FA Cup - third round
Sunderland - Barrow
SUNDERLAND:
Call it foolhardy, call it a statement of intent. Steve Bruce readily admits it's a risk, but that will not stop him from putting Darren Bent at the mercy of Barrow's no-nonsense defenders when there is a strong case to argue that he should opt for the alternative.
Largely prompted by the player's desire to add to his 13 goals so far this season, the Sunderland manager will resist the temptation to allow the England international a well-earned day off.
He intends to give his top scorer the nod to lead the line in the hope he will help ensure the Stadium of Light doesn't witness the shock result invariably seen somewhere around the country on third round day.
It's a pragmatic approach and a decision no doubt made with one eye on the fact that the Wearside club have managed a single victory in 12 games as their season threatens to go into freefall. Bruce dare not contemplate the consequences of defeat.
Bent's inclusion is also in part due to the lack of goals from the rest of the squad, and Bruce said: "The one person I could leave out is Benty for obvious reasons. However, I won't. He's done fantastically well for me, he's been a breath of fresh air since he came here and he wants to play every week.
"His return is up there with Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba and for us to have someone like that at the club is fantastic. He enjoys being Sunderland's number nine, but we can't just keep relying on him. Some of the other lads need to come to the party as well.
"Of course, if he gets a knock and is missing for eight weeks, I'll be spewing on Monday. If he picks up an injury in the Premier League that's one thing, but it could happen in training or anywhere. It's vital that I put out my biggest and strongest team and with our injury situation I haven't got much option to be honest.
"With nine out either injured or suspended any squad would be stretched to the limit so I'm not really in for any rotation. I've done it before where you leave people out because you're worried about picking up injuries but I'm going to treat the FA Cup with the respect it deserves. I want to get through so I'll play my strongest possible team."
Bruce admits he's driven by the fear of being added to the competition's long list of fallen giants. He added: "We've all been involved in a horrible one where an upset can happen and that's something we must guard against.
"They'll be trying like beasts to cause a shock and we must give them the hugest respect and make sure we match them in the battle, because at times it will be just that. If we do then hopefully our ability will come through.
"It's that time of year where conditions are hard and pitches are at their worst, let's just consider ourselves lucky we've been drawn at home. For most of my career I've tended to get either Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool at this stage, which is great for getting some money in but isn't great for your hopes of progressing."
Strategy: Late withdrawals permitting, Bruce will hand a vote of confidence to the 11 players on duty in Monday's 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers, where there was a first start for the midfielder David Meyler and a rare appearance from Daryl Murphy, who impressed down the left.
Fraizer Campbell will be given his latest chance to finally make an impact by improving on a modest record of one goal in nine starts as the second striker alongside Bent in a 4-4-2 formation. If the England Under-21 international fails to shine against non-league opposition, then Bruce must start to wonder just why he paid £3.5m for the so far distinctly average-looking former Manchester United forward.
The manager added: "We've hardly got anyone coming off our long injury list but even if we had I'd still be tempted to stick with the same team against Barrow."
Injury Update: Steed Malbranque (thigh strain) and Bolo Zenden (hamstring) are the only players among Sunderland's walking wounded likely to recover in time to figure.
The list of absentees remains a lengthy one with Bruce denied the services of Anton Ferdinand, Andy Reid
John Mensah, Kieran Richardson, Lee Cattermole and Kenwyne Jones. Defender Michael Turner serves the third of a four-match suspension.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon could return to action within a fortnight after stepping up his rehabilitation from a broken arm by starting ball work this week. Bruce added: "The news on Craig is excellent, and he could be playing in a couple of weeks."
BARROW:
The visitors, who currently sit in the bottom half of the Blue Square Premier League, a division below the Football League, eight points clear of the relegation zone, will be backed by nearly 8,000 fans, about a quarter of the Cumbrian town's population.
There will be a sense of deja vu as at this stage last season, a similar army of supporters made the trans-Pennine pilgrimage to Middlesbrough, who were then in the Premier League, to see their side put up a creditable display in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Money earned from that cup run 12 months ago enabled the club to step up their training schedule from two nights to three days a week, and Jason Walker, who scored at the Riverside last year, hopes for a similar boost to the coffers this time round to fund the bid to seal a return to the league for the first time in almost 40 years.
The 25-year-old Barrow-born forward said: "The money last year really helped and hopefully we can get even more this time with Sunderland's ground having a bigger capacity than Middlesbrough. It'll help us push the club on even further. We're confident of doing ourselves justice and I don't see why we can't cause an upset
Milton K. Dons - Burnley
BURNLEY:
Owen Coyle could be forgiven for not wanting the distraction of an FA Cup run considering Burnley's increasingly perilous situation in the Premier League, but nothing would be further from the truth.
Coyle clearly believes some success in the competition will help boost flagging confidence at Turf Moor ahead of the second half of the season.
With this in mind, Burnley will be under instructions to make light work of their hosts, who are chasing promotion from League One.
Coyle said: "This competition is very important to me, the players and the club. We would like to have a good run in it. For me, the FA Cup is still the best club competition in the world and an added bonus is it gives you a break from the constant demands of the Premier League."
Strategy: Injuries and suspensions will force Coyle to shuffle his pack, but whichever team he decides to pick will be expected to take the initiative and give the MK Dons no encouragement of an upset.
Robbie Blake is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up and his influence could have a huge bearing on Burnley's ability to press home their superior quality.
Coyle will also be hoping David Nugent is available to play. His loan at Burnley expires towards the end of January but it is unclear whether Portsmouth are prepared to let him be cup-tied.
Coyle, who has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Bolton, added: "We will need permission from Portsmouth to play him so we will speak to them about that, but if not, it will give a chance to another player."
Injury Update: Where to start? Coyle is still without long-term absentees Jay Rodriguez, Chris McCann and Martin Paterson. But just to make matters worse both Tyrone Mears and Stephen Jordan are suspended, Clarke Carlisle is doubtful with a groin injury and captain Steven Caldwell has been ruled out for up to a month with a groin injury. Andre Bikey will play his last game before joining the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations.
MILTON KEYNES DONS:
Paul Ince's side have suffered some mixed form of late but Luke Chadwick is tipping an upset. The former Manchester United winger, who spent a year on loan at Turf Moor earlier in his career, said: "We've not really got anything to lose, the expectation will be on the opposition and that is often when we are at our best. With the pressure off there's no reason why we can't have a go at them."
Bolton Wanderers - Lincoln City
BOLTON WANDERERS:
The dismissal of Gary Megson has completeld overshadowed the team's preparations for the third round tie against League Two strugglers Lincoln City.
Wanderers have failed to be up for the cup in each of the last two seasons, falling at the first hurdle to Sunderland last season and Sheffield United in 2008.
But, despite the fact that they are currently managerless and occupy the one of the relegation places in the Premier League, this tie represents an excellent chance of progress in a competition they have won four times.
Chairman Phil Gartside has given Chris Evans and Steve Wigley the responsibility of looking after first team affairs while the search for a permanent replacement for Megson goes on.
And Evans said: "We'll be looking for a very professional approach. The players will be ready. It's all about concentrating on our 11 players, not them.
"Gary's pushed on now, and we've got to look forward. Steve Wigley and myself have come from similar backgrounds - we have over 60 years of experience between the two of us.
"Every game has to be taken on its merits, and I think we can continue to do the work that we've been setting out to do."
Lincoln, who are managed by former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton, languish perilously close to the League Two relegation zone.
Yet Evans has warned his players against complacency. He added: "There have been times in the past when all teams have found it difficult in the FA Cup, but we have a duty to be correctly prepared. We have a few little niggles, but as far as I am concerned we have a clean bill of health."
Strategy: This is a crucial game for Bolton because the club needs a lift. It is expected that Evans and Wigley will field a strong side, despite the obvious opportunity to rest a few of their first choice players. There is absolutely no doubt, however, that Lincoln will fancy their chances of adding to the home side's misery.
"I know enough Lincoln to know we must have a great deal of respect for them," said Evans. "It's the FA Cup, and we all know what it's about."
Injury Update: Evans has reported a clean bill of health, although he did say there are a few little niggles in the camp following Tuesday's draw against Hull City. Don't be surprised to see Gary Cahill rested.
LINCOLN CITY:
Having brushed aside non-League teams AFC Telford and Northwich Victoria in the last two rounds, this is Lincoln's first appearance in the third round for 11 years. On paper Bolton ought to win without too much trouble with Lincoln fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the League Two table. Yet in Sutton, their manager, they have an FA Cup winner, the former England international collecting a medal during his playing days at Chelsea
Stoke City - York City
STOKE CITY:
It has not been a memorable end to 2009 for Stoke City, with an alarming run of just one win in nine league games. So a cup tie against non-league opposition should present an ideal opportunity to get back on track.
Stoke were stunned in this competition last year against lowly opposition in the shape of Hartlepool at Victoria Park, but this home encounter with York, of the Blue Square Premier, should be a far simpler proposition.
The biggest dilemma for Tony Pulis will centre on team selection, as he is mindful of cup-tieing players he will allow to leave in January.
After making a raft of changes in the Carling Cup Pulis will operate a similar strategy here, with the likes of Andy Griffin and Leon Cort expected to play.
This game will be used a chance to put them in the shop window as Pulis wants to prune his squad in this transfer window.
Stoke midfielder Rory Delap insists his side can recover from their recent malaise. He said: "We've bounced back from worse, so we'll back bounce back from this.
"We know it won't be easy against York and we won't be taking anything granted, but I am sure if we perform as we have done recently, we'll get the right result.
"We can't start feeling sorry for ourselves though. We just need to focus on making the chances count when we are playing as well as we did against Birmingham."
Strategy: This will be a welcome opportunity for Pulis's fringe players to either stake a claim or earn a move to another club this month. His gamble to field a weakened team backfired badly this time last season - and he will undoubtedly warn against a repeat. Stoke's Achilles heel this term has been scoring goals so whoever plays against York will want to find the net to build confidence back up.
Injury Update: Ryan Shawcross is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Birmingham. Glenn Whelan and Salif Diao will return after bans. Andy Wilkinson may be back after an ankle problem.
YORK CITY:
Don't write off their chances. York are lying third in the Blue Square Premier, only seven points adrift of league leaders Oxford United. They are a solid, well-organised side, but must will depend on the service to their England 'C' international Richard Brodie, who has struck 25 goals already this season.
Fulham London - Swidon Town
FULHAM:
Manager Roy Hodgson signed a new contract at Fulham this week - and must view this competition as his best chance of picking up silverware to justify the improved deal.
The scenario of Fulham captain Danny Murphy walking up to collect the trophy in May does seem unlikely, especially given the competition among England's elite clubs to pick up a major trophy.
But after the form the West Londoners have shown in the league and on the continent this season, it cannot be discounted.
Fulham are one of the country's in-form sides, but Hodgson has played it cool ahead of the visit of Swindon.
He is showing respect to his opponents and insists the Whites can not afford to look towards the next stages yet.
Hodgson said: " We know we have a very tough game ahead of us and we will take it seriously.
"I don't think I would ever use the word distraction for the FA Cup. I think it is another game with prestige at stake.
"I can't imagine there are too many managers up and down the country who would not like a cup run.
"But we know there are occasions when upsets take place and favourites do not always win. The form book is often turned on its head when the third round comes around and we are aware of that."
Hodgson also revealed some bad news, as John Pantsil's knee problem could lead to an operation that would rule him out for the rest of the season.
He suffered the injury against Chelsea last time out, and was ruled out of the African Cup of Nations as a result.
The manager added: "We won't know how long John will be out our specialist returns.We want him to have a look at before we make any decisions. The scan shows there is damage to the posterior cruciate ligament.
"We're talking about a period of eight to 12 weeks, whatever happens. It could be he's decided the damage is sufficiently bad that he might requires an operation.
"If that's the case he'll be out for another four to six weeks to his rehabilitation. It's really bad news for us and for John as well because he was voted Ghana player of year and has been playing very well. Now he's looking ahead to a long period of rehabilitation."
Strategy: After a fantastic season so far, Hodgson is desperate to avoid an embarrassing slip up here. He has told his players to approach this tie just as they have with Europa League fixtures, which means fans heading to Craven Cottage can expect to see plenty of attacking football. Fulham will try to get the game won early, so that key players can be substituted and rested.
Injury Update: Brede Hangeland was left out of the encounter with Chelsea as he needed a rest, and that could be the case here again as Chris Smalling is on standby to make another start. Simon Davies is still sidelined.
SWINDON TOWN:
The League One outfit are taking 6,000 supporters to Craven Cottage and manager Danny Wilson hopes they will inspire his men to an unlikely success. Wilson said: "It promises to be a good game. They've got a good reputation of playing good football, so it's great for us - the fans and the players - that we can go to a Premier League club and experience what it's all about. Possibly some of the fans will never be able to see Premier League clubs unless they are drawn in clubs like this, so it is terrific." Former Fulham midfielder Michael Timlin is set for a start.
Tottenham Hotspurs - Peterborough
Tottenham will take a break from league duties content with the progress made under Harry Redknapp in 2009.
Spurs appointed him a little over a year ago with a mandate simply to avoid relegation; now, following some hefty moves in the transfer market, the North London side will begin 2010 in the top four.
Spurs are also a club with a cup tradition, particularly where the FA Cup is concerned although they haven't lifted the famous trophy since 1991.
The visit of Peterborough, the Championship's bottom club, should pose few problems therefore.
Redknapp is also a renowned wheeler and dealer in the transfer market but insists he does not feel the need to make changes to his squad this time round.
"We are not looking to do anything in the window," he said. "I'd be surprised if we did anything.
"It will be difficult to end the season in the top four but that's the ambition and we've got to try. We have a chance of doing it, but it's not going to be easy. It's very difficult to break into that top four but we will give it our best shot."
Strategy: Redknapp will use the occasion to give fringe men a chance, although whether Roman Pavlyuchenko's latest complaint about being left on the bench most weeks will endear him to his manager remains to be seen. "The cup is very important to us," Redknapp said.
"It's a big game and we want to keep winning. We will give one or two of the lads who haven't played too much a game because they have all worked hard. Those who come in will be ready I'm sure." David Bentley, Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale, internationals all, should feature.
Injury Update: Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are both sidelined by groin problems and Jonathan Woodgate's slow recovery from hernia surgery means he will play no part either. Jermain Defoe has a foot injury, but should be able to take part.
PETERBOROUGH UNITED:
Keeper Joe Lewis is expected to play after recovering from a side strain and Ryan Bennett will be in defence being concussed in their last game when they recovered from a 4-0 deficit to draw with Cardiff. Gaby Zakuani is doubtful with a groin strain, while Josh Simpson and Exodus Geohaghon are cup-tied after playing in the fourth qualifying round for Histon. Simpson, who scored twice against Cardiff is a lifelong Spurs fans and said:""It's horrible that I can't play, but the lads are buzzing after our fightback in the last game and feel ready to take on anyone."
Portsmouth - Coventry City
PORTSMOUTH:
Chased by the taxman and with the players wages yet again unpaid, things remain as bleak as ever for the bean counters at Fratton Park.
Against such a backdrop, it's hard to imagine anyone, sacked predecessor Paul Hart aside, who would envy being in Avram Grant's shoes.
The brief lift given by the home victory over Liverpool has been squashed by successive defeats to West Ham and Arsenal, a game that saw Pompey supporters finally snap as they voiced their discontent at the shambolic goings on at Fratton Park.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Grant must now attempt to engineer an upturn without six of his key players who have now flown out to the join up with their countries' squads ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
So far the Israeli has shown impressive management skills, instilling discipline and organisation to his team's play while steadfastly refusing to get dragged into discussions about the off-field problems circling the club.
Should Pompey suffer an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship opponents, Grant will have to dig even further into his box of management tricks to maintain morale.
The omens are not good , with defender Steve Finnan admitting that the financial problems are affecting the players, but Grant welcomes the distraction of the cup.
He said:"I like the FA Cup because anything can happen. One game can change everything. Our scouts have looked at Coventry and we know they are a difficult team to play against. All the teams from the Championship always give 100 per cent, but we want to succeed."
Strategy: The cup may be an unwanted intruder given that Pompey's priorities lie elsewhere but while an early exit may ensure the club's focus is fully trained on its survival, the last thing Grant's side needs is a confidence-sapping defeat against second tier upstarts. Against Arsenal they looked woeful up front and while Coventry with provide a less daunting challenge, the manager must somehow find a replacement for the penetrating runs provided by Algerian duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda.
Injury Update: Yebda and Belhadj are on international duty, along with Aruna Dindane, John Utaka, Kanu and Aaron Mokoena. David James's calf injury remains a problem, while Papa Boupa Diop is struggling for fitness after a long lay-off.
COVENTRY CITY:
Manager Chris Coleman has been refused permission to play on-loan trio Jack Cork, Leon Barnett and Gary Madine, so Sammy Clingan will start his first game after a three-month injury lay-off. Freddy Eastwood has recovered from an illness and will play. Coleman said:"The pressure will be on them rather than us."
Reading - Liverpool FC
LIVERPOOL:
Having fallen way off the pace in the race for the Premier League title as well as being eliminated from the Champions League, the FA Cup represents one of Liverpool's last chances of winning any silverware this season.
No wonder Rafa Benitez insists the competition is more important than ever to the club this season as the Spaniard battles to avoid a fourth successive campaign without a major trophy.
Although Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Community Shield in August 2006, the Merseyside club has not won a major piece of silverware since Benitez steered them to their last FA Cup triumph in May 2006.
Reading may be struggling in the second-tier of English football but Benitez knows that, if his side are knocked out of the competition, he will be under even more pressure.
And, if he requires a reminder of a previous black day in the cup for Liverpool, the Reading line-up may feature Brian Howard, who who scored Barnsley's last-minute winner against them at Anfield 2008.
Having often used the competition to give his fringe players a chance to stake a claim, Benitez insists he does not intend to make wholesale changes for the third round tie.
"It's always been important but you know that, when you're out of the Champions League, people think about silverware and the FA Cup is very, very important for us," said Benitez.
"We want to progress, we want to go as far as we can. We'll have to analyse and consider what to do and we still have another training session. We'll see how the players are but maybe we won't change too many.
"We know we're playing against Tottenham eight days later, so we'll have time. We can put a strong team out.
"Always in the FA Cup it's really important to do things right. Everyone wants to win and it's a massive competition, so we have to be ready."
Strategy: Liverpool need this tie like a hole in the head. This has banana skin written all over it and it will require an ultra-professional performance by Benitez's side if they are to avoid an upset. This stage last season they overcame a potential shock at Preston thanks to goals from Albert Riera and Fernando Torres. Liverpool will have to turn the clock back 12 months if they are to keep their season alive.
Injury Update: Having torn a ligament in his right knee during Tuesday's 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Glen Johnson will be out for at least a month. That will mean a reshuffle at the back with Jamie Carragher expected to fill the void at right-back and Martin Skrtel partnering Daniel Agger in the centre of defence.
READING:
The visit of Liverpool provides Reading with the opportunity to draw a line under a miserable year that ends with the club sitting just two points above the Championship relegation zone. Brian McDermott was placed in temporary charge following the dismissal of former manager Brendan Rodgers in mid-December after just six months in charge and a season that began with high hopes of promotion has turned into a desperate survival battle.
Monday's 4-1 defeat at Plymouth marked a new low point for the Royals although McDermott – who harbours hopes of landing the job on a full time basis – is undaunted by the prospect of facing Benitez's side. He is likely to recall Howard, who has been out since November with a broken jaw. Howard said:"I'm desperate to get on the pitch. If I can score another winning goal against Liverpool it would be Roy of the Rovers stuff."
Middlesborough - Manchester City
MANCHESTER CITY:
Roberto Mancini takes his side to the stadium where his old Italy team mate Fabrizio Ravanelli used to strut his stuff, hoping to keep Manchester City's season alive on three fronts.
The rest of Europe are not supposed to value their cup competitions as much as the English but Mancini won the Coppa Italia as a manager with Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan, including won three successive triumphs between 2004 and 2006.
There is also the sense that City are only ever one embarrassing defeat away a horrendous fall out but the Italian has been steady so far with two wins and two clean sheets from his first two matches in charge.
Mancini has plenty of injuries to contend with but maintains he will pick his first-choice side despite facing Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg next week.
"I will play the strongest team that I can but we have a lot of injuries," Mancini said. "I will not be thinking about the match against United next week, just what is best for the team and the players. We do not have a very big squad but we do have some young players who have been training with the first team and one or two might have to play.
"I know Middlesbrough will be a tough side to play on their own pitch and will see the tie as one where they can relax and try to take the scalp of a Premier League team. We don't want that to happen; we want to make progress because we know that by the time of the fourth round we will have many people back from injury.
"I have told the players that they should not be thinking about the semi final either. We must have full attention on the FA Cup and then prepare for the next game as soon as the final whistle goes."
Strategy: Mancini has managed to find the defensive stability that City lost during the final weeks of Mark Hughes's reign and that will be the basis of their game-plan at the Riverside. Say what you like about Kolo Toure, but his departure for the African Nations Cup will leave City short at the back so a clean sheet will be a major priority, with the knowledge that their forward players will always create chances at the other end. While Mancini is adamant that he is not thinking about United, Craig Bellamy, who can only play one game a week, is unlikely to start.
Injury Update: City are hoping that Shaun Wright-Phillips can return from an ankle injury but they are definitely without Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Nedum Onuoha, Stephen Ireland and Roque Santa Cruz through injury, while Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor have headed off for the African Nations Cup.
MIDDLESBROUGH:
A trip to a Championship club in the third round is hardly what Premier League teams would choose, but Middlesbrough, who beat City 8-1 at the Riverside in 2008, hardly look in the shape to pull off a shock. Gareth Southgate was sacked in October but they have managed just two wins in Gordon Strachan's 10 matches in charge, which have brought six defeats, leaving them in mid table.
Boro are without Leroy Lita, Isaiah Osbourne and Emanuel Pogatetz., Adam Johnson, David Wheater and Chris Riggott are all doubtful.
Aston Villa - Blackburn Rovers
ASTON VILLA:
Stephen Warnock faces three meetings in quick succession with team mates he left behind when he moved to Aston Villa in the summer.
Warnock, whose £8m move to Villa Park was designed to further his chances of international recognition from Fabio Capello, is desperate for success in the first part of a trilogy involving the two clubs this month.
This third round tie is a dress rehearsal for the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final and victory in the first of the three meetings would certainly give Villa the edge as they look to reach their first final for nine years.
Manager Martin O'Neill has made it clear that he will prioritise for the chance to reach Wembley by making changes, but Warnock feels the break from successive league defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal is the perfect opportunity to rebuild confidence.
Villa have not won any silverware for 14 years and the England left back feels this could be the time to end that barren run, saying: "For the club to win something would be a fantastic achievement.
"It would be a great honour to be a part of that. The manager hasn't hidden his desire to do well in the competitions. He feels silverware is important to the club and to himself.
"The cups give us the potential to go into Europe, which is such a massive bonus. They also give you a bit more freedom in the league to play without any real pressure and sometimes that can bring the best out in you.
"It's interesting to be facing Blackburn three times in just over a week. We will know each other inside out by the end of the three games."
Strategy: The FA Cup represents the only piece of domestic silverware O'Neill has failed to get his hands on as a manager or a player and Villa last won the trophy in 1957, which the Northern Irishman knows is not good enough for a team of Villa's stature. Nevertheless he will be keeping some of his powder dry ahead of the Carling Cup meetings.
Ashley Young is likely to return after a one-match suspension, but James Milner, Stiliyan Petrov and Stewart Downing could all be rested, along with Richard Dunne. Fabian Delph, Nigel Reo-Coker and James Collins are all expected to be given starting roles, as well as Emile Heskey, who has recovered from a bug that forced him to miss the Liverpool game.
Injury Update: Villa have no fresh injury concerns from 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Curtis Davies is still recovering from a shoulder operation and Wilfred Bouma (ankle) is still nowhere near a first team return.
BLACKBURN ROVERS:
Life has dealt Sam Allardyce a few bad hands in recent months.
Having undergone minor heart surgery in November, Allardyce is yet to see his struggling side win since resuming his duties at Ewood Park.
But the manager allowed himself a chuckle when he discovered his team would face Aston Villa in the third round - the very same Aston Villa who will be looking to stop Allardyce's side in the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final this month.
"I thought 'what have we got here' because this sort of situation doesn't happen very often," said the Blackburn manager. We're playing Aston Villa three times in the space of 18 days in two different cup competitions."
This is the first of at least seven games in January for Rovers, yet Allardyce has made it perfectly clear which two games mean more to him than any other.
Although keen that his side embark on a healthy FA Cup run, Allardyce admits he will be able to stomach defeat at Villa Park as long as his players book a place in the final of the Carling Cup at the expense of O'Neill's men.
"To come this far with all the effort, particularly with the outstanding victory against Chelsea in the quarter-final - the top team in the country at the moment - means we have got a hugely difficult tie against Aston Villa in two semi-finals," added Allardyce.
"But before that we have got a this difficult tie. Tactically from the managers' point of view you have to be looking at it and saying `can we psyche each other out and what can we do to best prepare our players for these games?'.
"That is what we will try to do on Saturday and if we can get a bonus by coming away from Villa with a result it will give us a lot of confidence going into the game on Tuesday.
"It's a big few days for all the players and hopefully at the end of it we will be on a roll, looking up and excited about next playing Manchester City and then the return leg of the semi-final."
Strategy: Expect plenty of changes in the line up as Allardyce tests the depth of the Blackburn squad over the course of the next few games. Having made it clear that the FA Cup is not at the top of his list of priorities, Allardyce still wants to return from Villa Park with a victory. The likes of Lars Jacobsen, an FA Cup finalist with Everton last season, and Martin Olssen are expected to feature while keeper Jason Brown is also set for a rare start.
Injury Update: Vince Grella (thigh), Brett Emerton (groin) andDavid Dunn (calf) start 2010 on the sidelines but all three are expected to be back in action within the next two weeks.
taken from : http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/
And my combo of the day (FA Cup thirs round bets) :
Liverpool to win
Aston Villa to win
Manchester City to win
Tottenham -1 european handicap
Sunderland -2 asian handicap
Southampton to win
Good luck!
SUNDERLAND:
Call it foolhardy, call it a statement of intent. Steve Bruce readily admits it's a risk, but that will not stop him from putting Darren Bent at the mercy of Barrow's no-nonsense defenders when there is a strong case to argue that he should opt for the alternative.
Largely prompted by the player's desire to add to his 13 goals so far this season, the Sunderland manager will resist the temptation to allow the England international a well-earned day off.
He intends to give his top scorer the nod to lead the line in the hope he will help ensure the Stadium of Light doesn't witness the shock result invariably seen somewhere around the country on third round day.
It's a pragmatic approach and a decision no doubt made with one eye on the fact that the Wearside club have managed a single victory in 12 games as their season threatens to go into freefall. Bruce dare not contemplate the consequences of defeat.
Bent's inclusion is also in part due to the lack of goals from the rest of the squad, and Bruce said: "The one person I could leave out is Benty for obvious reasons. However, I won't. He's done fantastically well for me, he's been a breath of fresh air since he came here and he wants to play every week.
"His return is up there with Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba and for us to have someone like that at the club is fantastic. He enjoys being Sunderland's number nine, but we can't just keep relying on him. Some of the other lads need to come to the party as well.
"Of course, if he gets a knock and is missing for eight weeks, I'll be spewing on Monday. If he picks up an injury in the Premier League that's one thing, but it could happen in training or anywhere. It's vital that I put out my biggest and strongest team and with our injury situation I haven't got much option to be honest.
"With nine out either injured or suspended any squad would be stretched to the limit so I'm not really in for any rotation. I've done it before where you leave people out because you're worried about picking up injuries but I'm going to treat the FA Cup with the respect it deserves. I want to get through so I'll play my strongest possible team."
Bruce admits he's driven by the fear of being added to the competition's long list of fallen giants. He added: "We've all been involved in a horrible one where an upset can happen and that's something we must guard against.
"They'll be trying like beasts to cause a shock and we must give them the hugest respect and make sure we match them in the battle, because at times it will be just that. If we do then hopefully our ability will come through.
"It's that time of year where conditions are hard and pitches are at their worst, let's just consider ourselves lucky we've been drawn at home. For most of my career I've tended to get either Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool at this stage, which is great for getting some money in but isn't great for your hopes of progressing."
Strategy: Late withdrawals permitting, Bruce will hand a vote of confidence to the 11 players on duty in Monday's 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers, where there was a first start for the midfielder David Meyler and a rare appearance from Daryl Murphy, who impressed down the left.
Fraizer Campbell will be given his latest chance to finally make an impact by improving on a modest record of one goal in nine starts as the second striker alongside Bent in a 4-4-2 formation. If the England Under-21 international fails to shine against non-league opposition, then Bruce must start to wonder just why he paid £3.5m for the so far distinctly average-looking former Manchester United forward.
The manager added: "We've hardly got anyone coming off our long injury list but even if we had I'd still be tempted to stick with the same team against Barrow."
Injury Update: Steed Malbranque (thigh strain) and Bolo Zenden (hamstring) are the only players among Sunderland's walking wounded likely to recover in time to figure.
The list of absentees remains a lengthy one with Bruce denied the services of Anton Ferdinand, Andy Reid
John Mensah, Kieran Richardson, Lee Cattermole and Kenwyne Jones. Defender Michael Turner serves the third of a four-match suspension.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon could return to action within a fortnight after stepping up his rehabilitation from a broken arm by starting ball work this week. Bruce added: "The news on Craig is excellent, and he could be playing in a couple of weeks."
BARROW:
The visitors, who currently sit in the bottom half of the Blue Square Premier League, a division below the Football League, eight points clear of the relegation zone, will be backed by nearly 8,000 fans, about a quarter of the Cumbrian town's population.
There will be a sense of deja vu as at this stage last season, a similar army of supporters made the trans-Pennine pilgrimage to Middlesbrough, who were then in the Premier League, to see their side put up a creditable display in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Money earned from that cup run 12 months ago enabled the club to step up their training schedule from two nights to three days a week, and Jason Walker, who scored at the Riverside last year, hopes for a similar boost to the coffers this time round to fund the bid to seal a return to the league for the first time in almost 40 years.
The 25-year-old Barrow-born forward said: "The money last year really helped and hopefully we can get even more this time with Sunderland's ground having a bigger capacity than Middlesbrough. It'll help us push the club on even further. We're confident of doing ourselves justice and I don't see why we can't cause an upset
Milton K. Dons - Burnley
BURNLEY:
Owen Coyle could be forgiven for not wanting the distraction of an FA Cup run considering Burnley's increasingly perilous situation in the Premier League, but nothing would be further from the truth.
Coyle clearly believes some success in the competition will help boost flagging confidence at Turf Moor ahead of the second half of the season.
With this in mind, Burnley will be under instructions to make light work of their hosts, who are chasing promotion from League One.
Coyle said: "This competition is very important to me, the players and the club. We would like to have a good run in it. For me, the FA Cup is still the best club competition in the world and an added bonus is it gives you a break from the constant demands of the Premier League."
Strategy: Injuries and suspensions will force Coyle to shuffle his pack, but whichever team he decides to pick will be expected to take the initiative and give the MK Dons no encouragement of an upset.
Robbie Blake is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up and his influence could have a huge bearing on Burnley's ability to press home their superior quality.
Coyle will also be hoping David Nugent is available to play. His loan at Burnley expires towards the end of January but it is unclear whether Portsmouth are prepared to let him be cup-tied.
Coyle, who has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Bolton, added: "We will need permission from Portsmouth to play him so we will speak to them about that, but if not, it will give a chance to another player."
Injury Update: Where to start? Coyle is still without long-term absentees Jay Rodriguez, Chris McCann and Martin Paterson. But just to make matters worse both Tyrone Mears and Stephen Jordan are suspended, Clarke Carlisle is doubtful with a groin injury and captain Steven Caldwell has been ruled out for up to a month with a groin injury. Andre Bikey will play his last game before joining the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations.
MILTON KEYNES DONS:
Paul Ince's side have suffered some mixed form of late but Luke Chadwick is tipping an upset. The former Manchester United winger, who spent a year on loan at Turf Moor earlier in his career, said: "We've not really got anything to lose, the expectation will be on the opposition and that is often when we are at our best. With the pressure off there's no reason why we can't have a go at them."
Bolton Wanderers - Lincoln City
BOLTON WANDERERS:
The dismissal of Gary Megson has completeld overshadowed the team's preparations for the third round tie against League Two strugglers Lincoln City.
Wanderers have failed to be up for the cup in each of the last two seasons, falling at the first hurdle to Sunderland last season and Sheffield United in 2008.
But, despite the fact that they are currently managerless and occupy the one of the relegation places in the Premier League, this tie represents an excellent chance of progress in a competition they have won four times.
Chairman Phil Gartside has given Chris Evans and Steve Wigley the responsibility of looking after first team affairs while the search for a permanent replacement for Megson goes on.
And Evans said: "We'll be looking for a very professional approach. The players will be ready. It's all about concentrating on our 11 players, not them.
"Gary's pushed on now, and we've got to look forward. Steve Wigley and myself have come from similar backgrounds - we have over 60 years of experience between the two of us.
"Every game has to be taken on its merits, and I think we can continue to do the work that we've been setting out to do."
Lincoln, who are managed by former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton, languish perilously close to the League Two relegation zone.
Yet Evans has warned his players against complacency. He added: "There have been times in the past when all teams have found it difficult in the FA Cup, but we have a duty to be correctly prepared. We have a few little niggles, but as far as I am concerned we have a clean bill of health."
Strategy: This is a crucial game for Bolton because the club needs a lift. It is expected that Evans and Wigley will field a strong side, despite the obvious opportunity to rest a few of their first choice players. There is absolutely no doubt, however, that Lincoln will fancy their chances of adding to the home side's misery.
"I know enough Lincoln to know we must have a great deal of respect for them," said Evans. "It's the FA Cup, and we all know what it's about."
Injury Update: Evans has reported a clean bill of health, although he did say there are a few little niggles in the camp following Tuesday's draw against Hull City. Don't be surprised to see Gary Cahill rested.
LINCOLN CITY:
Having brushed aside non-League teams AFC Telford and Northwich Victoria in the last two rounds, this is Lincoln's first appearance in the third round for 11 years. On paper Bolton ought to win without too much trouble with Lincoln fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the League Two table. Yet in Sutton, their manager, they have an FA Cup winner, the former England international collecting a medal during his playing days at Chelsea
Stoke City - York City
STOKE CITY:
It has not been a memorable end to 2009 for Stoke City, with an alarming run of just one win in nine league games. So a cup tie against non-league opposition should present an ideal opportunity to get back on track.
Stoke were stunned in this competition last year against lowly opposition in the shape of Hartlepool at Victoria Park, but this home encounter with York, of the Blue Square Premier, should be a far simpler proposition.
The biggest dilemma for Tony Pulis will centre on team selection, as he is mindful of cup-tieing players he will allow to leave in January.
After making a raft of changes in the Carling Cup Pulis will operate a similar strategy here, with the likes of Andy Griffin and Leon Cort expected to play.
This game will be used a chance to put them in the shop window as Pulis wants to prune his squad in this transfer window.
Stoke midfielder Rory Delap insists his side can recover from their recent malaise. He said: "We've bounced back from worse, so we'll back bounce back from this.
"We know it won't be easy against York and we won't be taking anything granted, but I am sure if we perform as we have done recently, we'll get the right result.
"We can't start feeling sorry for ourselves though. We just need to focus on making the chances count when we are playing as well as we did against Birmingham."
Strategy: This will be a welcome opportunity for Pulis's fringe players to either stake a claim or earn a move to another club this month. His gamble to field a weakened team backfired badly this time last season - and he will undoubtedly warn against a repeat. Stoke's Achilles heel this term has been scoring goals so whoever plays against York will want to find the net to build confidence back up.
Injury Update: Ryan Shawcross is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Birmingham. Glenn Whelan and Salif Diao will return after bans. Andy Wilkinson may be back after an ankle problem.
YORK CITY:
Don't write off their chances. York are lying third in the Blue Square Premier, only seven points adrift of league leaders Oxford United. They are a solid, well-organised side, but must will depend on the service to their England 'C' international Richard Brodie, who has struck 25 goals already this season.
Fulham London - Swidon Town
FULHAM:
Manager Roy Hodgson signed a new contract at Fulham this week - and must view this competition as his best chance of picking up silverware to justify the improved deal.
The scenario of Fulham captain Danny Murphy walking up to collect the trophy in May does seem unlikely, especially given the competition among England's elite clubs to pick up a major trophy.
But after the form the West Londoners have shown in the league and on the continent this season, it cannot be discounted.
Fulham are one of the country's in-form sides, but Hodgson has played it cool ahead of the visit of Swindon.
He is showing respect to his opponents and insists the Whites can not afford to look towards the next stages yet.
Hodgson said: " We know we have a very tough game ahead of us and we will take it seriously.
"I don't think I would ever use the word distraction for the FA Cup. I think it is another game with prestige at stake.
"I can't imagine there are too many managers up and down the country who would not like a cup run.
"But we know there are occasions when upsets take place and favourites do not always win. The form book is often turned on its head when the third round comes around and we are aware of that."
Hodgson also revealed some bad news, as John Pantsil's knee problem could lead to an operation that would rule him out for the rest of the season.
He suffered the injury against Chelsea last time out, and was ruled out of the African Cup of Nations as a result.
The manager added: "We won't know how long John will be out our specialist returns.We want him to have a look at before we make any decisions. The scan shows there is damage to the posterior cruciate ligament.
"We're talking about a period of eight to 12 weeks, whatever happens. It could be he's decided the damage is sufficiently bad that he might requires an operation.
"If that's the case he'll be out for another four to six weeks to his rehabilitation. It's really bad news for us and for John as well because he was voted Ghana player of year and has been playing very well. Now he's looking ahead to a long period of rehabilitation."
Strategy: After a fantastic season so far, Hodgson is desperate to avoid an embarrassing slip up here. He has told his players to approach this tie just as they have with Europa League fixtures, which means fans heading to Craven Cottage can expect to see plenty of attacking football. Fulham will try to get the game won early, so that key players can be substituted and rested.
Injury Update: Brede Hangeland was left out of the encounter with Chelsea as he needed a rest, and that could be the case here again as Chris Smalling is on standby to make another start. Simon Davies is still sidelined.
SWINDON TOWN:
The League One outfit are taking 6,000 supporters to Craven Cottage and manager Danny Wilson hopes they will inspire his men to an unlikely success. Wilson said: "It promises to be a good game. They've got a good reputation of playing good football, so it's great for us - the fans and the players - that we can go to a Premier League club and experience what it's all about. Possibly some of the fans will never be able to see Premier League clubs unless they are drawn in clubs like this, so it is terrific." Former Fulham midfielder Michael Timlin is set for a start.
Tottenham Hotspurs - Peterborough
Tottenham will take a break from league duties content with the progress made under Harry Redknapp in 2009.
Spurs appointed him a little over a year ago with a mandate simply to avoid relegation; now, following some hefty moves in the transfer market, the North London side will begin 2010 in the top four.
Spurs are also a club with a cup tradition, particularly where the FA Cup is concerned although they haven't lifted the famous trophy since 1991.
The visit of Peterborough, the Championship's bottom club, should pose few problems therefore.
Redknapp is also a renowned wheeler and dealer in the transfer market but insists he does not feel the need to make changes to his squad this time round.
"We are not looking to do anything in the window," he said. "I'd be surprised if we did anything.
"It will be difficult to end the season in the top four but that's the ambition and we've got to try. We have a chance of doing it, but it's not going to be easy. It's very difficult to break into that top four but we will give it our best shot."
Strategy: Redknapp will use the occasion to give fringe men a chance, although whether Roman Pavlyuchenko's latest complaint about being left on the bench most weeks will endear him to his manager remains to be seen. "The cup is very important to us," Redknapp said.
"It's a big game and we want to keep winning. We will give one or two of the lads who haven't played too much a game because they have all worked hard. Those who come in will be ready I'm sure." David Bentley, Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale, internationals all, should feature.
Injury Update: Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are both sidelined by groin problems and Jonathan Woodgate's slow recovery from hernia surgery means he will play no part either. Jermain Defoe has a foot injury, but should be able to take part.
PETERBOROUGH UNITED:
Keeper Joe Lewis is expected to play after recovering from a side strain and Ryan Bennett will be in defence being concussed in their last game when they recovered from a 4-0 deficit to draw with Cardiff. Gaby Zakuani is doubtful with a groin strain, while Josh Simpson and Exodus Geohaghon are cup-tied after playing in the fourth qualifying round for Histon. Simpson, who scored twice against Cardiff is a lifelong Spurs fans and said:""It's horrible that I can't play, but the lads are buzzing after our fightback in the last game and feel ready to take on anyone."
Portsmouth - Coventry City
PORTSMOUTH:
Chased by the taxman and with the players wages yet again unpaid, things remain as bleak as ever for the bean counters at Fratton Park.
Against such a backdrop, it's hard to imagine anyone, sacked predecessor Paul Hart aside, who would envy being in Avram Grant's shoes.
The brief lift given by the home victory over Liverpool has been squashed by successive defeats to West Ham and Arsenal, a game that saw Pompey supporters finally snap as they voiced their discontent at the shambolic goings on at Fratton Park.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Grant must now attempt to engineer an upturn without six of his key players who have now flown out to the join up with their countries' squads ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
So far the Israeli has shown impressive management skills, instilling discipline and organisation to his team's play while steadfastly refusing to get dragged into discussions about the off-field problems circling the club.
Should Pompey suffer an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship opponents, Grant will have to dig even further into his box of management tricks to maintain morale.
The omens are not good , with defender Steve Finnan admitting that the financial problems are affecting the players, but Grant welcomes the distraction of the cup.
He said:"I like the FA Cup because anything can happen. One game can change everything. Our scouts have looked at Coventry and we know they are a difficult team to play against. All the teams from the Championship always give 100 per cent, but we want to succeed."
Strategy: The cup may be an unwanted intruder given that Pompey's priorities lie elsewhere but while an early exit may ensure the club's focus is fully trained on its survival, the last thing Grant's side needs is a confidence-sapping defeat against second tier upstarts. Against Arsenal they looked woeful up front and while Coventry with provide a less daunting challenge, the manager must somehow find a replacement for the penetrating runs provided by Algerian duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda.
Injury Update: Yebda and Belhadj are on international duty, along with Aruna Dindane, John Utaka, Kanu and Aaron Mokoena. David James's calf injury remains a problem, while Papa Boupa Diop is struggling for fitness after a long lay-off.
COVENTRY CITY:
Manager Chris Coleman has been refused permission to play on-loan trio Jack Cork, Leon Barnett and Gary Madine, so Sammy Clingan will start his first game after a three-month injury lay-off. Freddy Eastwood has recovered from an illness and will play. Coleman said:"The pressure will be on them rather than us."
Reading - Liverpool FC
LIVERPOOL:
Having fallen way off the pace in the race for the Premier League title as well as being eliminated from the Champions League, the FA Cup represents one of Liverpool's last chances of winning any silverware this season.
No wonder Rafa Benitez insists the competition is more important than ever to the club this season as the Spaniard battles to avoid a fourth successive campaign without a major trophy.
Although Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Community Shield in August 2006, the Merseyside club has not won a major piece of silverware since Benitez steered them to their last FA Cup triumph in May 2006.
Reading may be struggling in the second-tier of English football but Benitez knows that, if his side are knocked out of the competition, he will be under even more pressure.
And, if he requires a reminder of a previous black day in the cup for Liverpool, the Reading line-up may feature Brian Howard, who who scored Barnsley's last-minute winner against them at Anfield 2008.
Having often used the competition to give his fringe players a chance to stake a claim, Benitez insists he does not intend to make wholesale changes for the third round tie.
"It's always been important but you know that, when you're out of the Champions League, people think about silverware and the FA Cup is very, very important for us," said Benitez.
"We want to progress, we want to go as far as we can. We'll have to analyse and consider what to do and we still have another training session. We'll see how the players are but maybe we won't change too many.
"We know we're playing against Tottenham eight days later, so we'll have time. We can put a strong team out.
"Always in the FA Cup it's really important to do things right. Everyone wants to win and it's a massive competition, so we have to be ready."
Strategy: Liverpool need this tie like a hole in the head. This has banana skin written all over it and it will require an ultra-professional performance by Benitez's side if they are to avoid an upset. This stage last season they overcame a potential shock at Preston thanks to goals from Albert Riera and Fernando Torres. Liverpool will have to turn the clock back 12 months if they are to keep their season alive.
Injury Update: Having torn a ligament in his right knee during Tuesday's 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Glen Johnson will be out for at least a month. That will mean a reshuffle at the back with Jamie Carragher expected to fill the void at right-back and Martin Skrtel partnering Daniel Agger in the centre of defence.
READING:
The visit of Liverpool provides Reading with the opportunity to draw a line under a miserable year that ends with the club sitting just two points above the Championship relegation zone. Brian McDermott was placed in temporary charge following the dismissal of former manager Brendan Rodgers in mid-December after just six months in charge and a season that began with high hopes of promotion has turned into a desperate survival battle.
Monday's 4-1 defeat at Plymouth marked a new low point for the Royals although McDermott – who harbours hopes of landing the job on a full time basis – is undaunted by the prospect of facing Benitez's side. He is likely to recall Howard, who has been out since November with a broken jaw. Howard said:"I'm desperate to get on the pitch. If I can score another winning goal against Liverpool it would be Roy of the Rovers stuff."
Middlesborough - Manchester City
MANCHESTER CITY:
Roberto Mancini takes his side to the stadium where his old Italy team mate Fabrizio Ravanelli used to strut his stuff, hoping to keep Manchester City's season alive on three fronts.
The rest of Europe are not supposed to value their cup competitions as much as the English but Mancini won the Coppa Italia as a manager with Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan, including won three successive triumphs between 2004 and 2006.
There is also the sense that City are only ever one embarrassing defeat away a horrendous fall out but the Italian has been steady so far with two wins and two clean sheets from his first two matches in charge.
Mancini has plenty of injuries to contend with but maintains he will pick his first-choice side despite facing Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg next week.
"I will play the strongest team that I can but we have a lot of injuries," Mancini said. "I will not be thinking about the match against United next week, just what is best for the team and the players. We do not have a very big squad but we do have some young players who have been training with the first team and one or two might have to play.
"I know Middlesbrough will be a tough side to play on their own pitch and will see the tie as one where they can relax and try to take the scalp of a Premier League team. We don't want that to happen; we want to make progress because we know that by the time of the fourth round we will have many people back from injury.
"I have told the players that they should not be thinking about the semi final either. We must have full attention on the FA Cup and then prepare for the next game as soon as the final whistle goes."
Strategy: Mancini has managed to find the defensive stability that City lost during the final weeks of Mark Hughes's reign and that will be the basis of their game-plan at the Riverside. Say what you like about Kolo Toure, but his departure for the African Nations Cup will leave City short at the back so a clean sheet will be a major priority, with the knowledge that their forward players will always create chances at the other end. While Mancini is adamant that he is not thinking about United, Craig Bellamy, who can only play one game a week, is unlikely to start.
Injury Update: City are hoping that Shaun Wright-Phillips can return from an ankle injury but they are definitely without Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Nedum Onuoha, Stephen Ireland and Roque Santa Cruz through injury, while Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor have headed off for the African Nations Cup.
MIDDLESBROUGH:
A trip to a Championship club in the third round is hardly what Premier League teams would choose, but Middlesbrough, who beat City 8-1 at the Riverside in 2008, hardly look in the shape to pull off a shock. Gareth Southgate was sacked in October but they have managed just two wins in Gordon Strachan's 10 matches in charge, which have brought six defeats, leaving them in mid table.
Boro are without Leroy Lita, Isaiah Osbourne and Emanuel Pogatetz., Adam Johnson, David Wheater and Chris Riggott are all doubtful.
Aston Villa - Blackburn Rovers
ASTON VILLA:
Stephen Warnock faces three meetings in quick succession with team mates he left behind when he moved to Aston Villa in the summer.
Warnock, whose £8m move to Villa Park was designed to further his chances of international recognition from Fabio Capello, is desperate for success in the first part of a trilogy involving the two clubs this month.
This third round tie is a dress rehearsal for the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final and victory in the first of the three meetings would certainly give Villa the edge as they look to reach their first final for nine years.
Manager Martin O'Neill has made it clear that he will prioritise for the chance to reach Wembley by making changes, but Warnock feels the break from successive league defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal is the perfect opportunity to rebuild confidence.
Villa have not won any silverware for 14 years and the England left back feels this could be the time to end that barren run, saying: "For the club to win something would be a fantastic achievement.
"It would be a great honour to be a part of that. The manager hasn't hidden his desire to do well in the competitions. He feels silverware is important to the club and to himself.
"The cups give us the potential to go into Europe, which is such a massive bonus. They also give you a bit more freedom in the league to play without any real pressure and sometimes that can bring the best out in you.
"It's interesting to be facing Blackburn three times in just over a week. We will know each other inside out by the end of the three games."
Strategy: The FA Cup represents the only piece of domestic silverware O'Neill has failed to get his hands on as a manager or a player and Villa last won the trophy in 1957, which the Northern Irishman knows is not good enough for a team of Villa's stature. Nevertheless he will be keeping some of his powder dry ahead of the Carling Cup meetings.
Ashley Young is likely to return after a one-match suspension, but James Milner, Stiliyan Petrov and Stewart Downing could all be rested, along with Richard Dunne. Fabian Delph, Nigel Reo-Coker and James Collins are all expected to be given starting roles, as well as Emile Heskey, who has recovered from a bug that forced him to miss the Liverpool game.
Injury Update: Villa have no fresh injury concerns from 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Curtis Davies is still recovering from a shoulder operation and Wilfred Bouma (ankle) is still nowhere near a first team return.
BLACKBURN ROVERS:
Life has dealt Sam Allardyce a few bad hands in recent months.
Having undergone minor heart surgery in November, Allardyce is yet to see his struggling side win since resuming his duties at Ewood Park.
But the manager allowed himself a chuckle when he discovered his team would face Aston Villa in the third round - the very same Aston Villa who will be looking to stop Allardyce's side in the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final this month.
"I thought 'what have we got here' because this sort of situation doesn't happen very often," said the Blackburn manager. We're playing Aston Villa three times in the space of 18 days in two different cup competitions."
This is the first of at least seven games in January for Rovers, yet Allardyce has made it perfectly clear which two games mean more to him than any other.
Although keen that his side embark on a healthy FA Cup run, Allardyce admits he will be able to stomach defeat at Villa Park as long as his players book a place in the final of the Carling Cup at the expense of O'Neill's men.
"To come this far with all the effort, particularly with the outstanding victory against Chelsea in the quarter-final - the top team in the country at the moment - means we have got a hugely difficult tie against Aston Villa in two semi-finals," added Allardyce.
"But before that we have got a this difficult tie. Tactically from the managers' point of view you have to be looking at it and saying `can we psyche each other out and what can we do to best prepare our players for these games?'.
"That is what we will try to do on Saturday and if we can get a bonus by coming away from Villa with a result it will give us a lot of confidence going into the game on Tuesday.
"It's a big few days for all the players and hopefully at the end of it we will be on a roll, looking up and excited about next playing Manchester City and then the return leg of the semi-final."
Strategy: Expect plenty of changes in the line up as Allardyce tests the depth of the Blackburn squad over the course of the next few games. Having made it clear that the FA Cup is not at the top of his list of priorities, Allardyce still wants to return from Villa Park with a victory. The likes of Lars Jacobsen, an FA Cup finalist with Everton last season, and Martin Olssen are expected to feature while keeper Jason Brown is also set for a rare start.
Injury Update: Vince Grella (thigh), Brett Emerton (groin) andDavid Dunn (calf) start 2010 on the sidelines but all three are expected to be back in action within the next two weeks.
taken from : http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/
And my combo of the day (FA Cup thirs round bets) :
Liverpool to win
Aston Villa to win
Manchester City to win
Tottenham -1 european handicap
Sunderland -2 asian handicap
Southampton to win
Good luck!
posted by Midnight Sun @ 18:16,
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