Where are the FA Cup shocks this weekend?

Looking at the complete list of this weekend’s FA Cup fixtures there is plenty of potential for an upset with Premiership sides facing tough trips to lower league opposition. With some of those sides hoping to rest a few players ahead of league and European action, where will the shock or shocks take place?

Anyone hoping that Liverpool might slip in their local derby with Oldham were thwarted last night as Kenny Dalglish’s men completed an emphatic 5-1 victory but will every top side read the script?

It’s tempting to look to Goodison Park as Everton host non-league Tamworth. David Moyes’ men have endured a difficult first half of the season but the manager is unlikely to rest too many players as he plans to avoid an embarrassing result. With home advantage going to Everton, it’s hard to see anything other than a home win.

The same could also be said at White Hart Lane where a combination of injury and other priorities will see Harry Redknapp rest a number of key players. Spurs should still triumph over their league two rivals Cheltenham Town but it’s not impossible for the away side to sneak a draw at the very least.

Wolves face a short but tricky journey to face Midlands rivals Birmingham and there is a far greater likelihood of the Championship side getting a win. Considering Wolves’ struggle at the foot of the Premier League however, could a Birmingham victory really be consider a shock?

Norwich and Fulham should also seal wins as they host Burnley and Charlton respectively while Chelsea will also look to rest a few of their regular starting XI but should still enjoy a comfortable passage as they take on Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge.

Of the Premiership sides drawn away from home, Stoke City and Aston Villa should progress as they battle with Gillingham and Bristol Rovers respectively although a draw after 90 minutes today could be a likely outcome.

That really leaves just two games where I’m predicting so-called ‘shock’ results this weekend. On Sunday the 8^th of January, Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland side travel to Peterborough and certainly won’t be relishing the long trip to Cambridgeshire.

The Black Cats’ fortunes have improved since O’Neill took over from Steve Bruce but Premiership survival is their sole priority and that could see a second string side succumb to their Championship hosts.

Queens Park Rangers face a similar scenario as they travel to take on MK Dons and once again. League survival is king. Rangers are vulnerable and with home advantage, expect an upset in Milton Keynes this weekend.