FA CUP: MAN UTD TACKLES WEST HAM

http://www.nigerianbestforum.com/blog/?attachment_id=122043 Premier League leaders, Manchester United will hope to sustain its splendid form in the FA Cup when it travels to take on West Ham today in the round of three. Holders Chelsea will also face Southampton.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are to play Premier League opposition away from home, while Paul Cox, the Mansfield Town manager, is targeting an FA Cup clash against seven-time winners Liverpool after the Blue Square Bet Premier club landed one of the ties of the third round.

Mansfield will face Brendan Rodgers at the One Call Stadium if they can defeat Lincoln City in a replay.

Seventh in the old Conference, Mansfield were almost knocked out of the competition in the second round before an injury-time equaliser from Matt Rhead secured the Stags a second chance – and an opportunity to face the Premier League side.

Liverpool, beaten finalists in May, last won the FA Cup in 2006 and has suffered embarrassing defeats against lower league opposition, including Northampton in the Carling Cup two years ago and, famously, Worcester in 1959. And Cox is already dreaming of the prospect of meeting Rodgers and securing a huge financial boost for the North Nottinghamshire club. 'It's an unbelievable tie for the club and the town, it's beyond all our wildest dreams,' he said.

There are four all-Premier League encounters, with West Ham taking on Manchester United and current holders Chelsea facing a trip to the South Coast to play Southampton. Swansea, which embarrassed Arsenal at the Emirates this season, has been presented with another chance to pile up agony for Arsene Wenger with a rematch in Wales. A number of Championship clubs will be hopeful of claiming Premier League scalps.