Mark Lawrenson believes that Tottenham will have enough quality to see themselves past Tranmere Rovers on Friday night, but claims that it won’t be an easy match.
Spurs are 74 places above their League Two hosts in the English football pyramid, with Rovers requiring replays to get through the previous two rounds.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the clash, Lawrenson said: “Tottenham are one of those that I think will progress.
“Friday night will be a great occasion at Tranmere, who are back in the Football League now after some tough times, and are doing well in League Two.
“The money Rovers will get for having this tie live on BT will be very much appreciated too and Rovers have definitely earned it after needing replays to get past Oxford City and Southport in rounds one and two.
“Tottenham had a bit of a scare in last year’s fourth round when they needed a replay to get past another League Two side, Newport County.
“This tie will also be far from easy, because Tranmere have only lost once at home this season, and they have got some goals in them from James Norwood and Connor Jennings, but I still think Spurs will edge it.”
Lawrenson predicts Spurs to win 2-1.
OPINION
This would be one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent times if Tranmere can pull of the implausible and knock Spurs out of the competition. The chances are remote at best, and it would take a brave man to bet against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but strange things have happened, and while a loss seems nonsensical, a draw with a replay at Wembley is somewhat more imaginable. That being said, even with the weakened side Spurs are likely to field, they will be firm favourites to walk this one, and take the first step towards an FA Cup win that, should they do it, would be a massive achievement for Pochettino. The Argentine desperately needs some silverware to show for his hard work, and with the league looking unlikely, the cup could be the way to go. Beating Rovers on Friday night may feel like a formality, but it’s a formality that needs to be overcome with minimum fuss.