Previews

Leeds return to the big time

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 01/01/2010
Football betting

Sunday's FA Cup third round ties see three of the so-called 'big four' clubs start their bids for Wembley glory.

First up are Manchester United, who take on Leeds United, who are currently languishing down in League One.

However, Simon Grayson's men are top of the table and look set to return to the Championship after three seasons in the third tier of English football.

The main man for the Whites is striker Jermaine Beckford, who continues to be linked to a number of higher division clubs, having scored 19 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Beckford's hopes will have been boosted by United's recent injury problems in defence, but both Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown are now back in action and Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be confident of progressing on home soil.

Meanwhile, FA Cup holders Chelsea host cash-strapped Watford at Stamford Bridge.

The two sides met in the fifth round of the competition last season, with a Nicolas Anelka hat-trick earning the Blues a 3-1 victory at Vicarage Road, as the Blues swept to the final and took the honours under interim head coach Guus Hiddink.

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The Blues, online favourites to win this season's Premier League title, will have to make do without a quartet of stars, including Didier Drogba, who have left for international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Two three o'clock kick-offs bring something different to the party, with Sheffield United hosting fellow Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane.

The other game sees non-league Forest Green Rovers travel to Meadow Lane to take on League Two promotion hopefuls Notts County.

The Magpies have hit the headlines since the summer appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson as their director of football and will be confident of reaching round four.

Upton Park is the setting for a mouthwatering London derby, with West Ham United hosting Arsenal.

The Hammers have endured a dismal Premier League campaign to date, although a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Portsmouth at least lifted morale among Gianfranco Zola's squad.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners, by contrast, are mounting a title challenge which many pundits felt was beyond them this season.

While the home side will be missing star striker Carlton Cole due to injury, the visitors will have to do without leading scorer Robin van Persie and may well be missing inspirational skipper Cesc Fabregas, who damaged a hamstring after scoring twice against Aston Villa recently.

The final game in the third round sees Wolves travel to Prenton Park to take on Tranmere Rovers, who are deep in trouble near the foot of the League One table.

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