SATURDAY
Sunderland v Southampton 12:45
The home side have got a relegation battle and the final of the other cup to keep them busy, while Southampton are just left to fret about whether they’ll finish 7th, 8th or 9th. They’re playing well n’all, so the away win at 13/10 looks more than reasonable. Pair that up with BTTS and it’s 15/4, even better. Jay Rodriguez is due an early goal (he loves em too) so get on that at 6/1.
Prediction: 1-2 (8/1)
Cardiff v Wigan 15:00
Like Sunderland, Cardiff have more pressing concerns than doing a cup run. There’s not much between the draw (23/10) and the away win (5/2) but it’s the former for me, if only because teams that could really do without a replay tend to get one. Nick Powell knows where the goal is, have a look at the Man Utd loanee at 3/1 any time.
Prediction: 1-1 (11/2)
Sheff Wed v Charlton 15:00
Umm, Wednesday are favourites (evens)… Them? Yeah, them. Home advantage, 9 points and 5 places better off in the Championship table… Them.
Prediction: 2-0 (15/2)
Man City v Chelsea 17:15
It’s only 10 days since Chelsea last parked the bus at the Eithad. City didn’t score then, and haven’t since, so a lot depends (big insight alert) on whether they can rediscover their form in front of goal. I reckon they will, and you’ll not get longer than 23/20 on them at home again this season, or Negredo at 6/4 to score any time. It’s probably going to be tight though, so have a look at evens on fewer than 2.5 match goals.
Prediction: 1-0 (8/1)
SUNDAY
Everton v Swansea 13:30
I’ve got a bad feeling about this one, so much so that even copping out and calling the draw (3/1) won’t do it. We’re talking full out boycott. Bony might score though, 11/4 anytime.
Prediction: 1-1 (13/2)
Sheff Utd v Nottm Forest 15:00
United did well to get past Fulham in the last round, but Forest (5th in the Championship) look a far more dangerous prospect now than the Cottagers did then. The home side are also in a spot of bother at the foot of League 1 so they could probably do without the distraction. Away win, all day long, and that looks decent value at 5/4. One for the acca I reckon.
Prediction: 1-3 (18/1)
Arsenal v Liverpool 16:00
Brendan Rodgers said that Liverpool might be able to win the title, and as we all know, every time he says that Liverpool go and lose the next game. Don’t worry that this is a cup game, Arsenal are going to win it! They’re sort of outsiders too (9/5 vs the Scousers at 13/8). I’m all over that, and might even team it up with a BTTS at 7/2. That Liverpool consolation goal will probably be courtesy of Daniel Sturridge, 11/8 any time.
Prediction: 2-1 (17/2)
Acca: £5 on wins for Southampton, Sheff Wed, Man City, Forest and Arsenal could return over £311. Boom!
GET A FREE £50 BET WITH BETFAIR!
Image source