FA Cup giant killings: Where could the upsets occur in the third round? | OneFootball

FA Cup third round weekend is one fans across the country savour with the potential for huge upsets, as those from the lower leagues test themselves against the very best.

A big part of the ‘magic of the cup’ comes from lower league sides facing up to Premier League opposition, which has led to some historic upsets in the past, like Everton being dumped out of the 2002/03 edition of the tournament by Shrewsbury or Aston Villa conceding two late goals which saw them lose at home to Stevenage in 2023.

One of Chelsea’s most famous defeats came in the fourth round in 2015 as they let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 4-2 to Bradford City, squandering what would otherwise have been an unbeaten home season.

The FA Cup always brings cinema, and this season’s edition should be no different. We took a look at where the potential giant killings might occur in the third round.

Everton (Premier League) v Peterborough (League One)

Sean Dyche’s Everton have struggled again this season and their inconsistency sees the Toffees firmly in another relegation battle.

Peterborough themselves have been on a poor run and languish in the lower half of League One but the opportunity to go up against a Premier League team may provide the perfect distraction.

There is another layer of drama to consider too – Everton’s veteran defender Ashley Young could come up against his own son, 18-year-old midfielder Tyler Young.

The Posh reached round five back in 2022 and will likely be a tough challenge for an Everton team short of confidence and form, and seriously lacking goals.

Tamworth (National League) v Tottenham (Premier League)

It seems almost impossible that a team four divisions below their opponents can cause one of the great upsets but the FA Cup has a habit of throwing the rule book out of the window.

Inconsistent Tottenham are performing well below expectations in the Premier League but have fared better in the cup competitions, finding themselves in a Carabao Cup semi-final and with a great chance to progress automatically in the Europa League.

Tamworth, however, are fresh off the back of successive league promotions and celebrated knocking out League One Huddersfield in round two.

A winning mentality has been instilled and the visit of Spurs to the Lamb Ground makes for the perfect setting for what would be considered one of the greatest giant killings in history.

Newcastle (Premier League) v Bromley (League Two)

Just the 74 places separate in-form Newcastle and League Two Bromley, managed by former Newcastle goalkeeper Andy Woodman.

Although this seems like a sure bet, particularly with Newcastle being at home, Bromley have lost just once in their last 12 matches and sit comfortably in the middle of League Two after winning promotion last season.

Newcastle will likely rotate given their chase for a Champions League finish and their participation in the Carabao Cup semi-finals but it will still be a very tall order for Bromley.

Millwall (Championship) v Dagenham & Redbridge (National League)

The hosts have a great FA Cup pedigree, reaching the final back in 2004 and causing their own giant killings across several cup runs in the last two decades.

However, Millwall are the joint-lowest scorers in the Championship this season and are struggling for form following Neil Harris’ decision to step down as manager last month.

Dagenham themselves are in mid-table in the National League and while the odds are firmly stacked against them, the threat of an FA Cup upset looms large for Millwall.

Just nine miles separate these London neighbours and Dagenham will be hoping to capitalise on the uncertainly at the Championship club, with new manager Alex Neil still searching for his first victory.