Newport County vs Leicester City
FA Cup 3rd Round. Kick-off: 4.30pm, Sunday 6th December. Live on BBC One.
NEWPORT COUNTY were one of the stories of last season's FA Cup, embarking on a thrilling run that saw them claim the scalp of Leeds and come within a whisker of stunning Spurs.
The Welsh side blazed a trail through the competition, dumping Walsall and Cambridge out before that thrilling win over Championship giants Leeds at Rodney Parade.
Few expected them to follow it up with another shock against Tottenham but only Harry Kane's late leveller stopped Newport from claiming another famous victory.
Even in the Wembley replay they were far from embarrassed, losing just 2-0, and the Cup has brought the best out of the League Two side again this season.
Even the cops couldn't stop them as Newport saw off the Met Police 2-0 before crushing Welsh rivals Wrexham 4-0 in a replay.
Leicester are a step up in class but with a packed Rodney Parade roaring them on once more, Newport will be confident of springing another surprise.
The fact the BBC cameras are here suggests they sniff an upset and I wouldn't be surprised if an inconsistent Leicester side find it difficult.
Newport look overpriced at 9/1 with 888 Sport but I'd be more inclined to back the draw at 9/2. The bookies still fancy the Foxes and make the Premiership side 7/25 favourites.
Leicester claimed another impressive win at Everton in their last game after claiming the scalps of Manchester City and Chelsea over the festive period.
But counter-attack was the key to all three victories and they could find it more tricky trying to take the game to lower-league opposition.
With that in mind, I like the look of under 2.5 match goals which is available at 33/20 with 888 Sport while both teams not to score also appeals at 19/20.
The outcome could hinge on how seriously Claude Puel takes the game and what team he picks. If there are wholesale changes then there may be an upset as Leicester don't have the deepest squad.
With Newport mid table in League Two, they will go all out for this one and I fancy striker Padraig Amond for first scorer. He's a best 10/3 for anytime scorer and 11/1 to break the deadlock.
Kelechi Iheanacho should start for the Foxes and looks their best bet for a goal. The Nigerian is 18/5 to break the deadlock with 888 Sport and 19/20 for anytime scorer.
Recommended bets
- Draw 9/2 (888 Sport)
- Under 2.5 goals 33/20 (888 Sport)
- Padraig Amond anytime scorer 10/3