It is The F.A. Cup 3rd Round this weekend and a chance to look at our Premier League (PL) London Clubs prospects for this season. On Friday 8 January Crystal Palace will be our first Premier London Derbies (PLDs) Club to play and that away to Wolverhampton Wanderers one above them in the PL on goals (away) difference. Despite Wolves inconsistencies a strong Cup run for the Eagles is unlikely to start here.
On Saturday 9th January the record F.A. Cup Holders Arsenal begin their defence at home to Newcastle United, themselves with a proud, but now sadly distant, F.A. Cup history. Buoyed by much improved PL form and the performances of young prospects Bukayo Saka, Emile Rowe Smith and Kiernan Tierney the Gunners look likely to be in the 4th Round draw. Also on Saturday 9th there will be a London Derby at Loftus Road where PLDs Fulham visit EFL Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers. With the Cottagers form improving and Rangers having only 3 home EFL wins out of 11 so far this season the visitors should progress.
On Sunday 10th last season’s beaten Finalist’s Chelsea entertain EFL League 2 Morecambe who are just in their Division’s play-off places. Despite a poor return on their £200 million pre-season investments, Timo Werner has not scored in 12 games, the Blues must surely be through. Another north west of England v London PL clash that day will be between Marine of the non-League North West Premier and Tottenham Hotspur. How much Spurs will need of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son’s goal scoring combination (13 in the PL this season and 33 in their 6 Pl seasons together) on a perhaps tricky pitch in Winter remains to be seen. Kane’s recent goal against PL Leeds United means he has scored against each of the 30 PL Clubs he has faced, and Son’s goal in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Brentford was his 101st.
West Ham United will have to wait until Monday 11th January for their tie again in the north west away to National League side Stockport County, who incidentally drew their last match 2-2 with Altrincham who were Spurs last non-League opponents. The Hammers, playing confident, strong and attractive football, should have no problems as long as they all turn up on a Winter’s night, but this is “The Cup” and there may be a surprise somewhere instore!
“Keep Safe”, “Stay Home” if you can, and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.