Alex Hilton’s FA Cup third-round tips include a high-scoring affair at Stamford Bridge, a shock for the Seagulls and a tough test at Tamworth for Tottenham.
The FA Cup third-round is an eagerly awaited weekend in the English football calendar and this round of fixtures should bring plenty of entertainment.
Starting on Thursday January 10th and running through until Monday 13th, 64 teams will continue on the road to Wembley with Accrington’s trip to Liverpool, Morecambe’s jaunt to Chelsea and Salford making the short hop to Manchester City just three of the standout ties on Saturday.
Sunday sees Spurs taking on Tamworth, Bromley heading to Newcastle and Arsenal entertaining Manchester United in the all-Premier League glamour tie of the round.
Here we have picked out three of our best bets for the weekend, with a treble which pays out at over 20/1 if successful.
Selections
Over 4.5 goals in Chelsea v Morecambe 10/11
Norwich to win or draw v Brighton 6/4
Tamworth to score the first goal v Tottenham 7/2
Goals to flow at the Bridge
A four-match winless streak has seen Chelsea fall off the pace in the Premier League but the cups were always likely to be their best chance of silverware this season and they should book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a victory over Morecambe.
The Blues have been utilising a second-string team in cup competitions this season and they have risen to the occasion with some hefty results in domestic and continental competition.
Barrow were battered 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup earlier this season, while Noah were thumped 8-0 in west London during their Conference League clash in November, and Enzo Maresca’s men have scored five against Shamrock Rovers and put four past Gent and Brighton on home soil this season
And Morecambe, 23rd in League Two, should be given short shrift on Saturday when at least five goals could be scored in a lively affair.
Canaries are on song
Brighton are sliding down the Premier League at an alarming rate and their misery could continue with this tricky trip to Norwich.
The Seagulls are winless in eight matches, drawing on six occasions, and they may struggle to get past the improving Norfolk outfit.
Norwich are up to 11th in the Championship and they are unbeaten in four matches which have yielded three wins.
Brighton haven’t tasted victory since November 23rd and the last two meetings between these sides finished 0-0, while each of the last seven match-ups have seen one or both teams fail to score.
Back Norwich to at least avoid defeat at Carrow Road.
Lambs to avoid a slaughter
It must have been a bittersweet cup draw for Tamworth when they were pulled out of the hat in a daunting tie with Tottenham but they might fancy their chances of an upset this weekend with Spurs in a vulnerable state.
Injuries are biting hard for the Londoners, who were winless in their four matches prior to Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool.
Postecoglou may be restricted with his team selection this weekend and a hostile home crowd will welcome their illustrious visitors to the Lamb Ground.
The Premier League side should still progress, but they may be tested by the non-league side and backing the hosts to open the scoring at a juicy price could pay off.
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