FA Cup third round preview, score predictions

By Joe Prince-WrightJan 5, 2018, 12:40 PM EST

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All 20 Premier League teams, and all 24 Championship teams, enter the FA Cup at the third round stage, with 32 ties to be played over the next few days in the oldest knockout competition in the world.

This is wonderful.

[ LIVE: Follow FA Cup scores here ]

There are plenty of potential banana skins for PL clubs to negotiate, while plenty of the big boys could be upset as they plan to rest key players after a busy festive period in league play.

The tie of the round is undoubtedly a massive Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on Friday, while Brighton hosting Crystal Palace is another big rivalry game between PL clubs.

Leicester City, West Ham, Stoke, Southampton, Swansea, Huddersfield, Watford, Bournemouth, Newcastle and West Brom will all be on red alert as they take on lower league opponents, while Tottenham, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal are expected to breeze through.

Below is a look at the schedule in full (all kicks off are at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, unless otherwise stated) while I make my score prediction for each game as we always see plenty of upsets in this round.

Expect the unexpected.

Friday
2:55 p.m. ET: Liverpool vs. Everton (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Liverpool)
3 p.m. ET: Manchester United vs. Derby (JPW’s pick = 3-1 to Man United)

Saturday
7:45 a.m. ET: Fleetwood Town vs. Leicester (JPW’s pick = Fleetwood to win, 1-0)
8 a.m. ET: Middlesbrough vs. Sunderland (JPW’s pick = 1-1 draw)

Ipswich vs. Sheffield United (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Sheffield United)
Watford vs. Bristol City (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Bristol City)
Birmingham vs. Burton Albion (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Birmingham)
Aston Villa vs. Peterborough (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Aston Villa)
Bournemouth vs. Wigan (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Wigan)
Coventry vs. Stoke (JPW’s pick = 1-1 draw)
Bolton vs. Huddersfield (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Bolton)
Yeovil vs Bradford (JPW’s pick = 1-0 to Bradford)
Brentford vs. Notts County (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Notts County)
QPR vs. MK Dons (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to QPR)
Exeter vs. West Brom (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Exeter)
Doncaster Rovers vs. Rochdale (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Rochdale)
Blackburn vs. Hull (JPW’s pick = 3-1 to Hull)
Cardiff vs. Mansfield (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Cardiff)
Manchester City vs. Burnley (JPW’s pick = 1-0 to Man City)
Wolves vs. Swansea (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Wolves)
Stevenage vs. Reading (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Stevenage)
Newcastle vs. Luton (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Newcastle)
Millwall vs. Barnsley (JPW’s pick = 3-1 to Millwall)
Fulham vs. Southampton (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Southampton)
Carlisle vs. Sheffield Wednesday (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Carlisle)
Wycombe vs. Preston (JPW’s pick = 3-1 to Preston)
12:30 p.m. ET: Norwich vs. Chelsea (JPW’s pick = 3-0 to Chelsea)

Sunday
7 a.m. ET: Newport vs. Leeds (JPW’s pick = 2-1 to Leeds)
9 a.m. ET: Shrewsbury vs. West Ham (JPW’s pick = 1-1 draw)
Tottenham vs. AFC Wimbledon (JPW’s pick = 4-1 to Tottenham)
11 a.m. ET: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal (JPW’s pick = 3-0 to Arsenal)

Monday
2:45 p.m ET: Brighton vs. Crystal Palace (JPW’s pick = 2-0 to Palace)

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Erling Haaland injury update: Man City star leaves Norway squad

By Joe Prince-WrightMar 21, 2023, 10:22 AM EDT

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has left the Norway squad after suffering a groin injury.

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Haaland, 22, joined up with Norway for their EURO 2024 qualifiers but has been sent back to Manchester City for treatment.

The Norwegian striker has been in stunning form in recent weeks, scoring nine goals in his last three games in all competitions for City (including five against RB Leipzig in the Champions League and a hat trick against Burnley in the FA Cup) before the break.

He has scored 42 (yes, forty two) goals in all competitions for Man City this season.

However, Pep Guardiola and Man City now face an anxious wait as an injury to Erling Haaland is the last thing they wanted before a pivotal final few months of the season as they chase the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

What is the latest update?

Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, gave an update on Haaland’s injury.

“We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia,” Sand said. “It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”

Norway face Spain on Saturday and Georgia next Tuesday, so it seems like Haaland is in a race to be fit for Man City’s games after the international break.

Which games could he miss?

After the international break Man City are playing in the first game of the weekend as they host Liverpool on Saturday, Apr. 1 at the Etihad Stadium.

It seems like Haaland could be struggling to be fully fit for that game, and maybe even the trip to Southampton on Apr. 8, so Pep Guardiola may choose to rest him for their massive UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich on Apr. 11.

Given the form Haaland is in right now, it will be a blow for City if he does miss the next few games but the last thing they want is any long-term damage. Plus, it’s helpful to have the likes of World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in reserve to step in for Haaland.

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Premier League table, 2022-23 season

By Andy EdwardsMar 21, 2023, 10:22 AM EDT

If it’s the 2022-23 Premier League table you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

After the break for the 2022 World Cup, the Premier League returned with a bang and the start to 2023 has delivered plenty of fun.

Now we are approaching the final few months of the campaign, it is so tight up and down the Premier League table.

Who’s looking like title contenders and/or favorites?

As we head into the final months of the 2022-23 season, Arsenal and Manchester City are looking head and shoulders above the rest and although Manchester United briefly surged into the picture, they look more likely to cement their spot as the third best team in the Premier League.

[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ]

The Gunners will have their hands full for the duration of their title challenge, as Erling Haaland continues to take the Premier League by storm with an almost impossible goal-scoring record.

What about the top four and European places?

Uneven Tottenham are hanging in the top four battle and for the moment have hunted down Newcastle, while Liverpool is back in the Champions League picture after their return to form and Chelsea looks like a top six finish is their ceiling. For now.

Surprising Fulham, Brentford, and Brighton are all hanging around on the periphery with fine campaigns. Can one of them surprise and qualify for Europe?

Who are the candidates for relegation?

Southampton, West Ham, and Bournemouth currently occupy the relegation places but that keeps changing all the time and it is so tight at the bottom of the table.

Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Wolves, Leeds, Everton and Crystal Palace all find themselves within a few points of the bottom three as the race to stay in the Premier League intensifies. This could be the craziest relegation scrap in Premier League history.

Below you will find the latest Premier League table.

Premier League table – March 19

NBC Sports’ standings and scoreboard

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USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup

By Andy EdwardsMar 21, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT

After reaching the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT have a big 2023 coming up as they aim to build off a successful showing on the world’s biggest stage.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

For the next few months CONCACAF Nations League takes center stage, while the program is very much in transition as Anthony Hudson takes temporary charge and both the GM (Brian McBride) and Sporting Director (Earnie Stewart) left in recent months.

As for now, here is the USMNT’s upcoming schedule for 2023, with plenty more games to be added based on their potential qualification for the 2023 Gold Cup on home soil.

How to watch USMNT

TV channels in English: HBO Max, TNT
TV channels en Español: Universo, Telemundo Deportes
Streaming en Español: Peacock

USMNT upcoming schedule

* Friendly | ** CONCACAF Nations League | *** 2022 World Cup

2023

vs. Serbia* — Jan. 25, 10 pm ET — Loss 2-1 | Recap & highlights
vs. Colombia* — Jan. 28, 7:30 pm ET — Draw 0-0 | Recap & highlights
at Grenada** — March 24, 8 pm ET — St. George’s, Grenada
vs El Salvador** — March 27, 7:30pm ET — Orlando, Florida
vs Mexico* — April 19, 10:22pm ET — Glendale, Arizona – More details

2023 Gold Cup from June 16 to July 19 (USMNT yet to qualify)

USMNT games in 2022

vs. Morocco* — June 1 — Win 3-0
vs. Uruguay* — June 5 — Draw 0-0
vs. Grenada** — June 10 — Win 5-0
at El Salvador** — June 14 — Draw 1-1
vs Japan* — Sept. 23 (in Dusseldorf, Germany) — Loss 2-0
vs Saudi Arabia* — Sept. 27 (in Murcia, Spain) — Draw 0-0

USMNT at 2022 World Cup

Group B
vs. Wales*** — Nov. 21, 2 pm ET — Draw 1-1
vs. England*** — Nov. 25, 2 pm ET — Draw 0-0
vs. Iran*** — Nov. 29, 2 pm ET — Win 1-0

Last 16
vs. Netherlands*** — Dec. 3, 10 am ET — Loss 3-1

USMNT 2022 World Cup qualifying scores, recaps, analysis

at El Salvador — Sept. 2 — Draw 0-0
vs. Canada — Sept. 5 — Draw 1-1
at Honduras — Sept. 8 — Win 4-1

vs. Jamaica — Oct. 7 — Win 1-0
at Panama — Oct. 10 — Loss 0-1
vs. Costa Rica — Oct. 13 — Win 2-1

vs. Mexico — Nov. 12 — Win 2-0
at Jamaica — Nov. 16 — Draw 1-1

vs. El Salvador — Jan. 27 — Win 1-0
at Canada — Jan. 30 — Loss 0-2
vs. Honduras — Feb. 2 — Win 3-0

at Mexico — March 24 — Draw 0-0
vs. Panama — March 27 — Win 5-1
at Costa Rica — March 30 — Loss 0-2

Final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings

Canada — 28 points – (QUALIFIED) GD +16 – automatic qualification
Mexico — 28 points (QUALIFIED) GD +9 – automatic qualification
USMNT — 25 points – (QUALIFIED) GD +11 – automatic qualification

Costa Rica — 25 points (PLAYOFF) GD +5

Panama — 21 points (ELIMINATED)
Jamaica — 14 points (ELIMINATED)
El Salvador — 10 points (ELIMINATED)
Honduras — 4 points (ELIMINATED)

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USMNT roster for Nations League features Gio Reyna, no Tyler Adams

By Andy EdwardsMar 21, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT

The USMNT will be without captain Tyler Adams when they play a pair of CONCACAF Nations League games later this month, but they will have 13 members of the 2022 World Cup squad, including Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, as confirmed by U.S. Soccer on Wednesday.

The Yanks will also not have Timothy Weah, who suffered a scary concussion for Lille versus Toulouse on Sunday. He’s been replaced by AZ Alkmaar’s Djordje Mihailovic.

[ MORE: USMNT to face rivals Mexico in April friendly ]

Adams will miss the games against Gernada (March 24) and El Salvador (March 27) after suffering a hamstring injury during a recent training session with Leeds United.

Reyna’s place within the team and program had come into question in the weeks and months since the World Cup, with events and an investigation transpiring involving former/a candidate to remain USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and Gio’s parents, Claudio and Danielle. Interim head coach Anthony Hudson explained Reyna’s inclusion as a decision to “move forward.”

[ MORE: USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup ]

“It became a bit more complex in the months since the World Cup, but as far as we’re concerned Gio is a part of our program,” Hudson said. “He’s a good guy and a top talent, and he is evaluated like any other player. We made the roster decisions based on what gives the team the best opportunity to win these games, and we brought him in because we think he can help us do that.”

Full USMNT roster for 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League

Goalkeepers (3): Ethan Horvath (Luton Town), Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough), Matt Turner (Arsenal)

Defenders (8): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Tim Ream (Fulham/), Bryan Reynolds (Westerlo), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City)

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Leeds United), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Alan Sonora (Juárez), Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar)

Forwards (6): Taylor Booth (Utrecht), Daryl Dike (West Bromwich Albion), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

EDIT: Tim Weah (Lille) was originally called up, but exited due to a head injury.

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Latest Premier League news

What is the latest update?

Which games could he miss?

Latest Premier League news

Who’s looking like title contenders and/or favorites?

What about the top four and European places?

Who are the candidates for relegation?

Premier League table – March 19

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Latest USMNT news

How to watch USMNT

USMNT upcoming schedule

USMNT games in 2022

USMNT at 2022 World Cup

USMNT 2022 World Cup qualifying scores, recaps, analysis

Final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings

Latest USMNT news

Full USMNT roster for 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League