The world's oldest football competition is back this week and the third round sees Watford host Newcastle United in an all Premier League affair at Vicarage Road.
Both sides suffered narrow defeats in the last 20 minutes of their respective matches against title contenders but the performances were full of positives. Newcastle lost 1-0 to Arsenal and failed to take their chances in front of goal, while Watford led Man City by a goal until the last ten minutes when a late double salvo broke Watford hearts.
The first meeting
These two have met once already this season with Watford running out 2-1 winners at St. James' Park back in September. Odion Ighalo's first half double was enough to give Watford all three points, despite Daryl Janmaat pulling one back for Newcastle with half an hour to go.
Keys to victory for Watford
Manager Quique Sanchez Flores may feel his side can compete in this season's FA Cup, especially given that they are performing well in the Premier League. Despite the high confidence of his players, he can't afford to put out an inexperienced side against Newcastle, who are likely to field a strong starting eleven themselves.
The formation is expected to remain the same for Watford, which benefits their style of play. Quick pass and move football will allow them to feed the ball to their two strikers, whoever they may be on this occasion. Victor Ibarbo is one of a few players who could get their first start for Watford as Sanchez Flores looks to rest a few starters ahead of Wednesday's trip to Southampton.
Watford's loss to Man City came as a result of two cross, one being a corner. The failure to prevent crosses and set pieces being won is a problem for Watford and if they can stop Newcastle from floating balls into the box, they stand a good chance.
Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney are Watford's two most dangerous players, this is a fact. Whether they will start or not remains in doubt but they are highlighted as danger men due to their outstanding form this campaign. The duo have 20 goals in the Premier League between them this season and are arguably the most dangerous pair in the top flight, making Newcastle's job very difficult on Sunday.
A tricky fixture for both, the game at Vicarage Road is setting up to be one of the more intriguing ties of the FA Cup third round.