1. Brighton Hove Albion v Newcastle, 12.30pm, Amex Arena – Home win
Newcastle travel south to face Championship opponents Brighton on the back of three Premier League defeats. Alan Pardew’s team have been unable to emulate last season’s achievements, with a series of injuries and the added strain of playing European football not helping their cause, and lie 15th in the table.
Gus Poyet’s Seagulls are currently three points off the play-off places and began 2013 with a convincing 3-0 win over Ipswich. These two sides met last year in the fourth round of this competition and it was Brighton who prevailed thanks to William Buckley’s individual run and deflected shot. Repeating that shock for a second year running is not unimaginable.
Watch highlights of their meeting last season below:
YouTube credit: thefacup·
2. Aston Villa v Ipswich, 3pm, Villa Park – Away win
Since joining the Norfolk club back in November, Mick McCarthy has hauled Ipswich off the bottom of the Championship, out of drop zone and into 19th place. They were beaten on Tuesday but did record good wins against Wolves, Charlton, Millwall and Bolton in December.
Villa, meanwhile, have conceded 17 goals in their last four games – none of which ended in victory for Paul Lambert’s side.
3. Crystal Palace v Stoke, 3pm, Selhurst Park – Home win
Unbeaten since November, high-flying Palace entertain Stoke at Selhurst Park. The Eagles have been brilliant in the league this season despite having to deal with the loss of manager Dougie Freedman and although his replacement Ian Holloway has been told to concentrate on promotion, he will relish the chance to get the better of Premier League opposition.
Wilfried Zaha has been in scintillating form for Palace this season. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire/Press Association Images
4. MK Dons v Sheffield Wednesday, 3pm, Stadium:mk - Home win
Two teams who were vying for promotion from League One last season meet again at Stadium:mk today. Karl Robinson's Dons needed an injury time Jon Otsemobor goal to overcome their bitter rivals AFC Wimbledon in the last round but could upset the Owls, who have struggled on their return to the Championship this term.
5. Wigan v Bournemouth, DW Stadium, 3pm - Away win
The Latics take on a resurgent Bournemouth side who have earned 24 points out of the last 30 in League One and who are unbeaten in 16 games since Eddie Howe returned. With 42-year-old David James in decent form between the sticks, it's not inconceivable to think they could cause Wigan problems at the DW Stadium this afternoon.
Do you fancy any other upsets from today's games?
Great read.
Fair play Curtis, always a great player, a great ambassador and very articulate.
Great article
Great read, didn’t realise how though his childhood was with his mother’s passing so young. Great determination to bring up his siblings and make an impact across the water.
An inspiring story, hopefully he gets a chance to coach in England in the future
Great read. He makes a good point about number of BAME managers versus number of BAME players… The former should be much higher.
Interesting guy,i hope his coaching career brings success.
I remember Curtis when he worked in a newsagents in Talbot street Dublin 1
Very nice guy
Great article and wishing Curtis the best of luck going forward
A great guy and a very enjoyable read. Best of luck Curtis!
Great read.
Great article. Let’s not shy away from our shortcomings as a country, no one should be victim to this sort of abuse. Welcome the diverse next generation of Ireland
A Boro legend
Curtis is a legend. Racism is a cancer destroying society.
Who gives a fuvk if you slate brown white back who cares your Irish x
@BriP75: stupid comment. Evidently some people cared enough about his skin colour to racially abuse the man growing up. That sort of ignorant attitude is the reason why racism still exists in society. Educate yourself…