FA Cup 2025-26 3rd Round Predictions – The English Football Pride

The Football Association Cup, also known as the FA Cup, brings the English football clubs together in the matches. This event is a collaboration of all English football clubs, testing each team’s true potential. This FA Cup features great clashes between Premier League and Championship teams. Currently, there are more games in January to watch that will keep you hooked till the end. The schedule is out, and we have picked some of the best rivalries and given the details. We have also provided a detailed analysis and predictions for each matchup. Know that anything can happen; it’s called a giant-killing event. Underdogs may rise to the level of EPL teams and even beat them. So, be prepared for any possible outcome. Besides, if you like to get more football updates from us, click here.

FA Cup – Previous Rounds and the Playoff Narrative

The FA Cup 2025-26 season conducted the proper round two earlier and has filtered out 40 qualifying teams. Now, 24 teams from Tier 1 and Tier 2 leagues have entered. There were several matchups that are worth a shoutout. Let’s see such results in the 2nd Round Proper. Explore Bettingpremier’s FA Cup breakdowns and game analysis.

Salford City vs Leyton Orient

Salford City never held back and finished Leyton Orient’s game with a clean sheet. They scored on every major chance, along with an own goal from Leyton Orient. This has been an absolute clean sheet victory, as they totally dominated Leyton Orient.

Grimsby Town vs Wealdstone

It was another clean sheet victory, earned by Grimsby Town. They scored all three of their goals in the first half and limited Wealdstone’s chances. Grimsby Town’s blocking against Wealdstone was highly effective and more aggressive.

Stockport vs Cambridge United

Stockport and Cambridge United drew the game, as neither scored until the end. Eventually, the penalty round allowed Cambridge United to take the lead and ultimately win this game.

Wigan Athletic vs Barrow

Similarly, Wigan Athletic and Barrow played a tightly contested game, with both teams scoring twice. Wigan Athletic scored first and took the lead. Eventually, Barrow equalized and outscored them further in the 85th minute. However, Wigan Athletic scored another goal in the 89th minute, securing a draw. As a result, a penalty was awarded, and Wigan Athletic won 4-3, advancing to the next round. Sports, players, game schedules, odds & predictions, and much more, only on Bettingpremier.

FA Cup 3rd Round Proper – Significant Games, Schedule, and Predictions

Everton vs Sunderland

Everton and Sunderland are engaging in a serious FA Cup third-round battle on 10 January 2026 at 07:15 a.m. ET.

Standings

Everton FC is in 12th place in the Premier League standings.

Sunderland ranks in 8th spot in the current Premier League season.

Prediction

Both Everton and Sunderland are from the same league, yet there is a significant difference in their quality and rankings. Sunderland is in a better position than Everton, given their 8th place and ability to draw. However, Everton has historically dominated Sunderland. Even in the current league, Everton is close to Sunderland in the number of matches won. But Everton’s current form is not favorable. They have merely secured a single win in their last five games. On the other hand, Sunderland has never lost in their last five games, having drawn four and won one. This heavily supports Sunderland in this FA Cup clash. Sunderland is also technically strong, as they have a better defense than Everton. Sunderland has a positive goal differential, unlike Everton’s -2. So, Sunderland is expected to toss out a win in this game.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford

Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford are set to clash on 10 January 2026. This FA Cup game will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Standings

Sheffield Wednesday is last in the Championship table, in 24th place.

Brentford is 7th in the Premier League 2025-26 season standings.

Prediction

Sheffield Wednesday is a lower-tier team compared to Brentford, which has strong European exposure. Brentford brings their tier 1 form against Sheffield Wednesday, which might overwhelm the hosts. In terms of records, Brentford has won in 3 of its last five games. But Sheffield Wednesday has lost three times and drawn twice, with no wins. Their exposure is not enough to understand Brentford’s strategy. They might struggle to block Brentford’s effective ball movement. Sheffield Wednesday can find a moment or two to try their luck. However, Brentford carries the overall edge due to its superiority in all aspects. Additionally, Sheffield United literally ranks last in their league, which shows how weak they are. With such poor quality, Sheffield Wednesday lacks the potency to win against Brentford. So, Brentford is the predicted winner in this FA Cup clash on 10 January 2026.

Newcastle vs Bournemouth

Two Premier League clubs, Newcastle and Bournemouth, clash in the upcoming FA Cup Third Round. This all-English football game will kick off at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Standings

Newcastle is having a solid spot in the Premier League, ranking 9th.

Bournemouth ranks 15th in the current Premier League standings.

Prediction

Another Premier League clash in the FA Cup, featuring Newcastle against Bournemouth. Here, Newcastle performs better than Bournemouth. They even finished 5th in the previous season, highlighting their superiority over Bournemouth’s average form. As of now, Newcastle is more consistent than Bournemouth, having won and drawn more often. In contrast, Bournemouth is struggling to win its last five games. Newcastle’s strong defense is a compelling factor as they have a +4 goals difference. In Bournemouth’s case, they have allowed more goals than they have scored, resulting in a -7 goal differential. Considering their last five games, Bournemouth has never won once. Their only strength is their scoring ability, which may allow them to score a goal or two. Yet, Newcastle’s supremacy outpowers Bournemouth. Therefore, Newcastle will win in this FA Cup matchup against Bournemouth.

Fulham vs Middlesbrough

Fulham and Middlesbrough will play in the FA Cup’s 3rd Round. This football clash is scheduled for 10 January 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Standings

Fulham has an 11th rank in the Premier League rankings.

Middlesbrough is 2nd in the Championship standings.

Prediction

Fulham has won twice, drawn twice, and lost once in its most recent five games. More than that, they are a tier 1 team, giving them a tactical edge over Middlesbrough. Fulham’s most recent match against Liverpool was a 2-2 draw, indicating their ability to score against strong teams. On the defensive front, Fulham has a solid defense, which Middlesbrough might find difficult to breach. Fulham is also good at pressuring their opponents near the goal line. This allows them to create quality shots, leading to more shots made. Middlesbrough, in contrast, comes from the Championship league. Although they are second in the standings, their squad depth and overall quality are dealbreakers. Concisely, they have an above-average form and a strong winning probability. Therefore, Fulham is the pick in this FA Cup clash.

Ipswich Town vs Blackpool

Ipswich Town will host Blackpool in the FA Cup Third Round on 10 January 2026. The Association Cup game will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Standings

Ipswich Town is currently the third-best in the Championship standings.

Blackpool ranks in 18th place in the Football League One rankings.

Prediction

Ipswich Town has historically dominated Blackpool in head-to-head games. Previously, Ipswich Town has won three of five meetings against Blackpool. Ranking third in the Championship standings, Ipswich Town has all the qualities of a proper team. Their midfield game and shot-making skills will enable them to outscore Blackpool. Especially, Ipswich Town is more solid with a positive goal differential and an above-average scoring efficiency. Conversely, Blackpool FC shows no sign of hope in the upcoming game. Their poor league position has left them unfit for this match. Their goal difference is also a major concern since they have a weak defense that concedes more often. This situation presents a perfect opportunity for Ipswich Town to outperform Blackpool this time. Hence, Ipswich Town will likely win this time.