Blackpool vs Arsenal
FA Cup 3rd Round. Kick-off: 5.30pm, Saturday 5th December. Live on BT Sport 2/BT Sport 4K UHD
THIS David v Goliath clash will evoke memories of Wrexham's famous giant-killing of the Gunners back in 1992.
Arsenal were champions at the time, while Wrexham had propped up the Football League, but Mickey Thomas' screamer sealed a shock win for the underdogs.
While Blackpool sit mid-table in League One, it would be every bit as big a surprise if they sent the London giants crashing out of the FA Cup this year.
Blackpool only just scraped past non-league Solihull in the last round, with Jay Spearing's extra-time penalty settling a thrilling replay.
That's their only win in the last six games, with Sunderland inflicting the latest defeat at the weekend, so Gary Bowyer's men aren't in the best of form heading into Cup battle.
That's reflected in the match odds, with Blackpool 11/1 rank outsiders and Arsenal 1/4, with the draw 24/5 at 888 Sport.
You can never discount the magic of the Cup and football's enduring unpredictability but I just can't see Unai Emery's men slipping up at the seaside.
Blackpool did come close to shocking the Gunners at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, making them sweat for a 2-1 win.
But Arsenal were 2-0 up and cruising before Matteo Guendouzi saw red early in the second half and you suspect the element of surprise has now gone for the minnows.
What that match did show, however, is that Arsenal's defence can't be trusted to keep a clean sheet against anyone, with Brentford also scoring in a 3-1 loss earlier in the Carabao Cup.
So it may be worth backing the Gunners with both teams to score which is available at 37/20 with 888 Sport.
Emery may rest many of his big hitters after a gruelling festive schedule so check the teams before placing a goalscorer bet.
Youngster Bukayo Saka came off the bench in the midweek win over Fulham and it could pay to back the striker for anytime scorer at a best 19/10.
I also like the look of midfielder Aaron Ramsey who could earn a start after a cameo off the bench against Fulham. The Welshman is 23/4 for first scorer and 7/4 to net at any time.
On-loan Rangers striker Joe Dodoo has been in good form for Blackpool so might be worth a punt for anytime scorer at 19/4 with 888 Sport. He's 14/1 to net a shock opener against the Gunners.
There should be a few goals in this one and over 3.5 strikes is a decent 11/8 with 888 Sport.
Recommended bets
- Arsenal win and both teams to score 37/20 (888 Sport)
- Aaron Ramsey anytime scorer 7/4 (888 Sport)
- Over 3.5 match goals 11/8 (888 Sport)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
