It’s a cup weekend in England, Scotland and France.  Fans in all three countries will be holding their betting tickets and hoping a lowly club can play David and slay a Goliath.  There are any number of matches which offer the opportunity, especially in the FA Cup.  Sheffield United and Reading are choice candidates, facing reeling sides Aston Villa and West Brom respectively.  Another interesting match will take place at the Stadium of Light, where Sunderland welcome Notts County.  The Black Cats have already endured a vicious attack from another group of Magpies this season.  Is a second in the offing?

As well, there are some tantalising match-ups in the Mediterranean leagues.  Here’s the WFC gang to fill you in…

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers, FA Cup 3rd Round>>>Saturday

It’s FA Cup weekend in England, which means the inevitable but thoroughly uplifting air of a giant killing somewhere throughout the Queen’s Land.

One place where a so-called, giant killing may take place is the blustery Lancastrian stadium of Ewood Park.  Recent appointee Steve Kean sees his Blackburn Rovers face Championship high-flyers QPR. Rovers recently tabled an ambitious and somewhat unrealistic bid for former Ballon D’Or winner Ronaldinho, a move that seems to have broken down with the man who strikes fear into the hearts of defenders and dentists alike looks to be heading back to Brazil with Gremio.

QPR meanwhile are quite satisfied with the playmaker they have. The mercurial Adel Taraabt has been making a mockery of many a Championship defender.  Att eh other end, former Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will aim to keep out in form Blackburn striker Benjani Mwaruwari, following his two-goal heroics in the 3-1 win over the luckless Liverpool of Roy Hodgson.

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Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Arsenal v Leeds United, FA Cup 3rd Round>>>Saturday

Simon Grayson enjoyed a historic upset last year, when Leeds toppled Manchester United at Old Trafford, going on to force Tottenham to a replay. The cup run catapulted the manager into the national spotlight.  Since then, he has continued his good work, for which he has just gained another nomination for Championship Manager of the Month.

Leeds sit 5th in the table, having gone on a 12-match unbeaten run that started, and recently ended, against Cardiff City. Despite the disappointing loss on Tuesday, I expect Leeds to pose a threat, with the physical presence of Luciano Becchio back in the line-up. Max Gradel was in great form in December, nominated for the Player of the Month award, and his pace may be the key to unlocking an Arsenal defence, which will miss the assured presence of Bacary Sagna.

Arsene Wenger has already intimated that Sagna won’t be the only first-teamer missing from this game, with his players needing time to recuperate from the festive schedule. Robin Van Persie will be rested, and Samir Nasri will probably make way for the returning Aaron Ramsey, fresh from his loan stint at Nottingham Forest. Theo Walcott may be let loose on the defence and, if so, will want to prove a point to the manager after being given the hook for Nicklas Bendtner against Man City.

Arsenal will therefore be a weakened side but still overriding favourites at the Emirates. Leeds’surprising start to the season does add some intrigue to the encounter, though. One thing is for sure – this match screams goals.

Leicester City v Manchester City, FA Cup 3rd Round>>>Sunday

One of the more intriguing ties in the 3rd Round will be at the Walker’s Stadium, where Sven-Goran Eriksson will get a visit from his former club. The Swede has had a clear impact on the Midlands side, helping them to recover from Paulo Sousa’s total of 5 points in 9 games and bring them into the upper reaches of the table.

There are a few ties between the two sides.  Sven brought his former Man City and England employee Darius Vassell with him, as well as full-back Greg Cunningham (who broke his leg against Hull but has now returned). Ben Mee has come in on loan at centre-back, but presumably won’t play. Nor will Spurs full-back Kyle Naughton, who is cup-tied for this game.

Leicester, then, might have some problems in defence. The question is, will Mancini bother to expose them? Apparently City have just signed some guy named Edin Dzeko and may well be thrown him in at the deep end. In fact, with City’s reserve side heavily favoured in the Europa League, you won’t likely get good odds on them for this tilt.

It may not be as easy as planned for the Citizens, however, especially if Leicester City produce a display like the one that beat Swansea on Monday.

Manchester United vs Liverpool, Fa Cup 3rd Round>>>Sunday

It’s been a long time since this match was such a lop-sided proposition. In a season where no one side has excelled, and upsets abound, United have somehow remained unbeaten. We could debate day and night whether they enjoy favourable refereeing decisions but the consensus is that they have been the best of a bad bunch, a fact reflected in the league table.

Sir Alex Ferguson will surely still be wary of a Liverpool side on the ropes, especially having suffered an embarrassing defeat to another rival, Leeds United, in this competition last year. As such, the experienced heads of Edwin Van Der Sar, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney should get a run-out on Sunday.

Liverpool, then, need a big performance to get anything out of this game. Is it likely? No. But then Roy Hodgson’s side are in the same draw as Dover – the magic of the FA Cup works in mysterious ways.

Of course, it’s not even a certainty that Woy will be charge for this game†, which surely is a weight on the minds of players and the man himself.  No-one foresaw the rapid demise that Anfield has witnessed, yet the seemingly eternal despondency surrounding the squad perhaps hints at a lack of motivation, possibly stemming from the beleaguered Hodgson’s lack of confidence.

The saving grace? Mr. Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, who has recently, and indeed always, tried to put the team on his back in times of trouble.  Their last FA Cup trophy was 2006, five years gone, but who can forget his crucial goals against West Ham that helped win the Final? Something similar will be needed here, because Liverpool sorely lack any semblance of  spirit.

This game is important for so many reasons, so settle down, grab a pint, and enjoy the 3rd Round magic.

† Late Update:  Woy will not be at the helm for Sunday’s match, as NESV at last stepped in to relieve him of his duties.  Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish will step in to manage the club for the remainder of the season.

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Andrew Gibney

Andrew Gibney @ The Gib Football Show

Dundee United v Ross County, Scottish Cup>>>Saturday

At the end of last season, these clubs met at Hampden Park, battling it out to lift the Scottish Cup. Different fortunes have befallen both clubs this year.

Ross County are eighth in the First Division, only three points above last place Stirling Albion.  They haven’t won a game since they beat Devronvale in the last round of the Cup.

Dundee United are having a similar season, seventh in the SPL and now have to deal with the possibility of losing top striker and all round great player David Goodwillie.  After the sale of Kenny Miller to Birmingham, the Rangers vultures are circling and ready to swoop.

This game has the possibility of giving us the upset we all want from cup games. It will be difficult for Ross County to come away with a result but with enough belief, you never know.  Even a replay at Victoria Park would be a great result for the boys from Dingwall.

Chambery v Monaco, Coupe De France>>>Saturday

Saturday doesn’t just see cup weekend in the UK.  Teams all around France will meet to see who can progress to the last 32 of the Coupe de France. Again, in search for the elusive cup shock, we travel to the east of France to the town of Chambery.

The locals will welcome the visit of top flight AS Monaco as the Monégasque club take on the team from Group D of the French CFA2, aka the 5th tier. The Stade Municipal de Chambéry holds about 1000 fans, and it will surely be packed with fans expecting the unexpected.

Monaco are struggling in Ligue 1, sitting in 17th spot perilously close to the drop zone. Apart from the 2-1 victory over Sochaux last week you have to go back to the start of November for their last win. Since that win they have only scored five goals in eight games, Chambery can smell blood. What a fairytale story a home win would be!

Sporting Lisbon v Sporting Braga, Portuguese Liga>>>Saturday

Moving away from cup ties, there is a big game in Portugal this weekend as Sporting and Braga fight it out for the Europa League places, five points separate the teams before the match, Braga will want to close the gap on their rivals before both clubs go back into European competition.

Both have won their last two games but Sporting are unbeaten in their last four home games, whereas Braga have lost their last four away.  No surprise that Sporting are the favourites in this one.

Yet Braga should not be taken lightly, with the odds against them they overcame Arsenal in the Champions League.  So, there is every chance, with the great play of Matheus and Lima, that Braga could come away from the Estádio José de Alvalade with all three points.

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Fab Presilli

Fab Presilli

Porto v Marítimo, Portuguese Liga>>>Saturday

It’s the Incredible Hulk versus one of the best defenses in the League.  Porto are the top flight team in Portugal, by far. They are already 8 points clear and rolling for the title.

Hulk is just one piece of the puzzle, although an important one.  The forward is a key player of the Portistas and the crowd always expect goals when he is in the pitch.

Marítimo might be the second best defense but the offense is not working and the team is parked well down the table.

Sampdoria v Roma, Serie A>>>Sunday

Samp is trying to get back to life in the wake of Hurricane Cassano.  Without all the nonsense the player has brought to Genoa, the team can focus on getting back on track in order for a place in Europe next season.  Will new loanee Fernando Macheda be thrown into the fray against his hometown side?

Roma is sitting fourth, yet with little difference from second to sixth, major changes can be made in the table every round.

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Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Real Madrid v Villareal, La Liga>>>Sunday

In a crosstown trip to Getafe’s Estadio Alfonso Parez, Real showed a bit of holiday rust, defensively, but were prolific enough to eke out a 3-2 victory.  It seems the recently returned Kaka will be given a run out as second striker, with Florentino Perez pleading poverty and Karim Benzema the only pure striker in-house.  Los Meringues will have to be more attentive in this match, as the Yellow Submarine have surfaced in 3rd place.

Injuries to Nilmar and Marco Senna mean Juan Carlos Garrido’s side will be challenged to find a result at the Santiago Bernabeu.  If they don’t, the gap between the 2nd and 3rd sides will open to eleven points and Villareal will be far more concerned with Valencia coming up on their six than the La Liga title’s tail-lights disappearing on the horizon.

AC Milan v Udinese, Serie A>>>Sunday

If you’re not a member of Brigate Rossonere, you’re probably wondering who Rodney Strasser is.  As I’m not a member of the ultra group myself, I really can’t help you.  Even ESPN Soccernet doesn’t recognise the Sierra Leone attacking mid, mistakenly referring to him as Sidney.  With Zlatan Ibrahimovic in detention and Alex Pato ineffective, the youngster came into Thursday’s match at Cagliari and made the difference, as the Rossoneri opened a 5 point lead at the top..

Meanwhile, Alexis Sánchez and Antonio Di Natale powered the Little Zebras past Chievo, 2-0 at the Friuli, to remain level with Inter.  A trip to the San Siro will be no picnic, however, especially with Ibra back in the line-up.  If Masimiliano Allegri is satisfied with Antonio Cassano’s fitness, this one could really provide some fireworks.

Napoli v Juventus, Serie A>>>Sunday

These two clubs, unlike Milan and Udinese, began the second half of the season with losses.  Napoli were dominated by Inter 3-1, as Leonardo made an immediate impact in his Nerrazzurri debut.  As a result Napoli slipped to third.  Juventus’4-1 humiliation at the hands of Parma permitted Roma to slide into the final Champions League place.  Needless to say, both sides will be eager to make a quick about-face and the San Paolo should be rocking.

Whether you’re watching the Manchester/Liverpool clash or Madrid/Villareal after Sunday brunch, pick one of the four featured Serie A clashes as your follow-up match.  Chances are you’ll be treated to a great contest.

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Tom Pollock

Tom Pollock with The Oz Files

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United, A-League

Sunday (in Australia, Saturday in Europe & the Americas)

This is perhaps one of the most one-sided rivalries in football. Melbourne and Adelaide love to beat on each other, when it comes to sport, and football is no exception. These sides have clashed in two Grand Finals in the past four years, with Victory getting up both times by an aggregate of 7-0. Add to the mix the fact that Victory has won the last 10 contests between the sides means this fixture is probably more meaningful to United, who are desperate to get the monkey off their back.  Think Engand v Germany, with Adelaide as the former.

Adelaide comes into the game having gone down to ladder leaders Brisbane, at home.  The defeat was their 4th in 5 matches but they have somehow held on to 2nd place. The 0-1 loss, while disappointing, has shown Adelaide they are not far off matching the Roar when the pressure is on. The Reds will look to new signings Andwele Slory and Francisco Usucar to halt their futility against Melbourne. Victory’s new striker, Danny Allsopp, could be given a longer run out, after marking at the start of his second stint with the club, against Wellington.

The clash is an important one for both sides, as finding form before the finals begin is critical. Home ground advantage could be the difference and, as this is one of the biggest fixtures of the year for Victory fans, they will turn up in force at AAMI Park.

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See you next week!

By following the local game, I had learned to lower my expectations and I expected the Sal island native to be an overrated trickster. The first time I saw him playing was on the last national league and by half-time I knew I was wrong. Santa Maria was winning 2-0 at Académica da Praia and Rody was involved in every meaningful attack. He was replaced at the beginning of the second half and the match ended 2-2.

He reminded me of Ronaldinho, on his first brilliant years in Barcelona. Rody had impeccable technique, superb acceleration and an uncanny skill to beat his marker. A few months later, Cape Verde U-21 played against the favourites and hosts, Portugal, on the opening first match of the Lusophony Games. Rody came from the bench and he had the last 30 minutes to shine.

And shine he did, creating two clear opportunities to score and then, out of nothing, winning the penalty that settled the 1-0 win. Cape Verde won the tournament, and afterwards, nobody was surprised when Rody was snapped up by Portuguese giants FC Porto. It reminded me of another rags-to-starlet story, a long time ago.

In 1994, when I just a kid, they were “The Next Big Thing”: three Cape-Verdeans scoring dozens of goals for the FC Porto U-19 team. There was even a rumour about how they spoke Creole among themselves, to further confuse the opponents. Zeferino was the speedy forward, Tinaia the strong midfielder and Rui César the playmaker.

When the summer came around, they were off to Real Madrid B, playing every week alongside Guti, Cambiasso and Etoo. Was it the start of a glittering career? In the space of three years, all three of them were released. Zeferino is now playing in Malta and Tinaia was last seen on the Spanish fourth division.

The last one, Rui César, returned to FC Porto’s Dragon Stadium just last month. The Portuguese champions were playing a cup match against third division Sertanense. The Cape-Verdean is now 31 years old and, besides two years playing for Marítimo, never left the lower leagues.

Rui César was unexpectedly honest to the Portuguese media: “Of course I’m not happy with my career”. But “I think anybody would do the same as I did. Nobody turns down an invitation from Real Madrid”. At the time Porto wasn’t know for giving youngsters a chance on the first team. Yet “of course now I always have that doubt, whether or not it would have been better to remain at FC Porto”.