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The second blog for The Yorker from the University of York Riding Club
The FA Cup third round draw has thrown out some interesting fixtures but there is one tie everyone is talking about: Manchester City vs Manchester United.
United, who were thrashed 6-1 by City when the sides met at Old Trafford in October, will be seeking revenge as they travel to the City of Manchester stadium to take on their derby rivals. Goals from Balotelli (2), Aguero, Dzeko (2) and Silva saw Mancini’s men humiliate United on their home turf and, with City enjoying a five point lead at the top of the Premier League, United will have a point to prove.
This clash will also see one of the strongest teams in the competition eliminated, benefiting especially the lower ranked clubs. When draw was made, I doubt anyone crossed their fingers and wished to play against either City or United. City are five-time winners and current champions, beating Stoke in last year’s final, and United are the most successful club in the competition’s history, boasting an impressive 11 titles; tough opposition indeed.
So, what does The Yorker think of this tie? City has had games of greatness this season but has also showed weaknesses, especially in the Champions League. They are not unbeatable, despite what the Premier League statistics currently show, and United, placed second in the league, look like one of the few teams who could overcome them. No, I haven’t forgotten the 6-1 thrashing; but if United can keep eleven men on the pitch, which they failed to do last time around, then I see them seriously challenging City.
Looking at the rest of the draw, Arsenal will host Championship side Leeds, who, despite recent unrest at the club, are placed fifth and will hope to give the Gunners, who arguably haven’t reached their best form this season, a close game.
Portsmouth will visit Chelsea as they look to progress to the fourth round but the Championship strugglers will probably fall short of a Blues side that is now beginning to find its feet this term. Meanwhile, Liverpool will face the either Southend or Oldham.
Non-league teams who have made it to the third round include Blue Square Bet South sides Sutton United, who will face Doncaster, and Chelmsford, who have a second round replay with Macclesfield with a tie against Bolton the reward.
Fixtures are to be played January 7 or 8 and a full list of fixtures can be found on the BBC website.
I can't see anyone but Manchester City winning the Premier League now, so I think that it is crucially important for Man Utd to win this game. I'm sure that most City fans would take getting knocked out of the FA Cup if it increased their Premier League title chances.
Interesting tie for my club, Sheffield Wednesday. They have been drawn at home to West Ham. Despite the one league difference, Wednesday currently sit 2nd in the league having not lost at Hillsborough yet this season. I don't think that will be a game that West Ham particularly fancy, and could be a little cup upset (hopefully!).
Or else we could just get hammered (excuse the pun) as per usual in the FA Cup...
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