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English FA Cup 2009/2010

The FA Cup – A competition often regarded as the best domestic tournament on the planet due to it’s sheer mass of audiences from around the globe. The final is the pinnacle of the competition, just like any other, and everyone around the country still left standing, even those not even plying their trade in the football league, can dream of a final date with Wembley on the 15^th of May next year.

The final itself is often made up of two Premiership sides because the gulf in class even between the Championship and the Premiership is vast and often cannot be bridged. However, since the turn of the Millennium, such a feat has been reached, although only two have reached such a height. Cardiff City (200/1 with Bet365 to win outright) and Millwall (1,500/1 with totesport to win outright) are the two teams who have the honour of competing in a final without the Premiership tag, although neither came out on the winning side.

The FA Cup has always been about romance and the potential of David beating Goliath once again. Although David’s victory was a rare sighting, shocks in the FA Cup do actually occur, although in small doses. Last year, though, was relatively shock free with Liverpool being the only exemption after being eliminated at Round 4 by Everton. A team who later went on to reach the final, beating Manchester United along the way.

Be wary, as punters are often left blushing when a shock does occur so be sure to avoid egg on the face. It’s sometimes extremely hard to see one coming but a few signs could be home advantage for the smaller side, condition of the pitch and even TV Coverage, as the small clubs will try their utmost to perform in front of a live audience. Our general rule of thumb is avoid backing against a small fish when playing at home as the support of a capacity home crowd, often combined with live TV Coverage, can lead to high adrenaline levels and big players performances.

Premiership Clubs Outright Odds:

Arsenal – 8/1 Coral 

Aston Villa – 22/1 BetFred

Birmingham City – 100/1 Bet365

Blackburn Rovers – 100/1 Bet365

Bolton Wanderers – 66/1 totesport 

Burnley – 100/1 totesport 

Chelsea – 4/1 SkyBet 

Everton – 22/1 Boylesports 

Fulham – 40/1 SkyBet 

Hull City – 125/1 Bet365 

Liverpool – 13/2 Bet365 

Manchester City – 11/1 BlueSquare 

Manchester United – 9/2 Boylesports 

Portsmouth – 80/1 SkyBet 

Stoke City – 66/1 totesport 

Sunderland – 33/1 SkyBet 

Tottenham Hotspur – 12/1 Bet365 

West Ham United – 66/1 Bet365 

Wigan Athletic – 80/1 Coral 

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 100/1 Coral

Eye-Catchers:

QPR – 200/1 Bet365 

Bristol City – 250/1 Boylesports 

Leeds United – 500/1 SportingBet

Plymouth Argyle – 1,000/1 – Bet365 

Huddersfield Town – 1,500/1 BetFred 

Kettering Town – 5,000/1 PaddyPower 

Barrow – 10,000/1 Bet365

Matt’s Nap: Manchester City to WIN outright – 11/1 Bet365

The richest club on the globe, with the introduction of some new Italian swagger at the helm, will be a force to be reckoned with in this seasons competition. They are a powerhouse up front, with an array of striking talent that some clubs can only dream about, whilst their prolific form at home in the past seasons or so will make them a tough proposition when drawn at home.  

Their performances at home this season would indicate that a decent run in the competition, one that is well overdue at Eastlands, will probably be based upon a favourable draw, one that consists of plenty of home ties. They have so much striking prowess up front that it’s hard to comprehend how any side will stop City from scoring, although on the same token, City’s defence still needs a lot of work.

City are a match for anyone on their draw but a good draw, aided by a couple of generous home ties, should see City delve deeper into the competition than they’ve done in previous seasons.

Value Punt: QPR – 200/1 Bet365

Queens Park Rangers have looked a classy outfit at times this season, especially when playing on the front foot. They have several quality individuals who can skin a defender with ease; Wayne Routledge & Adel Taarabt Rangers’ main play-makers. Both are dangerous with an abundance of pace and skill in their forte. Jay Simpson, an Arsenal loanee, provides QPR with a pacey front outlet while Akos Buzsaky anchors a usually attack minded midfield. They have some tall, robust defenders which should see them through some of the more physical examinations, and a few big displays could see QPR go far this year at huge odds.

Manchester United V Leeds United

Sunday 3^rd January – 13:00 GMT (ITV1)

Manchester United

FA Cup Odds: 9/2 BetFred

Manchester United’s depleted squad may have struggled in the past month or so but the return of some familiar faces from injury has brought about some added vigour and confidence as the mighty Reds’ cantered to their second successive league victory in midweek, prevailing in a 5-0 romp at home to Wigan Athletic. That win backed up their efforts at Hull City just four day earlier, beating The Tigers 3-1 at The KC stadium. United have now picked up six points in their last two games and are start to regain some of that last momentum after a difficult start to a December month.

For now, though, their league concerns get put to one side and their full concentration is required in what is a tricky looking FA Cup tie with Northern rivals; Leeds United. They were fortunate enough to be drawn at home, which was a blessing as Leeds have been a prolific outfit at Elland Road this season. United, on the other hand, boast a similarly impressive home record this season. With their 1-0 defeat tp Aston Villa being their only Old Trafford blip thus far. 8-1-1 is how United’s record at Old Trafford looks in the league this season, losing just once in ten home outings against teams with far more quality than their travelling FA Cup opponents, so surely it should be a walk in the park for United? – If only.

Sir Alex will be boosted by the return to fitness of several important first team players, more notably in defence as Johnny Evans nears a return to first team action, as well as Rio Ferdinand, who could feature against Leeds, although we think that’s unlikely considering United have far more important games against tougher opponents to come, but you never know. John O’Shea will be out for quite some time yet but Nemanja Vidic should start from the off in the heart of the United defence, although he could be paired with another make-shift centre-back partner of either Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick. Gary Neville is also close to a return but could just miss out on a game with Leeds Utd.

With all these injury’s. Its not surprising to see that United have been putting in some ‘Below Par’ displays of late, although their latest effort against Wigan Athletic was near enough flawless. United were rampant in a 5-0 success, with five different goalscorers; Rooney, Carrick, Rafael, Berbatov & Valencia, all getting on the scoresheet. That win will have given the United camp a massive lift in morale and confidence and what a time to get it ahead of their first FA Cup fixture of the campaign. One of many they hope.

Man Utd, at Old Trafford, should be far too strong for a dangerous, but still fairly ordinary compared to their usual opponent standard, on Sunday. Their attacking play on Wednesday was a lot sharper than it has been in recent outings, while their defence was also far more solid, so it’s hard to see United slipping up. Still, their defence is far from impenetrable and some lacklustre play could be punished if United don’t approach this tie in the appropriate manner.

Leeds United

FA Cup Odds: 500/1 SkyBet

Leeds fans were ecstatic when they drew Liverpool in the Carling Cup but they will be in a euphoric mood after pulling off a dream tie with Manchester United, the current champions of England, at Old Trafford. It didn’t take the club long to sell their ticket allocation but the travelling fans are expecting a lot more than just a nostalgic day out at Old Trafford. A spot in the draw for the fourth round is at stake and Leeds have already proven in this competition that they are battled hardened and willing to fight for their FA Cup survival, tooth and nail.  

Leeds will bring several thousand for support on Sunday but will their support be enough to close the big gulf between the two sides? After watching them compete with Liverpool for the best part of 70 minutes earlier in the Carling Cup, perhaps they do have a case, but that was a home fixture at Elland Road and Leeds will be vulnerable away from their fortress. After all, they were held by non-league Kettering Town in the previous round and knocked out by Histon in last seasons competition.  

To be brutally honest, Leeds do have anywhere near enough quality to overhaul United but they posses some dangerous individuals, with Jermaine Beckford one of the more notable ones. Beckford has been scoring goals for fun this season and just about every other season but he is an unknown quantity at the highest level. Robert Snodgrass has been a revelation for the club down the flank and his performance has earned him a Scotland call up this year, while Max Gradel, a forward thinking player with plenty of pace and ability,Lucciano Becchio, an Argentine with an eye for goal, and Johnny Howson, whose stunning goal saw off Oldham in round 1. All could provide Leeds fans with some excitement but it’s a collective performance that’s needed and, with ego’s at the ready, something tells me ‘I’ could take more significance than ‘Team’. Especially with this being a live encounter on terrestrial TV.

Nevertheless, Leeds are flying high in League One, losing just one game all season, and they certainly have a lot of confidence and momentum heading into this fixture after winning three games on the spin and going unbeaten in ten games. They are also unbeaten in their last five road trips in the league, although that’s a pretty useless statistic considering the size of their opponent this Saturday compared to the team they faced last Saturday and every other Saturday. They do, though, score plenty of goals, 45 for the season in 23 games, and they do know how to attack, but they could and should get found out at one of the most intimidating arenas in the country.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.25 Bet365

We would love to see an upset, we really would, but Sir Alex will welcome back a host of key players ahead of this fixture and, providing some of them start, United should have more than enough to see off a dangerous looking Leeds Utd. The concerns will arise, though, if Ferguson doesn’t play the big boys and opts to give some of the younger generation a run out, again. United’s youngsters have been found wanting on several occasions this season and, from a United perspective, that could be a catastrophic decision, although we don’t see that happening. A strong United side to beat Leeds Utd, whom we expect will put up a valiant fight.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.25 Bet365

Draw – 6.00 PaddyPower

Leeds United – 13.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.70 Bet365

Reading V Liverpool

Saturday 2^nd January – 17:15 GMT

Reading

FA Cup Odds: 400/1 Bet365

If you thought Liverpool’s fall from grace this season was emphatic then you should take a quick look at Reading’s predicament. It was only half-a-dozen months ago that Reading were competing for automatic promotion from The Championship. Now, however, they are struggling near the very foot of the table and a cup encounter with Liverpool will probably just be a hassler rather than a luxury despite the history of the tournament itself. Still, progression in the cup would certainly take the fans minds off matters and it’s important that the club at least make Liverpool work for a spot in the next round as Reading were embarrassing in their last competitive fixture of 2009..

Reading have seriously struggled this season, more than we could of ever imagined, and their dreadful half of the season was compounded by the sacking of Brendan Rodgers after just a third of the season played. Fans were hoping to go into the new year with some new found belief but we aren’t sure where they’re going to get any of this belief from as Reading have been woeful over the busy festive period and didn’t manage to record a single victory during December; registering three draws and two defeats.

When going into any fixture with a Premiership side its imperative that you prepare well, with momentum often crucial. Reading have none of the above and were in fact battered black and blue in their very last encounter of 2009; a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, a team even worse off than they are. That defeat down in Devon ensured that Reading not only went into the new year without a win but without a win in their last five games.

When Reading were plying their trade in the Premiership two seasons ago, The Madjeski was somewhat of a fortress for them, a welcome retreat from some tough away ventures. However, even in The Championship, Reading have failed to cement a similar aurora around Madjeski and actually posses one of the poorest looking home records that I’ve seen in a long time; 1-6-5. In 12 home fixtures this season, just in the league, Reading have managed just one win. That’s ridiculously bad for a club that would have pinpointed a promotion push at the start of the season but instead are having to come to terms that a fight just for their Championship status could be on their hands.

Reading have had to wave goodbye to the Premiership and the vast majority of their players with Premiership class since their relegation from the top flight in 2008. Their new crop simply haven’t made the cut this season and Reading are a team seriously suffering in a bad case of low self esteem at present. The confidence levels of the players will be at rock-bottom, whilst their performances on the whole have been terrible. To earn a replay would be an amazing achievement but only an away win sticks out for us in a contest which should be more one sided than Reading’s last encounter with Plymouth.

Liverpool

FA Cup Odds: 13/2 Bet365 

The Morale at Liverpool was given a huge boost in midweek after who else but Fernando Torres scored a late winner away at Aston Villa to send Liverpool to their first set of back-to-back wins in the league for well over two months. The Reds’ are steadily beginning to climb back up the table and with every set of three points the confidence in the Liverpool dressing room will rise. However, we still cannot disregard what has been an abysmal campaign thus far and, in actual fact, the FA Cup is Liverpool’s last chance saloon in some respects so we expect both the players and the manager to be extra motivated ahead of their Saturday clash with Reading in a tournament that, if they did manage to win, could salvage the reputation of the club after one of their worst starts to a season in recent history.

With Liverpool all but out of the title race in the Premiership and knocked out of the greatest club competition on the planet – The Champions League, the FA Cup now takes on even more significance as it becomes Liverpool’s last chance of some serious silverware. However, it’s will be four years too long from when the final does come around till Liverpool’s last final appearance, and final success, when they beat West Ham in arguably the greatest final that has ever been back in 2006. Since the turn of the millennium, however, Liverpool have managed just two final appearances and that’s simply not good enough for a club of their stature. Last year, Liverpool were sent packing a lot earlier than anticipated when they were knocked out by local neighbours, Everton, in the fourth round. While they were humiliated the season before by Barnsley, so the fans are well overdue a good run in the FA Cup.

Their win over high flying Aston Villa on Monday night, a side that have already beaten Liverpool once this season, as well as Man Utd & Chelsea. It wasn’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination but it was a clinical display considering chances were few and far between as Fernando Torres scored in the 93^rd minute to hand Liverpool their third win in four games. Rafael Benitez’s side is starting to grow in confidence once again and it’s so important that they build upon the success of beating Villa by sailing through this pleasant looking tie with Reading.

Rafael Benitez put out Liverpool’s strongest eleven on Monday night for the first time in God knows how long but, knowing the Spaniard, expect a few changes for their trip to Reading as Benitez attempts to tinker to save the fitness of some players. However, the basic core of the side, your Carragher-Gerrard-Torres, should all start from the off as surely Benitez knows this is Liverpool’s last pray. The Reds’, though, have struggled on the road of late and have won just one of their last three away fixtures. That one victory was their win at Villa Park and that result should stand them in good stead against a confidence ravaged Reading side.

Match Verdict: Liverpool to WIN – 1.45 SportingBet

Liverpool fans have become all too familiar to shocks in the FA Cup regarding their side and they will be praying for a smooth ride at The Madjeski on Saturday evening. Of Course, there were far easier draws to be had but a tie with Reading could have been a whole lot worse. The Reds’ are playing a Reading side suffering in confidence, a distinct lack of form and momentum, and a severe lack of team chemistry. Their new manager has yet to make the impact Mr. Madjeski would have hoped for and we don’t think his first real success will come on Saturday as we expect Liverpool to sail through this encounter, although sailing isn’t Liverpool’s favourite hobby this season so perhaps a rough ride is to be expected before progression is assured.

Match Odds:

Reading – 8.50 SkyBet

Draw – 4.50 VCbet

Liverpool – 1.45 SportingBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Dirk Kuyt FGS – 8.50 SkyBet

Chelsea V Watford

Sunday 3^rd January – 15:00 GMT

Chelsea maybe struggling for some consistent displays of late but they really shouldn’t come across too many problems when they aim to dispatch Championship outfit, Watford, at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t of wished for many easier ties than a draw with a fairly poor Watford side. The Hornets have been strapped for cash for some time now and their league position of 13^th is a fair reflection on how restricted the talent is at the club. Chelsea, however, are firm favourites to do the business in a competition where they are the actual favourites outright.

Chelsea

FA Cup Odds: 4/1 SkyBet

Chelsea put in yet another sluggish and below par display in their last outing. A 2-1 victory over a Fulham side that led for the best part of an hour. The Blues’ were sloppy on the ball, lethargic going forward and ridiculous at the back. The Chelsea in recent weeks doesn’t look a shade of the team that was steam rolling sides in the early part of the season and it appears even the great man himself hasn’t quite put his finger on what’s going wrong at the club.

Carlo Ancelotti must surely know that his defence is at sixes and sevens at present and quickly needs reinforcing. The January transfer market is about to open and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see a fresh defender walk through the Stamford Bridge gates as their current crop simply haven’t made the cut of late, even their captain, John Terry, has been abysmal. In actual fact, Terry is where the root of the problem, with his usual high standard leadership ability going missing in recent weeks. Why that is we just don’t know but someone really does need to take that Chelsea defence by the scruff of the neck, although they should breeze through this encounter.  

Their defence is drawing a lot of attention but a clean, tidy performance at home to Watford, regardless of the standard of their Championship opponent, would be a step in the right direction ahead of what will be a difficult new year. Carlo Ancelotti has already had to wave goodbye to several of his African contingents; Didier Drogba, Michael Essien & Salomon Kalou the more notable departures, and we wouldn’t go as far as to say that Chelsea are down to their bare bones but the true strength of the club will be put to the test in the forthcoming month or so. In attack, especially, as Nicolas Anelka becomes Chelsea’s only recognised forward, although he has had a few niggling knocks of late and so Daniel Sturridge has had to step in, unconvincingly for us.

Writing a team off before a ball has even been kicked is always dangerous but Chelsea really should sail through this fixture and into the draw for the fourth round. The miserable and ungrateful Chelsea fans will, perhaps, remember their victory over the Hornets last season, beating Watford 3-1 at Vicarage Road in the Fifth Round, but Chelsea made the task a lot harder then it should have been and we expect nothing less than a convincing victory for the home side on Sunday.

Watford

FA Cup Odds: 500/1 BetFred

Watford fans must feel they are the unluckiest fans around as they draw Chelsea in the FA Cup for the second season running. They were soundly beaten come the end but did put up a battling fight in the opening exchanges of that encounter, and with Chelsea suffering a defensive crisis of late, a similarly good start could see Watford give Chelsea an early dose of the blues, although the inevitable defeat will come at some point.

The Hornets have been cash strapped for some time now and this has restricted the amount of talent at Vicarage Road. A stadium which once welcomed Chelsea on a more regular basis when Watford were flying their mast in the Premiership, albeit in a couple of short stints .Now, though, Watford are lucky to avoid relegation each season and the fans have pretty much got used to mid-table mediocrity nowadays. The ‘Yellow Army’ as the natives like to call them, are currently 13^th in the league table, nor bad nor good, but in what is expected to be a pretty dull season for them, a trip to Stamford Bridge will bring about a rare dose of excitement and enthusiasm for the loyal Watford fans.  

Watford are having a typical Watford season at present, with genuine form very rare indeed. The last time they recorded back-to-back wins in the league was early November, but that was just the second occasion they have reached such a feat this season. Their 2-2 draw at Bristol City via a late John Eustace header, meant Watford have drawn two on the bounce but, more importantly, are now without a win in their last four games. Their last win and only win in seven came at home to QPR, winning 3-1, but you have to stretch back to the middle of October, a 1-0 victory at Middlesborough, for Watford’s last away success, seven away outings ago.

Watford have a terrible away goal difference of 12-21 and considering that their opponents this season are quite some way off matching their FA Cup opponents, a Chelsea side top of the Premiership, then it doesn’t bode at all well for their chances heading into the capital. The Hornet’s, who don’t travel too well at the best of times, have failed to score in a third of their away games this season and another drab display in front of goal looks imminent in a contest Watford will be lucky to escape with a respectable score.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.17 Coral

The only factor that may put punters off delving into Chelsea at such a terrible price is the fact that it’s an FA Cup fixture and that the romance of the cup does provide a few shocks every now and again. Sunday, at Stamford Bridge, should not be the setting for such a thing as Chelsea should stroll through this encounter with a Watford side who have struggled on their travels this season. Chelsea themselves haven’t been playing at all well but they’ve still been picking up points. Their defence hasn’t been up to scratch but a clean sheet, regardless of their ordinary opponents, would do them the world of good and we expect a tidy display from Chelsea as anything but would raise plenty of eyebrows.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.17 Coral

Draw – 8.00 SkyBet

Watford – 23.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Chelsea to WIN to NIL – 1.50 BlueSquare

Middlesborough V Manchester City

Saturday 2^nd January – 15:00 GMT

Just six months ago and this would have been a Premiership encounter. Now a game against Man City will only bring back nostalgic memories of what used to be but could a victory over an inform Man City reignite their off-the-rocks season. City, on the other hand, are desperate for glory and their insanely rich owners will do whatever it takes to bring some excitement back to the club and a successful cup run in the FA Cup is imperative as far as they are concerned. This really is a game between the ‘hasbeens’ and the ‘wannabes’ as Manchester City clash with Middlesborough at The river side.

Middlesborough

FA Cup Odds: 200/1 Coral

In what has been a season to forget, year for that matter, Middlesborough fans will be hoping the FA Cup can be a warm and welcomed retreat from their beleaguered season in The Championship. The Teesiders, after a disappointing month of December, are currently found languishing in 12^th position, with form, momentum and confidence not in their favour at present. So how will they fare against the country’s richest club in Manchester City?

It’s been a strange old season for Middlesborough, made even more bizarre with the unexpected and uncalled for departure of Gareth Southgate. The former England captain was sent packing when Middlesborough were in a prominent league position, sat in second place and breathing down the neck of their fellow Tyneside neighbours, Newcastle United. However, Southgate’s dismissal didn’t only spark outrage with the natives but it also sent the team into a downward spiral, one which Graham Strachan, Southgate’s replacement, has done little to halt.

Since the start of December, Borough have racked up four defeats in six, with the two victories over QPR (1-5) and Scunthorpe United (3-0) doing nothing to hide their form cracks. Teeside clearly wasn’t as festive as one might have hoped but they only have themselves to blame, mainly their blunt strikers. Not only have they fallen to four defeats in their last six but three of those were to Nil, two coming at The Riverside, Saturday’s venue. On a similar topic, their overall form at home this season hasn’t been great, with Borough’s home record looking like this; 4-2-6, with a 50% losing ratio at The river side this season.

Not only has an ordinary front-line aided them in a severe downfall but their defence has also been leaky, with clean sheets at a premium for Borough this season. Brad Jones in the Middlesborough is actually a keeper we rate but even he hasn’t been able to keep a poor Middlesborough defence afloat, with Borough shipping 29 goals this season, nine of which have come in the month of December alone. Their only clean sheet in nine came in their 3-0 battering of Scunthorpe Utd in their last home encounter so, if Borough are to spring a surprise than they will need to outscore City as a narrow 1-0 victory really doesn’t look on the cards.

Manchester City

FA Cup Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Man City, under the guidance of their new Italian manager, are flying high once again after a run of three straight wins. Roberto Mancini has seen City record three successive wins, although just two came under his watchful eye as manager, with their 3-0 victory away at Wolves their latest success. However, Mancini will need to grasp the basic concept of what is a completely different domestic cup competition to any he has managed or played in with the Italian league.

In Italia, the Coppa Italia is their main cup competition but it’s set out a little differently than ours. In Italy, a winner is decided over two legs, home and away ties, whereas it’s usually settled in one encounter in England, with the exception of a stalemate. However, the thought of getting the job done a lot earlier than usual should entice Mancini into playing the strongest side possible on Saturday, not that we expected anything less, regardless. However, with City facing a two-legged affair with Man Utd in the new year perhaps Mancini will have a watchful eye on the fitness levels of City’s more crucial players. 

Man City do stroll into this tie with strong form after three wins on the trot back in the Premiership. Sunderland (4-3), Stoke City (2-0) and now Wolves (0-3), have all succumbed to City’s attacking prowess and it was their gold plated attack which earned them all three points in Monday’s encounter with Wolves at Molineux. 

However, although the three points is all that counts, City’s performance was well below the standard we all expect from them now and it was Wolves who dominated the opening exchanges. City were sluggish to get out of the blocks and it took a piece of good luck to spring City out of their slumber. Mancini opted for Craig Bellamy & Carlos Tevez in attack and it was a stunning decision as both played out of their skins. Mancini was probably in the mindset that, when playing on the road, a striking duet with a great work ethic would be best suited over their lazy alternatives of Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor, although the latter will jet off to African with Togo for the ACON and won’t be available for this clash.

On the road is where City have come unstuck this season, managing just three away wins in the league all season. They did win in their last away outing, a 3-0 success over Wolves, but they were previously on a seven match run without an away win so it’s clear City do have a dose of homesickness. Also, City have found scoring a lot harder away from home, scoring six less on their travels than at The City of Manchester, which is a big difference considering three of those came in their latest 3-0 win at Wolves.

Match Verdict: Manchester City to WIN – 1.67 SkyBet

It’s clear that City’s mega rich owners don’t have an abundance of patience and success needs to be an imminent thing. Mark Hughes expressed both his and the clubs desire to win some silverware by fielding a strong side throughout in their Carling Cup campaign, one which sees them go head-t0-head with Man Utd in the new year. The FA Cup is a far more prestigious competition and we expect nothing less than the strongest possible City side on Saturday in a game they should cruise through. Their array of talent in the attacking third should be far too much for a Middlesborough side struggling to keep it together at the back.

Match Odds:

Middlesborough – 6.00 Boylesports

Draw – 3.75 Bet365

Manchester City – 1.67 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Carlos Tevez FGS – 6.50 PaddyPower

Price last updated: 14:17 29^th Dec.

Nottingham Forest V Birmingham City

Saturday 2^nd January – 15:00 GMT

Arguably the two most consistent sides in the country do battle this weekend in what will be a very tight contest to call. Birmingham’s run of eleven matches unbeaten will be overshadowed by Forest’s run of sixteen games without defeat, however, City’s Premiership association does see them sneak ahead in terms of match day favouritism with the bookies but Billy Davies’ team have proven a tough nut to crack all season and this could very well be settled in two legs if the the sides replicate their league form.

Nottingham Forest

FA Cup Odds: 300/1 Boylesports

After a poor start to the season, managing just one win from their opening seven fixtures, things have really started to pick up and Nottingham is now a much brighter setting as the prospect of securing promotion back into the top flight becomes a serious possibility. Their sixteen match unbeaten run, 10 wins and 6 draws, has lifted Forest into automatic promotion contention with Forest now just two points off second placed West Brom. However, the player mustn’t get too excited as there is still the excitement of competing in the FA Cup and a good cup run, although could hinder the fitness levels of the players, will massively enhance the mood around the club, both with the fans and in the Forest dressing room.

The basis for Nottingham Forest’s success this season has been down to their solid defensive foundations. With the exception of Newcastle United who have conceded just 14 goals, Forest boast the tightest defence in the league after conceding a measly 18 goals in their opening 24 completed fixtures. They have, somewhat surprisingly, conceded a few more at home than they’ve done while on their travels but , equally, they’ve managed to locate the goal a lot more at home, 24 in total which is 14 more than on their travels, which is why they will be a very dangerous opponent for Birmingham on Saturday.  

Forest notched up their fourth win in December when they beat Coventry City 2-0 at The New Ground last Monday. Forest have now won three of their last four with all three being to nil. Also, another statistic which just highlights how strong their defence has been this season is that Forest haven’t conceded a single goal in their last five matches, over 510 minutes of action without their goal being breached. That’s a staggering achievement from a club that looked in trouble at the start of the season.

The biggest danger men for Forest will be Robert Earnshaw, a Welsh international with bags of pace and know-how, and Dexter Blackstock, a player who has played for just about every club in The Championship and yet still finds the goal with relative ease. The former has seven league goals for the season while Blackstock has bagged six. The pair have been a prolific striking duo this season and could cause a well organised Birmingham defence a few problems on Saturday.

Birmingham City

FA Cup Odds: 100/1 SkyBet

Forest maybe The Championship in form side but Birmingham, outstandingly, are the Premiership’s equivalent of Chelsea at present after going eleven matches without defeat, their longest unbeaten run for nearly a century. Their main objective for the season was to avoid the job and that mission is all but complete so now Alex McLeish can have no qualms about fielding the strongest possible side for this tricky looking clash with a Forest side who boast even more form than they do.

The Birmingham express is showing no signs of stopping after yet another victory on Monday afternoon, an away one at that. Their 1-0 success at Stoke City, a notoriously tough venue to play in, combined with their stunning display and result at home to Chelsea (0-0), a game they should of won, means Birmingham have plenty of solid momentum heading into this fixture knowing that even the current best in England, Chelsea according to the league table, can’t even beat them, so what chance do Championship side Nottingham Forest stand?  

Well, if Birmingham are to falter then you would fancy it to come on their travels as that is generally where they’ve underperformed this season, although not by a lot. Birmingham have only lost six games thus far but have lost twice as many on the road then at home, which is why we can’t get too carried away. However, they are unbeaten in their last five outings, recording three wins and two draws, but have conceded more than double the amount they’ve shipped at home on their travels. Their away form is very strong but there are little niggles that might advocate a turn up for the books in this clash.

Yet another amazing statistic, one that has even escaped me in recent weeks, is that Birmingham have scored in all but one of their away league games this season. That one exemption being their opening day outing at Manchester United, losing 1-0 in a valiant display. They have since managed to score in nine successive away games, with Cameron Jerome scoring their latest.

Match verdict: Nottingham Forest to WIN -2.90 PaddyPower

A draw will be a popular punt in this contest as there isn’t a lot to separate the two apart from where they ply their trade. Both are very stubborn, very awkward, and very clinical. Neither tends to give an awful lot away, but with this being the FA Cup, we fancy the home support to be the difference in a contest which we predict Forest progressing at the expense of the Premiership’s in form team. Forest haven’t lost at The New Ground since the middle of September, a run of eight games unbeaten, and have won eight of their last nine at home. Only Doncaster and Leicester have managed to score at Nottingham since Blackpool beat Forest 1-0 back in September, with Forest keeping a clean sheet in seven of their last nine at home, and their superb home form looks too good to miss out on considering that they are just shy of 2/1.

Match Odds:

Nottingham Forest – 2.90 PaddyPower

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Birmingham City – 2.50 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Nottingham Forest to WIN to NIL – 4.30 BlueSquare

Prices last updated: 13:58 29^th Dec.

Aston Villa V Blackburn Rovers

Saturday 2^nd January – 15:00 GMT

Aston Villa

FA Cup Odds: 22/1 BetFred

Martin O’Neill has his work cut out this week as he aims to revitalise his ranks after a demoralising defeat at home to Liverpool during the week. Villa, who were previously unbeaten in seven heading into Christmas, have now lost back-to-back games in the league following the defeat at Arsenal, just two days before they succumbed to their second home defeat of the season to Liverpool. That’s a first for Aston Villa, losing back-to-back games in the league, and it will be intriguing to see how Villa respond this Saturday in one of three all Premiership affairs.

Villa were one of the in form teams heading into Christmas and New Year but their form has now taken a big swerve and Villa, for the first time this season, maybe a team best to steer well clear of as no one is quite sure how those two defeats to two of their biggest rivals will be taken in by the players. After previously winning four on the bounce before their back-to-back defeats, surely now the stuffing will well and truly be knocked out of the players as they’ve started to lose their grip on a top four position just like last season. However, we mustn’t forget that their two defeats did come against two of the very best in England and their opponents on Saturday, Blackburn Rovers, are a million miles off the high standards Villa have faced last week.

With the exception of the two recent defeats, although it is hard and foolish to completely disregard them, Villa have been a tidy little outfit. They have an attack full of trickery, technical ability and plenty of pace; while their defence has looked far stronger this season than ever before. Martin O’Neill’s biggest winge during last season was about his small squad but now Villa are rapidly becoming a complete package, albeit a world-class striker down. That is still a concern of ours, Villa’s strike force, as their strikers are just too similar and predictable. Both John Carew & Emile Heskey give you the same outlet; Height, while Agbonlahor is a whole lot different except he has lightening pace. Some fresh forward thinking blood is required in our opinion to complete what would be a lethal looking Villa attacking third.

Villa have the quality to dispatch Blackburn with ease on Saturday, but the two defeats in quick succession does throw a spanner in the works. Their momentum heading into the new year has been halted and it’s now a case of how well Villa respond this Saturday. We think they’ll cope just fine but that’s mainly down to the fact that they’re facing a pretty poor Blackburn side, especially when on their travels. Villa at home have been very clinical; with a home record of 6-2-2 this season, but the players will need a rousing reception on Saturday in order to get them through their Christmas hangover.

Blackburn Rovers

FA Cup Odds: 100/1 Bet365

In what has been a drab year could turn a shade duller this Saturday if Blackburn do fail to bypass an awkward tie with Aston Villa. A game Rovers will be big underdogs in. That’s unusual for any Premiership team to be an underdog in a cup fixture, especially as it’s not against one of the so called ‘Big Four’ but Rovers’ predicament means they’ve lost the respect of both the bookies and the punters, and many will steer well clear of Blackburn in the FA Cup this season.

If this was to be decided on league form alone then Blackburn wouldn’t stand a chance. Their opponents have been puling out all the stops this season, claiming the scalps of Chelsea, Man Utd & Liverpool all within the space of half a season. Rovers, on the other hand, have rarely claimed a win let alone caused any major upsets of their own, with their only piece of inspiration being a two match unbeaten run back home in league action, although Rovers are without a league victory for well over a month now, an eight game unwanted run. 

However, Sam Allardyce, the Rovers gaffer, knows his squad has the potential to beat Villa on their day as Blackburn have reached new heights in the League Cup, the other domestic cup on offer to English sides, although not too many bother with it. However, somewhat ironically, Blackburn’s opponents in that two-legged semi-final encounter are Aston Villa, which makes this encounter at Villa Park even more significant as it’s a taster of things to come for Rovers and how well Blackburn could fare.  

The Carling Cup semi-final will be on the minds of every Blackburn player as everyone dreams of a Wembley final appearance, although the FA Cup is the bread n’ butter in the English domestic front and we’re 100% sure that ‘Big Sam’ will do everything in his power to aid Blackburn’s progression in this tournament. He will, though, need to start with the basics; improving player morale. An eight match win less run will only dampen the spirits of a camp and Blackburn’s form on the road this season has been terrible. In the league, Blackburn have won just once away from home all season, falling to seven defeats along the way. In the Carling Cup, Rovers did manage to away wins, albeit over lower league opposition in Gillingham and Nottingham Forest.  

Blackburn’s biggest problem is scoring enough goals. This is especially apparent when on their travels, with Rovers managing just seven away goals all season whilst in league action. They did manage four in their pair of Carling Cup trips but against far lesser quality opponents so we won’t read too much into that. However, perhaps a sign that things are on the up with Rovers is that they’ve managed to score in their previous two away encounters; a 2-1 defeat at Birmingham and a 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic. They have, though, shipped 24 goals in return with an away goalscoring ratio of 3:1, with the 3 being the amount of goals they concede before they actually find the goal themselves.

Match Verdict: Aston Villa to WIN – 1.62 Bet365

Two disappointing results in as many days can only hinder the spirit of any camp but Villa have grown stronger this season compared to last and we expect nothing less than for Villa to bounce back with a comfortable victory at home Blackburn Rovers. Villa’s opponents have been a dreadful away outfit this season, managing just one away win against Premiership opposition in all competitions, and asking Rovers to double their tally on Saturday is a far too big an ask. The Villa players will be desperate to gain some sort of revenge for that drop in form and Rovers could be a team in the wrong place at the wrong time if Villa storm out of the blocks.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 1.62 Bet365

Draw – 3.75 Coral

Blackburn Rovers – 6.50 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Aston Villa/Aston Villa (HT/FT Betting) – 2.50 Boylesports

Hull City V Manchester United

Sunday 27^th December – 16:00 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: WDLDL

(Hull City are unbeaten at home in their last six games)

The last time Hull City played the part of host to Manchester United was in the very last fixture of last season. A game which Hull desperately needed to win and United couldn’t care less. United won that day which doesn’t bode at all well for Hull’s chances ahead of this weekend’s clash as The Red Devils are no in desperate need of a win themselves after a pointless weekend. We all know Hull have the weaker squad of the two but can they over roar the current champions by being the hungrier and more determined of the two sides on the day? 

Hull, in our brutal yet honest opinion, aren’t too far off being the worst team in the entire league. They’ve gone from being a dangerous side to face in the early part of last season to pretty much a three point banker. The Tigers have already clashed heads with the remaining three of the so called ‘Big Four’ this season and come away losers on each occasions. However, neither were at The KC stadium and Phil Brown will be hoping that home advantage will close that huge gulf between the two in the class department.  

Hull City were starting to build up a bit of momentum until they were emphatically halted by an inform Aston Villa. Hull have now returned to a familiar win less pattern and are now four games without a win in the league, drawing two and losing two. However, Phil Brown has guided his side to new heights at home of late and his Hull side are unbeaten at The KC in six outings, drawing three and winning three. Their last home defeat came back in mid September so there is. Finally, something to shout about at Hull, especially now they’ve jumped out of the bottom three for the first time in what seems an eternity. 

Their overall form at home hasn’t been too bad (4-3-2), and this unbeaten run they’ve worked so hard for should stand them in good stead against a team which will put their undefeated run to the test. However, Hull were pretty bad in their last home outing, a 0-0 draw with Blackburn, and this has occurred on several occasions this season where Hull simply haven’t bothered to turn up nor shown any endeavour on the pitch. Another lacklustre performance like that would see them wiped off the park so it’s crucial Phil Brown get them fired up for this encounter, although, considering their opponents are Manchester United, that shouldn’t be all that difficult. So you would like to think.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWLWL

(Manchester United haven’t drawn an away game in the league for 19 games)

Although the United ranks have been severely depleted in recent weeks, mainly in the defence department, the current English champions have been gifted a corking pair of fixtures to tide them over during the Christmas period. Most teams would given an arm and a leg for a game with Hull City. While their next match is a home fixture with Wigan Athletic, a team they thumped 5-0 at The DW earlier on, so perhaps all is not as bad as first thought.

A couple of wins for Man Utd could actually see them head into the new year as leaders, although they would need Chelsea to slip up elsewhere. However, with their own form going astray, United can ill-afford to let their mind slip elsewhere as it’s man the battle stations in the United defence. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher formed an unerring centre back partnership last Saturday in a game where the United defence was torn to pieces. Even Patrice Evra, the only quality defender in the defence that day, was awful, which just goes to show what a lack of leadership at the back does for you. Thankfully, Nemanja Vidic should return to the defence and it won’t come a moment too soon. 

United’s defence maybe at ’sixes and sevens’ right now but it’s offensive players that have been linked with the club recently. Benfica have apparently turned down a bid for Di Maria, a move which, if completed, would probably spell the end for Portuguese flop, Louis Nani, while Mame Diouf will join United from Molde in Denmark in January. Although it’s always good to boost your numbers, attackers aren’t what United need right now as their defence is crumbling around them.

With the exception of the Wolves game where not only were United playing at home to a dreadful Wolves but also against basically the Wolves reserves, United’s makeshift defence has been found wanting and is now left exposed for all to exploit. Aston Villa didn’t have any problems taking advantage of it at the beginning of the month and Fulham also obliged at the weekend, smashing Man Utd 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Their heaviest defeat since their 4-1 humbling by Liverpool at Old Trafford last season. That emphatic defeat can only hinder what will be a Unite dressing room short of morale and confidence but a win over Hull City, along with a clean sheet, would do everyone the world of good.

At Old Trafford, you would fancy United to plug on and chip in with a few wins regardless of what the defence looks like. On the road, however, is where every team is vulnerable no matter what and United head into this fixture precariously exposed. They are fortunate that it’s Hull they are facing but they must take advantage of this generous fixture first. Away from home this season, United have a record of 5-0-4, which clearly shows that The Mighty Red’s can be beaten away from their hunting ground. A 4-0 hammering of West Ham last month is their only away clean sheet in five outings, though, which will surely put a lot of punters off them this Sunday.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Hull City W: 0 Manchester United W: 2 Draw: 0

Manchester United have stormed ahead on the h2h counter with victories home and away over Hull City last season. The Tigers did, however, cause United a lot of problems at Old Trafford but were beaten by the United reserves on the final day of the season at The KC stadium.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.45 Coral

If Man Utd were facing any one other than Hull City then we probably wouldn’t have gone for an away win. Hell, even if this was Wolves hosting United we probably would have opted for a draw. That’s how pear shaped the United defence is at the present time. However, Hull City are one of the poorest teams in the league and, although United don’t have a solid basis, they do still have a lethal attacking outlet in Wayne Rooney. The former Everton front man has worked tirelessly for United in recent weeks, often being the highlight for Man Utd in recent weeks, and we fancy Wayne Rooney to be in inspired form this weekend. Hull aren’t without hope, only because United’s defence will be understrength once again, but we can’t see them outscoring United as their defence is just as bad.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 8.50 PaddyPower

Draw – 4.50 SkyBet

Manchester United – 1.45 Coral

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Wayne Rooney FGS – 4.50 Bet365

Arsenal V Aston Villa

Sunday 27^th December – 13:30 GMT

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: LWWDW

Arsenal made an instant return to winning ways when they dispatched Hull City, winning 3-0 at The Emirates. However, it wasn’t a glorious display from the usual emphatic Gunners and more will be expected of them in arguably the weekend’s biggest clash as Arsenal entertain high flying Aston Villa in a game that produced a surprise in last season contest.

We’re sure Arsene Wenger hasn’t forgotten the last meeting between the two, if so we have every confidence that the travelling Villa contingent will remind him so on match day. At time when Villa were asking questions of the ‘Big Four’ they came up trumps at The Emirates, beating Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal by 2-0. That defeat won’t have been banished from the Arsenal players memory’s too easily and we expect the motive for Arsenal this weekend is revenge, especially as they failed to give Villa a dose of their own medicine in the reverse fixture, drawing 2-2 at Villa Park. 

Arsenal, with the possible exception of their draw at Burnley, appear to be over their small dip in form that occurred at the latter end of last month and have now gone a morale boosting four match unbeaten run consisting of three wins and one draw. Victories have come over Stoke City (2-0), Liverpool (1-2) and Hull City (3-0), whereas the draw came at Burnley (1-1), in a match Arsenal could have lost, so perhaps the point is more respectable than many would like to think at first glance.

However, this is now a crucial part of the season for the Gunners as it really could make of break their season as too many dropped points over the festive period could massively decrease their chances of regaining the title. They will need a improve greatly on their recent displays, though, as they’ve been well below par for some time now. However, like all great sides do, Arsenal have been chipping away and have been winning games despite not playing their usual fluent best. However, anything but perfection on Saturday could see them come a cropper, once again, against Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s record at home this season is superb and formidable at 7-0-1, with Arsenal yet to play out a draw. Their only defeat came against Chelsea, losing 3-0, in a match which seen Arsenal play their very worst thus far. However, they didn’t dwell on the defeat too much and have since bounced back with two wins over Stoke City (2-0) and Hull City (3-0), two sides who gained promotion to the Premiership last season. The wins were positives, as all wins are, but they weren’t against the toughest of opposition and this will be their biggest test since their failure at home to Chelsea.

Aston Villa

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: DWWWW

Martin O’Neill has turned Aston Villa into a dark horse this season as Villa slowly close the gap on the frontrunners and, in the process, continue to cement their top four stance. Villa, though, will now go into most games with the added pressure that they should win games now that they’ve over performed for the second season running. They were in a similar position last season and faltered, but with a year of experience now on their side, will Villa be good for their failed assault on the top four last season and give Arsenal the blues once again at The Emirates.

Aston Villa secured their first ever win in the Premiership over Arsenal last season and to achieve such a feat at The Emirates was a credit in itself. However, their performance that day was sublime, similar to the one that seen them beat Man Utd just a few weeks ago at Old Trafford, and Martin O’Neill will demand a similar display from his troopers this Sunday in a clash which is surely going to catch the eye of a fair few neutrals.

Villa are rapidly building up ahead of steam after going unbeaten in seven games following their nervy 1-0 victory at home to Stoke City last weekend. That not only maintained their unbeaten form but also took them to four straight wins in the league and has seen them close the gap on Chelsea to six points. However, they still have Tottenham breathing over their shoulders, with Villa just two points in front of Spurs, but a big win at The Emirates could very well see them go five points clear in fourth and leave the ball well and truly in their court as far as a top four finish goes, although there is still over half a season to go.

Villa had to work hard for the three points last Saturday in a game where Stoke harried them all over the pitch and caused them all sorts of problems at the back when the Potters did stride forward. However, once Villa took the lead they didn’t really look like relinquishing the points and a similar workmanlike performance is required at The Emirates if they want to build upon their three match unbeaten run on the road. Villa have also won back-to-games away from home, the second time they have done such a thing this season, but they fell to defeat when they attempted to make it three from three and so could a similar fate stike them down on Sunday?

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Arsenal W: 5 Aston Villa W: 1 Draw: 4

It was plain sailing for Arsenal until they lost their first ever clash with Aston Villa last season. Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 at The Emirates to record their first victory over the Gunners but still look down the barrel in terms of such a domineering h2h record between them and Arsenal. The Gunners have failed to beat Villa in their previous three attempts, though, with their last success over Villa coming in December, 2007, winning 1-0 at Villa Park. However, Arsenal haven’t beaten Villa in the previous three meetings on home soil so perhaps Villa are becoming somewhat of a bogey team for the Gunners.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.75 Boylesports

We wouldn’t dare split these two as we can’t. Arsenal’s home advantage should cancel out Villa’s vastly superior form heading into this fixture. If we were pushed into picking either side then it would be Aston Villa. They are a team in form, full of confidence, and playing some beautiful football. Arsenal, however, haven’t been up scratch of late but have been getting the right results and that’s always a good sign. It’s a tricky one, but the draw looks the safest bet as we cowardly sit on the fench.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.73 SkyBet

Draw – 3.75 Boylesports

Aston Villa – 5.50 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Agbonlahor + Fabregas BOTH to SCORE – 13.00 SkyBet