In the FA cup third round this weekend, there are no all premiership ties. What is the probability of this happening? My colleagues and I are struggling to work it out and we're not getting any work done. Can anyone help? Also, does anyone know if this has happened before?

Hurrah! I've found an answer - apparently the chance is about 1.2%. See this article for more detail: http://plus.maths.org/latestnews/jan-apr05/facup/

Still have no idea how they worked this out.

Prob(1st Prem v nonprem) is 44/63, 43/61, 42/59, down to 25/25. Multiply all those together and hopefully that should concur with your final answer.

Thanks Chairboy - that works.

No probs. Glad to see that my time in Newcastle was not wasted watching Supermac and co. although Keith Burkinshaw examined me when I did my FA badge. Fotunately, this was 30 years ahead of Bramble and Boumsong!