The pick of Saturday's ties...
Blackburn v Man City 12:45
City are bound to make changes for this one. In attack, that’ll probably mean a start for Edin Dzeko and he’s 3/1 to score first. There could be some fun if the second string defence get a look in though so BTTS at 5/6 might be worth a go. For that Blackburn goal, look no further than Jordan Rhodes, 7/4 to score any time. City are 2/7 for the win outright but double it up with BTTS an you’ve got yourself 17/10. Magic.
Prediction: 1-3 (10/1)
Aston Villa v Sheff Utd
Paul Lambert’s been saying this week that he’d rather not bother with the FA Cup and his team selection could reflect that. With the away side battling away at the wrong end of League 1 you’d have to be a bold man to back them at 11/2, but the draw at 16/5 is tempting. Quite like the look of United to win either half at 21/10.
Prediction: 2-1 (15/2)
Everton v QPR
After winning the thing with Wigan last season, it’s unlikely that Roberto Martinez will do a Lambert and sack it off. Nor should he, QPR could cause an upset if the Toffees don’t take this seriously. Their rise to the upper reaches of the Championship has been underpinned by a super-mean defence, so take a look at under 1.5 match goals at 11/4. They’re not scoring many though, so an Everton clean sheet at 20/23 is likely too.
Prediction: 1-0 (6/1)
Middlesbrough v Hull
Aitor Karanka’s got Boro winning and playing some nice stuff. Hull are doing pretty well too of course but I wouldn’t rule out the draw at 11/5. Albert Adomah’s scored 9 in the Championship this season so he might be worth a go at 15/8 any time. Saying that, the Hull clean sheet at 11/5 is tempting as well.
Prediction: 1-1 (11/2)
Newcastle v Cardiff
Solskjaer’s first game as Cardiff boss and how he does will probably depend on what sort of Newcastle side Alan Pardew sends out. Without European distractions or a relegation battle to contend with this season I can see him having a good go at the cup, so on that basis, the home win 13/20, or 5/2 when coupled with BTTS. Have a bit of Gouffran to score anytime at 13/8 while you’re at it.
Prediction: 2-1 (15/2)
Norwich v Fulham
Given their struggles in the league it’s likely that neither side would overly mind losing this one. Expecting wholesale changes and wholehearted skulduggery. A draw and a replay would be fairly amusing.
Prediction: 1-1 (6/1)
Southampton v Burnley
Burnley are looking great at the moment, Southampton are struggling, so… Home win (8/15). It’s all about netting against your former club in the scorer markets. Danny Ings was a trainee at Southampton, is scoring for fun in the Championship and looks a good bet at 2/1 any time. Jay Rodriguez was at Burnley before Saints, back him to get the first one at 4/1. And BTTS looks safe enough at 19/20.
Prediction: 3-1 (12/1)
West Brom v Crystal Palace
You know how Norwich and Fulham probably aren’t up for it? Same here. Berahino, Chamakh and Gayle all look good 2/1 in the anytime market but maybe wait for the team sheets before parting with your cash.
Prediction: 2-2 (18/1)
Arsenal v Tottenham 17:15
Well isn’t this just the tie of the day. Just about falling on the side of a home win (evens) but I’m starting to get a bit concerned about Arsenal’s lack of strikers. If Adebayor is up for it, and lets face it he probably will be, Tottenham might just have a shout. He’s 9/4 to score any time by the way, and that’s probably my favourite bet of the lot.
Prediction: 2-1 (15/2)
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