THE FA Cup takes centre stage down south again this weekend with some intriguing fourth-round ties for armchair punters.
Cheltenham v Man City
The romance of the Cup didn’t last long for tiny Marine in the last round as Spurs killed them off with four first-half goals.
And it could be a similar story in today’s David v Goliath clash as Cheltenham Town host Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men head into the tie on the back of nine successive wins while League Two Cheltenham have claimed just one victory in their last nine outings.
That win came in extra time against Mansfield in the last round of the Cup but it would be one of the greatest shocks ever if they triumphed here.
City got the job done early in the last round at home to Birmingham by scoring three goals in the first half.
They have been speedy starters all season so I fancy over 1.5 first-half goals at 13/14 (SBK).
McBookie are also offering 5/6 on City winning both halves which looks good value.
Southampton v Arsenal
Holders Arsenal needed extra-time to see off Newcastle in the last round and now face a tricky tie at Southampton.
A lot will depend on how strong a team each gaffer picks but we should see a few goals in this one.
Both teams to score is a best 13/15 with Sport Nation while over 2.5 goals pays 13/12 with SBK.
McBookie have some interesting specials for the match and I like the look of the 21/20 they offer on Saints to score and win over 4.5 corners.
Brighton v Blackpool
League One Blackpool caused one of the shocks of the third-round by dumping West Brom out on penalties, ruining my deadly double.
Their reward is a trip to Brighton, who needed penalties to see off Newport County.
The Seagulls have struggled for goals all season so I can’t see this one delivering thrills.
Betting against both teams to score pays 11/10 at BetVictor and I’ll be having a punt on that.
Man Utd v Liverpool
The glamour tie this weekend is tomorrow’s clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Their league meeting last weekend was a damp squib and Jurgen Klopp’s side followed it up by drawing another blank as they lost to Burnley at Anfield on Thursday.
So betting against both teams to score could be the shout again here and it pays 7/5 at BetVictor.
Brentford v Leicester City
Leicester travel to Brentford tomorrow for what looks like a tricky tie on paper.
But the Bees could rest some of their main men as their priority is winning promotion to the top flight after a run to the League Cup semis.
So I fancy Brendan Rodgers’ men to win to nil at 15/8 with McBookie while backing them to be winning at half-time and full-time pays 6/4.
Super Singles
- Over 1.5 first half goals Cheltenham v Man City (13/14, SBK)
- Leicester HT-FT (6/4, McBookie)
No Thrills Double
- Both teams not to score in Brighton v Blackpool and Liverpool v Man United (4/1, BetVictor)
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.
