FA Cup round-up
For only the second time in history there are no all-Premiership ties in the FA Cup 3rd Round
Dave Harris
06-Jan-2006
For only the second time in history there are no all-Premiership ties in the FA Cup 3rd Round. However, there are still some decent fixtures and a few potential upsets to look out for. Here are our thoughts on this weekend's televised FA Cup games:
Hull City v Aston Villa
It's been a tough season for David O'Leary, but Villa's fortunes improved significantly over Christmas. Although they crashed out of the Carling Cup to Doncaster in November, they're playing with much more confidence these days and shouldn't suffer a similar fate at the Kingston Communications Stadium.
It's been a tough season for David O'Leary, but Villa's fortunes improved significantly over Christmas. Although they crashed out of the Carling Cup to Doncaster in November, they're playing with much more confidence these days and shouldn't suffer a similar fate at the Kingston Communications Stadium.
Sporting Index has made the visitors favourites, predicting that Villa will come out on top by 0.6 to 0.8 goals. Despite an encouraging start to the season, newly promoted Hull have lost momentum. One win in five games has seen them slip down the Championship table. Ex-England ace Nick Barmby will have to be at his best if the Tigers are to have any chance of forcing a replay.
Luton v Liverpool
Like Hull, newly promoted Luton made an excellent start to the season but have dropped off a bit recently. However, despite just one point in four games, the Hatters are a decent Championship side who should give visitors Liverpool a good game. Croatian playmaker Brkovic is the pick of their players, but he's unlikely to have too much joy against the Reds' miserly defence. Not surprisingly Liverpool, unbeaten in 11 league games, are clear favourites to win. Sporting Index are predicting a 1.3 to 1.5 goal victory for Rafa's side, and it's difficult to see Luton halting their impressive run.
Like Hull, newly promoted Luton made an excellent start to the season but have dropped off a bit recently. However, despite just one point in four games, the Hatters are a decent Championship side who should give visitors Liverpool a good game. Croatian playmaker Brkovic is the pick of their players, but he's unlikely to have too much joy against the Reds' miserly defence. Not surprisingly Liverpool, unbeaten in 11 league games, are clear favourites to win. Sporting Index are predicting a 1.3 to 1.5 goal victory for Rafa's side, and it's difficult to see Luton halting their impressive run.
Burton Albion v Manchester United
Ferguson is expected to make wholesale changes to his starting XI, but the likes of Solskjaer, Saha and Rossi should have more than enough quality for Nigel Clough's side. Burton have a reputation for playing attractive football, with a physically lightweight side, and that could be their downfall against such strong opposition. Midfielder Gilroy and centre back Webster are the home side's best players, but last season's FA Trophy Semi Final defeat to a lower league (Grays) side shows that it's possible to knock this team off their stride. Sporting Index think Man Utd will win by 2.9 to 3.1 goals, and a three goal defeat would probably be a respectable result for the non-leaguers.
Ferguson is expected to make wholesale changes to his starting XI, but the likes of Solskjaer, Saha and Rossi should have more than enough quality for Nigel Clough's side. Burton have a reputation for playing attractive football, with a physically lightweight side, and that could be their downfall against such strong opposition. Midfielder Gilroy and centre back Webster are the home side's best players, but last season's FA Trophy Semi Final defeat to a lower league (Grays) side shows that it's possible to knock this team off their stride. Sporting Index think Man Utd will win by 2.9 to 3.1 goals, and a three goal defeat would probably be a respectable result for the non-leaguers.
Leicester v Tottenham Totspur
Of all the televised ties, the match at the Walkers Stadium probably represents the best chance of an upset. Spurs are favourites to win by 1.1 to 1.3 goals according to Sporting Index, but despite the recent victory at Man City, they're not too convincing away from home. Jol may have a huge squad of players at his disposal, but if a few regulars are missing Spurs can struggle - and King, Lee and possibly Davids will be unavailable on Sunday.
Of all the televised ties, the match at the Walkers Stadium probably represents the best chance of an upset. Spurs are favourites to win by 1.1 to 1.3 goals according to Sporting Index, but despite the recent victory at Man City, they're not too convincing away from home. Jol may have a huge squad of players at his disposal, but if a few regulars are missing Spurs can struggle - and King, Lee and possibly Davids will be unavailable on Sunday.
Leicester should be grateful for this distraction from the Championship, where they haven't won for seven matches. The experience of Dublin, Tiatto and goalkeeper Douglas will be vital on Sunday. However with the home side low on confidence, Craig Levein may have to conjur up some 'cup magic' to get through this one.
£150 Football Bet for New Clients
If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's games, it's well worth having a look at the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. They're offering all new clients a free £150 per goal football bet**, and a refund of up to £50 if your first sports bet is a loser**.
If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's games, it's well worth having a look at the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. They're offering all new clients a free £150 per goal football bet**, and a refund of up to £50 if your first sports bet is a loser**.
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Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.