2022-23 FA Cup: Third Round – Bristol City vs Swansea

Bristol City welcome Swansea City to Ashton Gate in an all-Championship tie in Third Round of 2022-23 FA Cup.

Victory would see Bristol City advance beyond the Third Round for the third time in six seasons, whilst Swansea are looking to avoid a Third Round exit for the third time in four seasons.

 

Team News

Bristol City have no fresh injury concerns to report following their New Year’s Day 1-1 draw at Coventry in the Championship, with manager – Nigel Pearson set to name a strong line-up for this clash with little squad rotation.

Tomas Kalas remains absent with a calf injury.

Swansea have no fresh injury concerns to report after their Championship defeat against Burnley, with only Liam Walsh (Achilles) still ruled out.

 

Stat Attack

• Bristol City are unbeaten in five previous FA Cup meetings against Swansea across three separate ties (W3, D2), although their tie in 1945-46 FA Cup was over two legs in an one-off format tweak.
• Swansea have lost all three previous FA Cup visits to Bristol City (L3), in which they scored two goals and concceded nine goals.
• Bristol City have kept just one clean sheet in their five previous FA Cup clashes against Swansea, winning 1-0 in a First Round replay in 1996-97 edition.
• Swansea have conceded seven goals in their last three FA Cup ties (W1, L2).
• Nigel Pearson’s Robins are unbeaten in three of their last five FA Cup meetings against EFL opposition (W2, D1, L2).

 

Prediction

Despite their Championship struggles, it is great to see Bristol City committed to taking this competition seriously especially after a positive fightback to snatch a draw at Coventry where they defended well even despite conceding to a well-executed fast-flowing attacking move.

Swansea meanwhile were simply undone by two clinical goals in their loss to the Clarets yet managed to pull a goal back, amidst wasteful finishing which seems to be an issue despite their ability to still find the net on several occasions.

Both teams though aren’t exactly in strong form and drew here in late October in the Championship so I am anticipating a difficult contest, which could well need a replay to separate both teams.

Prediction: Bristol City 1-1 Swansea City

Result: Bristol City 1-1 Swansea City