Friday's FA Cup predictions including Aston Villa vs. West Ham

Wycombe vs. Portsmouth (Friday, 7.45pm)

© Imago

Championship side Portsmouth will travel to Adams Park for Friday's FA Cup third-round clash against third-tier Wycombe Wanderers.

The Chairboys are looking to reach the next stage for the first time since 2020-21, while Pompey are hoping to make their first fourth-round appearance since 2019-20.

We say: Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Portsmouth

This is a difficult game to predict because of the number of changes that both sides are expected to make, but with that said, we think the Championship side may do just enough to claim a narrow victory, especially as they will take inspiration from the fact they recorded a league double over Wycombe last season.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Aston Villa vs. West Ham (Friday, 8.00pm)

© Imago

Both beginning their latest FA Cup quest in this season's third round, Premier League sides Aston Villa and West Ham United will fight for victory at Villa Park on Friday evening.

The first meeting between the two claret-and-blue clubs in England's national cup since 1980 - when West Ham went on to claim glory in the final - comes with the Hammers in turmoil, both off and on the pitch.

We say: Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United

This competition represents both clubs' best chance of silverware; yet neither side is expected to make it a priority, so first-choice stars could be rested - and that makes the outcome more unpredictable.

Although Aston Villa's awful FA Cup record must count against them, West Ham are in disarray at the moment and are unlikely to knock their top-flight rivals out at Villa Park.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match