TUESDAY
Arsenal v Chelsea
Mourinho had threatened to play the youth team with this game coming just 48 hours after Chelsea’s win over Man City. He’s since calmed down a bit, and while the Blues are unlikely to field a full strength side, the likes of Mata, Luiz, Ba and De Bruyne will probably start. Arsenal have got Liverpool at the weekend so Wenger will make some changes too. His second string doesn’t look as strong as Chelsea’s though, and for that reason I think the away side will progress to the next round. Tough one to call mind, and the bookies can’t see much in it either. 7/4 for the home win and 7/5 the away. Best not to speculate on first scorer until we know exactly who’s playing.
Prediction: 1-2 (9/1)
Birmingham v Stoke
Premier League teams in a relegation battle always make me nervous, and with Stoke currently sat 4th bottom, Mark Hughes might decide that his priorities lie elsewhere. Birmingham have got plenty to worry about in the Championship, but they are at home, and they did spank Swansea in the last round. Extra time and/or penalties for me, with Stoke just about scraping through. The draw is a tempting 23/10.
Prediction: 1-1 (13/2)
Burnley v West Ham
The Hammers find themselves in a similar position to Stoke but Burnley, unlike Birmingham, are absolutely flying in the Championship at the moment. If we’re talking cupsets, if you can call it that (the home side are 7/5 favourites), this could be your one. At 5/1, Danny Ings is the shortest to score first for either team, though with the form he’s in at the moment that’s probably worth a go.
Prediction: 2-0 (11/1)
Leicester v Fulham
You wouldn’t rush out to back Fulham either would you? Only Burnley stand between Leicester and the top of the Championship right now, while Martin Jol’s side are struggling in the top flight. The home side are clear 13/10 favourites, but seeing as Jol could do with a win I’m backing the Cottagers here. Just.
Prediction: 1-2
Man Utd v Norwich
Comfortable home win for me, and I fancy United to score a few as well. How about 17/4 on them to win by 3 goals? Sounds plausible, though with Norwich being so goal-shy at the moment you might be better off with the 3-0 at 15/2.
Prediction: 3-0 (15/2)
WEDNESDAY
Newcastle v Man City
As awful as Man City are on the road at the moment, it’s difficult to envisage Newcastle causing then too many problems either. Pellegrini’s second sting beats Pardew’s first choice eleven, and the away win is 8/11. On the other hand, the home win is 4/1 if you do fancy them… I don’t though.
Prediction: 1-3 (12/1)
Tottenham v Hull
Spurs are no stranger to a midweek game and the Europa League side will most likely pick up from where they left off last Thursday. On that basis, Jermain Defoe might be short at 7/2 to score first, but he’s by far the most likely. It was 1-0 when these sides met on Sunday and with Hull looking tight at the back, I’m expecting another low scoring game here, with Spurs sneaking it.
Prediction: 1-0 again (6/1)
ACCUMULATORS:
£5 on wins for Chelsea, Burnley, Man Utd and Man City returns £66.
Or, £5 on the Premier League sides to beat their Championship opponents away from home (so wins for Stoke, West Ham and Fulham) returns £86. It's more than possible...
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