FA Cup Excitement: Sutton vs. Thornton on Predictions

FA Cup third round this year will feature one-off ties with no replays, increasing the chances of more shocks in the competition. Consequently, BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 matchups and assessed who he believes will progress to round four. In this week’s match predictions, Sutton faces off against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, a dedicated Liverpool fan. Thornton’s new film, Trailer Park Boys Presents: Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties, hits cinemas on January 10.

Thornton’s affinity for Liverpool stems from his family heritage. Although he grew up believing his roots were Irish, a DNA test revealed that he is 78% English with 8% Irish and 11% French-Swiss ancestry. Thornton traced his paternal family back to Liverpool and Lancashire while his maternal side hails from Yorkshire. This heritage connection sparked his deep love for Liverpool.

Thornton shared, “I love coming to northern England and have a real connection with the people of Liverpool. I first played at the Cavern Club years ago with my solo band, and I’ve always felt an affinity for the area.” Thus, Sutton and Thornton’s predictions will give fans an exciting look into the third round of the FA Cup.

The competition’s new format without replays adds an element of unpredictability and the chance for underdogs to create surprises. Fans can follow along and choose their own predictions for who will come out on top in each of the 32 fixtures. Thornton’s link to Liverpool and his love for the city are just one of the many reasons behind his support for the club which has endured for decades despite his varied ancestry.