Will it be a giant-killing weekend for the lower league clubs?

It is a somewhat muted weekend in sporting terms, as we recover from the exertions of Christmas and the new year.

But we do have the return of the FA Cup as round three kicks into gear and the big guns from the Premier League look to avoid the giant-killing exploits that have brought embarrassment on many a side down the years.

Some of the most memorable acts came as far back when Leeds,  in 1971, was one of the most feared sides in English football and they ended up on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat to fourth division side Colchester Utd.

In 1989 on a year after the Crazy Gang lead by the likes of Vinnie Jones had caused a major shock in the FA Cup final defeating Liverpool at Wembley, non-league Sutton Utd beat then top-flight Coventry in a sand-covered pitch 2-1 with goals from Tony Rains and Matt Hanlan.

In more recent times, look no further than at Stamford Bridge when Bradford traveled to London in the fourth round and came out convincing winners in a 2-4 victory to leave the blues red-faced.

The Possible giant killer this weekend may come in the shape of Bristol Rovers who take on Sheffield Utd who are in woeful form and look sure to make changes to their line-up.

Chorley will be looking to be a non-league scalp in the way of Derby and Wayne Rooney as they have several players missing from their squad due to covid.

One of the most interesting clashes is an all-Premier League affair between holders of the FA Cup Arsenal taking on Newcastle and on Sunday lower League Newport county host Brighton could be one of the major shock Premier League exits at the first hurdle.

It’s the re-scheduled Welsh Grand National this weekend in a true test of stamina for the jumpers, and it promises to be a cracking renewal, taking on the trip of 3m 6f in testing conditions over the Chepstow track and their still fences.

13:25 Chepstow 09 Jan

Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle

Grade 1 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 4YO only

Winner £28,475

15:10 Chepstow 09 Jan

Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase

Grade 3 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 5YO plus

Winner £85,425

All the best and good luck,

Bigfoot