Crystal Palace Favored Over Stockport in FA Cup Third Round Clash

Crystal Palace will host Stockport County in the FA Cup third round this Sunday at Selhurst Park, with the Premier League side heavily favored to advance. The match, scheduled for January 12, 2025, at 3pm UK time, pits Palace against a Stockport team currently competing in League One, two divisions below.

Palace, despite a rocky start to their Premier League campaign, have shown signs of improvement recently, losing only twice in their last 12 league games. Their recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea has bolstered confidence, though their struggles in front of goal remain a concern, with only 21 goals scored in the league this season.

Stockport, on the other hand, has seen a dip in form after a strong start to the season. The Hatters have won just two of their last eight league games, slipping out of the playoff places. Their task is made even tougher by the absence of their top scorer, Barry, who has been recalled by parent club Aston Villa.

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton predicts a 2-0 victory for Crystal Palace, citing their recent form and the quality of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been a standout performer this season. Actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, a guest predictor for the week, also foresees a 2-0 win for Palace.

Historically, Palace have had mixed fortunes in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2016. Stockport, meanwhile, last progressed to the fourth round in 2001, when they were knocked out by Tottenham Hotspur in the fifth round.

In terms of team news, Palace will be without midfielder Will Hughes due to an ankle injury, while Stockport have lost several loan players, including Everton‘s Ellis Simms and Burnley‘s Owen Dodgson, who have been recalled by their parent clubs.

Despite Stockport’s resilience, the gulf in quality between the two sides is expected to be decisive. Palace will look to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a place in the fourth round, while Stockport will aim to defy the odds and make history.