Newcastle’s recent form and formidable home record make this a tough trip for Bournemouth, even with the Magpies’ ongoing injury issues at the back and Fabian Schär sidelined. Howe’s side have won three on the bounce and are now 12 unbeaten at St James’ Park, while Bournemouth finally snapped their 11-game winless streak, but still haven’t won away since August.

Given Newcastle’s attacking momentum and the visitors’ shaky away record, the hosts look well placed to edge this with a bit to spare.

Score Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Bournemouth

Coventry have had Stoke’s number recently, winning both meetings in 2025 at the bet365, but the dynamic feels a bit different this time. The Sky Blues are still six points clear at the top, yet just one win in five and some patchy away form leave the door open.

Stoke come in on the back of two straight clean-sheet wins and should be competitive again here, even if the leaders find a way to land a punch.

Score Prediction: Stoke 1-1 Coventry

Tottenham head into this FA Cup tie under real pressure, with just two league wins at home all season and confidence fragile after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. Villa arrive in much better shape, having lost only one of their last 14 in all competitions and already winning at this ground earlier in the campaign.

Both sides tend to overperform their attacking numbers, so another open contest with chances at both ends looks likely.

Score Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

Charlton have been stubborn at home and should be able to make this competitive, especially if they go direct and exploit Chelsea’s high line in moments.

However, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal is a recurring issue, and Chelsea’s superior quality in the final third ought to tell over 90 minutes. It may not be comfortable, but Rosenior’s first game in charge should still bring a much-needed win ahead of Chelsea's EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

Score Prediction: Charlton 1-3 Chelsea

Portsmouth come into this tie in a bad moment, sitting just a point above the drop and still reeling from a 5-0 hammering at Bristol City.

Confidence is fragile and this looks a brutal matchup against an Arsenal side six points clear at the top of the Premier League, unbeaten in eight and with only two losses in 30 competitive games. Even with heavy rotation, the Gunners should have too much quality and control.

Score Prediction: Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal

Darren Fletcher’s second game in charge comes with real pressure, as United look to turn three straight draws into something more convincing.

Clean sheets have been hard to come by, but their strong recent history in the third round and the carrot of a potential route into Europe should sharpen focus. Brighton arrive after a creditable draw with Man City, but their last Old Trafford visit ended in a 4-2 defeat. This match has the look of plenty of goals.

Score Prediction: Man United 2-2 Brighton