Mark Fawcett
THE romance of the FA Cup returns to Sunderland and echoes of Carter, Gurney and Porterfield will ring loud around the Stadium.

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The hope and expectation that the third round brings to all the teams in it is one of the reasons why it is still the best cup competition in the world, no matter what the detractors might say.

Yet the cup is of secondary importance and Keane's team will probably reflect that fact. I expect some of the youngsters to start such as Waghorn, Kay, and O'Donovan.

What should be interesting will be which players Keane does not pick to play. Those that don't will most likely be the first ones out the door in the next week or two, some of the ones who do play might be advertising for new owners.

Wigan are in the same boat as us and therefore will probably do the same thing. Rumours are circulating that Jason Koumas is available to buy. He is the type of player that we need in the side and would be a good acquisition.

The match will hopefully be well contested with fringe players wanting to shine. Home advantage should just be enough to give us the win and a place in the fourth round.

Prediction: Sunderland 2 Wigan 1

Liz Hugill
WHEN this tie was drawn it didn't exactly fill me with excitement.

Wigan are as bad as us at the moment so it's hard to get geared up for a game that will feel like a six pointer but doesn't count towards the league.

I would be delighted to win, however. I like the FA cup and it's a shame we never get very far in it.

I would expect to see a much weakened side. Our squad is seriously lacking in depth and after such a busy festive period Roy won't want to risk too many players.

I'd like to see Martyn Waghorn get another game as I thought he did very well against Manchester United. It might also be a good run out for Nyron if he's fit again.

And then there's Anthony Stokes. There are plenty of rumours flying round about him at the moment but if we are keeping him it would surely be the ideal game for him to get a goal (or two) after his few weeks rest.

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Wigan 0

Gary Hollern
AFTER another disappointing result the other night, this is a game we could do without, but a good cup run could bring confidence, and give some of the fringe players a chance to show what they can do.

Wigan are struggling along with us and Heskey seems to make them tick.

They beat us convincingly down there earlier in the season. We could do with winning, but it's more important to beat them in the league.

I hope Keane has managed to sign a new player or two before the next home game and give the likes of Kavanagh and Connolly the chance of a run out, put them in the shop window if he plans to let them go.

I think this game is one both managers wouldn't mind losing.

Prediction: Sunderland 2 Wigan 0

Phil Parker
NEW YEAR. New FA Cup campaign and a new feeling – ambivalence.

Apart from me being disappointed after any defeat, I am not sure whether I am too fussed if we win or lose tomorrow.

I can see some advantages and disadvantages of both.

It may be that we can give a competitive run out for at least part of the game to Nyron Nosworthy and Russell Anderson assuming that they are close enough to a return from injury.

It may be that Roy takes another look at Stephen Wright at right back, given that Halford seems to have disappeared (again). Further forward I would certainly give Waghorn another full game, together with Mr Stokes.

Much as it pains me to say it, Wigan's draw at Liverpool in midweek gives the impression that they are improving under Steve Bruce. Add to that how they took us apart earlier in the season, and we should expect a tough game.

I wish it was a league game and I've a feeling it'll be the result that probably no-one wants – a draw!

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Wigan 1

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