has the chance of taking revenge on them for scoring four goals against Cardiff City last weekend.
Craig Morgan might be suspended or he might not. Sky Sports said he would be suspended for the match against Cardiff but he played so maybe it was a suspended suspension (if that makes sense). He got another yellow card against Cardiff but Peterborough Today says it’s only his fourth. So I don’t know what’s going on except that he might not even be a Peterborough player because Notts County are after him.

Wigan Athletic v Hull City
After a series of disappointing displays by Wigan, wouldn’t it be only sensible to put Jason Koumas back in the team? I’m not sure if he’ll actually score any goals though. He will be up against Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.