FA Cup Third Round - Oppose Premiership Teams Away

The so-called "gulf" between teams from Premiership and those striving to join the elite from the Championship is often noted, especially when teams from their respective divisions clash in Cup competitions. However, this "gulf" may be nothing more than a fallacy. When the third round of the FA Cup comes around, Championship teams rewarded with a home tie against Premiership opposition often make a mockery of their respective league positions. Clashes of this nature have not occurred very often during the third round in recent years, although last season, eight matches fell into this category, with the "superior" Premiership teams winning just twice. Preston @ 2.47 vs West Brom @ 2.56. Result: 0-2 Sunderland @ 2.20 vs Crystal Palace @ 2.86. Result: 2-1 Watford @ 3.11 vs Fulham @ 2.08. Result: 1-1 West Ham @ 2.32 vs Norwich @ 2.72. Result: 1-0 Sheff Utd @ 3.07 vs Aston Villa @ 2.12 Result: 3-1 Cardiff @ 3.45 vs Blackburn @ 1.95. Result: 1-1 Ipswich @ 2.48 vs Bolton @ 2.56. Result: 1-3 Burnley @ 5.69 vs Liverpool @ 1.53. Result: 1-0 If you had backed the home teams at level stakes of