FA Cup 3rd Round: Betting & Latest Odds

The FA Cup takes centre stage this midweek with re-scheduled ties from last weekend and replays in those matches that were tied

Bristol City v Portsmouth

Nothing could separate these two when they met at Fratton Park and I think it could be the same story again tomorrow night. The two sides hadn’t met since 1998 but it was the 5th draw in the last 7 games between the two. Since then the transfer window has opened and Jermaine Defoe has left Pompey and there may be a few others following him – that can’t be good for team morale.

The draw is priced at 12/5 (Boylesports, Coral, SkyBet) but I like the look of this one going the distance. Boylesports offer 11/1 on each team winning on penalties and it could be worth hedging you bets on it going to spot kicks.

Peterborough v West Brom

Posh are one of the form teams in England at the moment and they won’t be fearing the visit of the Premier League’s bottom club for a place in the 4th round. They’ve suffered just one defeat in 18 and managed a creditable draw at The Hawthorns to force tomorrow night’s replay.

The Baggies’ 2nd half performance at Villa Park will have boosted their confidence but they’ll be without James Morrison through injury and his creative influence will be a big loss. This one looks the most likely giant-killing of the evening but the bookies aren’t taking any chances since the best odds available on Peterborough are 2/1 (Bet Direct, Betfred, Blue Sq, Boylesports, Jetbull, Paddy Power, SkyBet, Stan James). Those odds seem a bit skinny so why not have a look at backing Peterborough in the Draw No Bet market, where they’re 5/4 (Boylseports).

Birmingham v Wolves

Both of these sides have hit the buffers recently but have still maintained their lofty positions in the Championship as they both chase automatic promotion. Their title aspirations many have a say on the sides that take to the field tomorrow as the FA Cup is most definitely second on the priority list of both clubs.

The Blues have been outscored by Wolves by 21 goals in the league this term so it looks to me like Wolves are most likely to progress but 5 of the last 6 meeting between the two have been level and this looks a stick on draw too. SkyBet go 12/5 on the draw but to be on the safe side I’d go with Bet365’s 9/10 on there being an even number of goals – that way we’re covered if it finishes 2-0, 3-1, 4-0 etc for either side.

Southend v Chelsea

After yesterday’s abject performance at Old Trafford there won’t be too many punters piling into Chelsea at just 2/7 (Coral) but anything other than a comfortable win in this one would see Phil Scolari’s jacket on a very shoogly peg. Despite Southend forcing a draw at Stamford Bridge I can’t see them being given a second opportunity and think that the Blues can qualify without losing a goal. Chelsea to win to nil is a much more appealing 5/6 (Paddy Power, SkyBet)

Let me know your thoughts on this week’s games.

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