FA CUP PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS

Who meets the North London giants Arsenal & Tottenham in the third round?

SOUTHPORT v TRANMERE ROVERS

The Sandgrounders of Southport host League Two Tranmere at their Haig Avenue home with a potential money-spinning televised Friday night home tie with Spurs as the prize for victory here.
The National League North hosts are in good form right now as they strive to move up the table after an awful start to the season but strangely have yet to win a home league match in eight attempts (D4 L4) but have a decent away record which showed in the 3-3 draw at Prenton Park in the original tie.
Last season’s National League play-off winners Rovers have had a fine start to life back in the EFL after promotion but have only won one of the last five in League Two leaving them in 8th place just outside the play-offs. Both managers Liam Watson & Nicky Mellon will be desperate for victory in this game that will need no additional motivation for the players involved.
PREDICTION AWAY WIN….JUST!

BLACKPOOL v SOLIHULL MOORS

Terry McPhillips and his faltering Tangerines are perhaps grateful to even be playing this replay as Moors looked to have had a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out in the original tie where they looked the better of the two teams. Pool have lost two of their last three in the league but are still handily placed (8th) for a New Year play-off push.

Moors, who were only formed in 2007 are having a much better time of it this season following their successful relegation battle last season. They lie in fifth place (play-off place) & have only lost five of their 23 league games so far under the shrewd management of ex England goalkeeper Tim Flowers.

Arsenal at home in the 3rd round is the considerable prize & personally, I think the extra EFL experience will prove key to Blackpool winning this one.
PREDICTION HOME WIN

words Ian Bradley, D3D4 roving reporter and predictions guru. You can follow Ian on twitter @Millmoor1