FA Cup preview: Potential shocks, Sanchez & Liverpool’s home form
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Host of exciting cup ties on the cards
It’s fourth round weekend in the FA Cup, and there are plenty of captivating ties ahead. Friday night heralds the start of the action, as the Red Devils and their marquee signing head to Huish Park.
That’s one of four cup clashes the Coral News Team are casting their eye over. Here are their tips and thoughts on the action ahead…
Will Magpies’ old guard upset the odds again?
Notts County’s third round victory at Brentford surprised many. But with a number of talented, seasoned professionals in their squad, higher-tier sides will underestimate the Magpies at their peril.
Their goalscoring hero in the third round – Jon Stead – has top-flight experience. So too do Premier League winner Alan Smith, player-manager Kevin Nolan, and Shola Ameobi – who scored 43 Prem goals for Newcastle United.
County’s visitors this weekend are the Premier League’s bottom club, Swansea City. With the Swans struggling this term, the Coral News Team like the look of Double Chance: Notts County or Draw at 20/23.
Meanwhile, having scored in five successive games ahead of this cup tie, Jon Stead to Score Anytime looks generously-priced at 14/5.
Will Sanchez make his bow in Somerset?
It may not be quite the sort of fixture Manchester United signed him for, but chances are new signing Alexis Sanchez could make his debut away at Yeovil Town on Friday night.
However, it’s not unfamiliar ground for some of his teammates. The Red Devils won 2-0 at Huish Park back in 2015, though it took until the second half for the breakthrough to come.
Still, that Yeovil side were probably stronger than their current League Two crop, whilst United are stronger now than at any point under Louis van Gaal.
The Man United -2 handicap looks backable at 19/20, while Sanchez to Score and United to Win is available at 11/10.
Could Newport repeat Leeds heroics?
League Two Newport County pulled off arguably the shock of the third round as they came from behind to beat Leeds United at Rodney Parade.
They face an even tougher test this time around, against Prem heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur. But this is a Spurs side who shipped three goals at home to Wycombe Wanderers at this stage of the FA Cup last season.
The Exiles are unbeaten in six games, scoring in each of those. Both Teams to Score looks a good call at 21/20. Meanwhile, with County having opened the scoring in each of their last three games, First Team to Score: Newport could be a lively longshot at 4/1.
Baggies unlikely to leave Anfield unscathed again
West Bromwich Albion somehow escaped Anfield with a point on their last visit, back in mid-September.
It was a game the Reds dominated, with 70% possession and a raft of missed chances – and which could go on to prove an important two points dropped.
However, following a morale-boosting victory over Manchester City last weekend, the Reds are roaring again at Anfield. As for the Baggies, they’re without an away win against Prem opposition since August.
But with Liverpool to Win unsurprisingly slim odds at 3/10, the best value looks to lie elsewhere. Having won 11 games this term by three or more goals, we like the Liverpool -2 handicap at 11/5. Meanwhile, the Reds to Win Both Halves is 19/10.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
