This weekend the third round of the FA Cup takes place. The English FA Cup is known throughout the world because of its tradition and history.

Part of the history of the FA Cup is teams producing shock results. The shock result adds to the romance of the competition and makes the competition fascinating to watch.

David vs. Goliath

One of those typical David vs. Goliath ties is non-league Mansfield’s clash with Premier League giants Liverpool at Field Mill. For most of those Mansfield players it will be the biggest game of their careers.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is likely to field a weakened side to face the Stags, but the Reds logically should have too much for their opponents. However, this is the FA Cup and strange things can happen on FA Cup third round weekend.

History

The Everton song of ‘If you know your history’ is very apt here, because most Everton fans know their history and they know that the Toffee’s have a history of suffering shock defeats in the FA Cup.

Just the mere mention of the likes of Port Vale, Oldham and Shrewsbury is enough to bring out most Evertonian’s in a cold sweat. Everton face a tricky away trip to League Two Cheltenham on Monday night.

The Toffee’s are likely to rotate their squad slightly, but boss David Moyes is unlikely to make wholesale changes, as he bids to avoid another FA Cup upset.

Priorities

Reading are another Premier league side looking to avoid an early cup exit, as the Royals travel to League One Crawley. Royals boss Brian McDermott’s priority will be surviving the drop from the Premier League, so will most likely rotate his small squad.

Crawley enjoyed a fine run in this competition last season and the Red Devils will be hoping to emulate that run this season. A victory over Reading wouldn’t be a major shock, but a win over any Premier League team is a feather in the cap of any self-respecting League One team.

Will any Premier League leave the FA Cup at the hands of lower league opposition?