Chris Sutton makes Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham FA Cup predictions as 'very difficult' claim made

The third round of the FA Cup is upon us, and we are already underway, with Fulham booking their spot in the next round on Thursday night with a convincing win over Watford. The rest of the London clubs are in action across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with Millwall facing the longest wait for their tie, no in action until Monday.

Here we have rounded up all of the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton for the FA Cup third round ties involving London clubs, from West Ham to Tottenham, Arsenal to Bromley.

Aston Villa vs West Ham

“Julen Lopetegui never felt like the right fit for West Ham, and we are about to find out whether Graham Potter can do any better. Villa boss Unai Emery is still fighting on the European front in the Champions League, as well as trying to get back in it for next season.

“That has placed huge demands on his squad already - so you could argue they don't need a cup run too - but I still think they will go through, especially because West Ham are badly missing the injured Jarrod Bowen up front. Prediction: 2-1.”

Leicester City vs QPR

“What does Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy do here? His side are in the relegation zone, after five straight defeats. While you may say they should focus on trying to stay up, they are clearly desperate for some confidence and the FA Cup could help give them some. I suspect he will a) want to get a win under his belt and b) avoid the embarrassment of losing to a Championship side at home.

“QPR are in mid-table but they have just won back-to-back games, against Luton and Watford, and they will make things difficult for the Foxes. It is going to be close but Van Nistelrooy badly needs a win to end this run his side are on, and I think he will get it. Prediction: 2-1.”

Brentford vs Plymouth Argyle

“Plymouth are another managerless club. They also have a terrible defensive record this season so you really fear for them here, off the back of Brentford's 5-0 win at Southampton last weekend.

“The Bees are definitely going to bag a few more goals here too. Plymouth have not won away all season and have only scored three times on the road, and this is going to be a very difficult day for them all round. Prediction: 5-0.”

Chelsea vs Morecambe

“Morecambe are struggling at the bottom of League Two now, but I remember getting humbled 3-1 by them once, when I was Lincoln manager. I had a pop at the linesman in the second half over an offside call and gave him a bit of stick. He turned around and told me 'don't worry about me mate, your team is rubbish', only he used a rude word.

“I had no comeback to that, so I just went and quietly sat back down in my dug-out. As far as this tie goes, you cannot look past Chelsea even though they have had a disappointing dip in form in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca will use his Europa Conference line-up, but they will still be too strong for the Shrimps. He does not have to worry about the linesman giving him stick. Prediction: 6-1.”

Preston vs Charlton Athletic

“Paul Heckingbottom has done a pretty steady job at Preston, and his side has climbed the table because he's made them hard to beat. Charlton are on quite a good run themselves and are five games unbeaten, but I just fancy Preston to grind another result out. Prediction: 1-0.”

Leyton Orient vs Derby County

“Derby boss Paul Warne used to play alongside me for my old village team, Horsford Under-12s. His side have lost their past three games and Leyton Orient have won five in a row, so I suppose there is a possible upset here - but Paul won't allow that. Prediction: 1-2 after extra time.”

Tamworth vs Tottenham

“I was at Tamworth to see them beat Huddersfield in round one and Tommy Tonks' long throw got them the winner that night. Tonks launches it from anywhere inside the opposition half, and it is such a great weapon. So, poor old Ange Postecoglou knows what is coming his way too. His Spurs defenders are going to get the same treatment, and we are going to find out whether Spurs can cope.

“It is a basic thing, a long throw, but I am not convinced Spurs have the players to deal with it. Their centre-half pairing for part of their defeat to Newcastle was Djed Spence and Archie Gray, so its not as if they have got people like Tony Adams and Steve Bould, who would relish that kind of test. I actually think Tamworth will score. When they beat Huddersfield they were well organised, and they beat them well.

“The other thing Tottenham will have to deal with is a terrible pitch, so this tie is far from straightforward, but I also believe that, unlike Huddersfield, Spurs will create enough opportunities to win it. Prediction: 1-3.”

Arsenal vs Man Utd

“Well, Manchester United have cracked it now haven't they, after that draw at Anfield? Some of the flak I have had on social media for predicting that Liverpool would win 5-0 was extraordinary. It seems like the bunting was out because I got a score prediction wrong, although oddly I did not hear from anyone predicting a 2-2 draw before the game.

“I suppose it shows how far Manchester United have fallen that they are celebrating draws. I remember a time when any dropped points by them was treated as a disaster. They did play well, and there was a lot of excitement about their performance, but quite rightly a lot of people pointed out that now they need to back it up. This is a very difficult tie for them to do that. Arsenal have had a bad week and are massively missing Bukayo Saka in the final third, but I don't trust United to get a result at Emirates Stadium yet. Prediction: 1-0.”

Crystal Palace vs Stockport County

“Even Tonks has got nothing on Stockport boss Dave Challinor, who held the world record for the longest throw-in for a few years. Stockport started the season well but have slipped out of the play-off places after only one win in their past six games, and Crystal Palace have to be heavy favourites here.

“Palace have turned a corner of late, and I have been really impressed by Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. People have been talking about how Alexander Isak and Chris Wood have been the outstanding strikers in the Premier League this season, but Mateta has gone under the radar a bit because he has been excellent too. Prediction: 2-0.”

Newcastle United vs Bromley

“It is a long way from Bromley to Newcastle but this is a great tie for them, even if they are going to end up being beaten. Newcastle have won seven in a row in all competitions now and while Isak and Anthony Gordon are understandably getting a lot of attention, I've been really impressed by Jacob Murphy Eddie Howe will make lots of changes but I don't see it making any difference. Prediction: 3-0.”

Millwall vs Dagenham and Redbridge

“Alex Neil has just gone in as Millwall boss and he could do with getting a first win quickly to get the fans behind him. I suspect they will be too strong for Dagenham & Redbridge, but this will not be easy. Prediction: 2-0.”