It’s the FA Cup, the oldest club competition in the world, and it returns in all its glory. There have been a couple rumblings in the past about whether this tournament stills holds all its prestige.
It’s a massive competition in England and with all the big boys joining this weekend, it’ll no doubt catch fire.
Friday 7 January
25/1 Swindon Town | Draw 10/1 | Manchester City 1/14 (22:00)
The only point worth mentioning here about Manchester City, is their squad selection. I doubt Pep Guardiola will travel with a full-strength squad…but that wouldn’t change the outcome in my opinion anyway.
Swindon’s fans will want their side to remain upbeat, and if they could give City a competitive game, that would be a dream. The hosts struggle to keep a clean sheet but their attacking nature in League Two usually earn them a spot on the scoresheet.
I like the look of both teams to score at 5/4.
Saturday 8 January
5/10 Leicester | 33/10 | Watford 5/1 (17:00)
An intriguing affair awaits us at the King Power Stadium. Watford have become an increasingly more difficult side to breakdown since their appointment of Claudio Ranieri, but I wonder whether they are able to invest in the FA Cup this season. The league will certainly be their focus, and their limited squad will be a worry.
Leicester is very good value here; they’ve become that sort of team – a cup team – and I think it’s a good fit. Brendan Rodgers hasn’t had the greatest league start but a strong defence of their cup will satisfy everyone at the King Power. Back the Foxes at 5/10.
1/20 Chelsea | 12/1 | Chesterfield 33/1 (19:30)
At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, the squad selection from Chelsea will be paramount. It’s not exactly as though everything in their camp is sunshine and Amapiano anyway!
They come into this game fighting on all fronts for silverware and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thomas Tuchel rest some of his stars. Again, I’m not suggesting this brings Chesterfield into the game…I just think we should be mindful of such – considering Chelsea are currently trading around 1/20.
I suspect we might see some inexperience from Chelsea, and although I think they will go on and win…there is value in having a dip on 1st half totals. For the multiples, under 2.5 at 7/20 is good enough for me.
Sunday 9 January
13/20 Wolves | 28/10 | Sheffield 4/1 (16:00)
Sheffield United have sort of been floating around the Championship table this season. They would have certainly expected a better showing, but do come into this game with a rich vein of form. Unbeaten in their last five, scoring seven times.
Wolves, on the other hand, are starting to come into their own under Bruno Lage, the Portuguese coach has seen his side contain opponents with expert precision, and when opportunities present themselves…they certainly pounce.
The home win could be a banker.
8/10 West Ham | 26/10 | Leeds 31/10 (16:00)
This could turn out to be a cracker. West Ham have been exceptional this season and the way they have played at home has been brilliant. In the interest of giving credit where credit is due – the Leeds players, fans and assumedly the board have been incredibly resilient and resolute in their support for the manager.
The two sides will want to give this a go, knowing the value of a positive showing in the FA Cup. I think 8/10 about the home win is an early gift for 2022 though, get on.
1/16 Tottenham | 11/1 | Morecambe 28/1 (16:00)
Tottenham have been incredible since the arrival of Antonio Conte, and again (in true Italian fashion) their defence has shored up almost immediately. Spurs have been jousting in and around those Champions League spots and although they too might ring in the changes for this game, I cannot believe you can get around 5/10 about the home win to nil
There’s no reason you shouldn’t back it with hefty confidence.
1/8 Liverpool | 8/1 | Shrewsbury 17/1 (16:00)
Shrewsbury have had a somewhat up and down season so far. They had a slow start to the season but now come into this game off the back of a run of four games unbeaten.
A lot has been made about what Liverpool look like without their African superstars, but that answer won’t be offered in this sort of game. There is nothing to suggest this isn’t a Liverpool win, but for a little more value have a look at Liverpool + over 3.5 goals at 17/20
32/10 Nottingham Forest | 26/10 | Arsenal 8/10 (19:10)
I’m not sure whether I’m missing something here, but Arsenal at 8/10 is almost disrespectful. They have been fantastic, ticking all the right boxes and showing up to games like a team expecting to win, as opposed to a team wanting to compete.
I’m not taking anything away from the hosts who have enjoyed a mixed bag of a season, but I can’t see how Arsenal lose. Arsenal win and both teams to score at 28/10 looks to be the right bet.
Monday 10 January
11/20 Manchester United | 32/10 | Aston Villa 48/10 (21:55)
I don’t want to come across as someone who simply hops onto the bandwagon…but United have been disjointed, uninspired and incredibly frustrating to watch. There isn’t any real change – granted the new manager has only been there for a month – but the personnel selection and setup are very reminiscent of a Ole Gunnar Solskjaer side who were abused and criticized.
Aston Villa have gone through a bit of a dip now, but they will be up for this. A cup run and sort of midtable finish would be welcomed, and I would even suggest celebrated by the powers that be at Villa Park.
I can’t give you confidence on the home side, so Villa on the Win/Draw Double Chance is unfortunately the play. Get on at 13/10!
TREBLE @ 34/10
Leicester Win 5/10
West Ham Win 8/10
Wolves Win 13/20
