The FA Cup third round is one of the true joys of the English football season. It regularly provides great entertainment and wonderful storylines and the draw for this year’s third round promises more of the same. With the potential for straightforward wins and big upsets, we’ve created three different multiples to capitalise on the weekend ahead.
Short Price – 12/5 (Coral)
- Man United to beat Derby (1/4) – Such is the nature of the coverage of Man United that the club is never that far away from apparent crisis. The reality is a little different of course and United should secure safe passage to the FA Cup fourth round against Derby.
- West Brom to beat Exeter City (3/4) – Alan Pardew is yet to win a game in charge of West Brom. That should change on Saturday and he’ll hope victory over Exeter will spur the Baggies on to better things in the league.
- Arsenal to beat Nottingham Forest (8/15) – Arsene Wenger has won the FA Cup more than any other manager. He knows his team cannot take Nottingham Forest lightly and a committed approach should ensure the Gunners progress to the fourth round on Sunday.
Medium Risk – 5/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Middlesbrough to beat Sunderland (3/4) – If Chris Coleman had any doubts about the size of the job at Sunderland initially they’ve all vanished now. Despite a couple of wins, the Black Cats are bottom of the Championship so don’t be surprise to see a weakened team take to the pitch at the Riverside allowing Middlesbrough to secure a North East derby victory.
- Over 2.5 goals in Blackburn v Hull (Evens) – Hull are another side threatened with back to back relegations. The Tigers desperately need a win and should go for Blackburn. Whether they can stop the home side from scoring is another matter so expect an entertaining match at Ewood Park.
- Both teams to score in Newcastle v Luton (3/4) – Luton are absolutely flying at the moment. The League Two leaders have scored 62 goals from 26 league games and will relish the chance to shine at St James’ Park. Newcastle should win but Luton are more than capable of scoring in what is a real free hit for the Hatters.
Long Shot – 308/1 (Betfair)
- Bristol City to beat Watford (13/2) – Bristol City are in the middle of an excellent season. They’re challenging the leaders in the Championship and have made the League Cup semi-finals courtesy of wins over four Premier League teams. The Robins look good value to inflict another defeat on a Watford side shorn of confidence.
- Notts County to beat Brentford (13/2) – Kevin Nolan is doing a wonderful job at Notts County. The former West Ham, Bolton and Newcastle player is getting the best out of his County players and victory at Griffin Park is not out of the question.
- Fulham to beat Southampton and both teams to score (9/2) – Fulham have won their last four games at home while Southampton are winless in nine. Although the Premier League side should score, they may fall to yet another damaging defeat.