⛅️ FA Cup forecast: The big boys are in and we're hoping for upsets

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Phil Costa·4 January 2019

It’s the first week of January and you know what that means. The FA Cup is back!

After long rounds, big weekend trips and some awful pitches, it’s a free for all and the big boys are involved.

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We picked out all the talking points ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

Wolves v Liverpool

It’s not exactly the ‘minnow against Premier League giant’ narrative, but we think Wolves could cause Liverpool problems here.

The newly promoted side have been brilliant this season and currently sit in ninth place – just nine points behind Manchester United.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are four points clear at the top of the table and are favourites to win the title for the first time in four years.

They’re going to rotate. Their heads will be elsewhere. Wolves will be ready to pounce in front of their home fans.

Woking v Watford

We know what you’re thinking, but hear us out. Watford have been impressive under Javi Gracia but Woking are flying.

After their defeat against Bath City on October 27, they’ve played 11 games, of which they’ve won ten and drawn just one.

Striking duo Max Kretzschmar and Jake Hyde have 21 goals between them this season and will be relishing the test against a top flight defence.

Manchester City v Rotherham

This could get ugly. City went through a rough patch over Christmas but bounced back with huge wins over Southampton and Liverpool.

Rotherham – managed by former player Paul Warne – are hovering dangerously above the Championship relegation zone and continue to leak goals.

Even with a rotated side you’d expect the hosts to come through this fixture with ease, especially with the Millers focusing on survival.

Championship clubs

So much is at stake for clubs who are aiming to break into the Premier League, but there are some winnable fixtures this round.

Nottingham Forest are on a good run and head to Stamford Bridge, with Derby and Birmingham travelling to Southampton and West Ham respectively.

It’s January as well – and that means players putting themselves in the shop window.