There’s plenty of potential giant killings amongst the fixtures so here’s my picks for this weekend’s matches.

MK Dons v QPR

One tie that will get a few of the underdog backers excited is at Stadium MK where the in-form MK Dons host Premier League side QPR. Karl Robinson’s side are currently 4th in League One, placing them 31 positions behind their opponents but there’ll be a much more level playing field on Saturday at 3pm.

Rangers will be without Traore and Taarabt on African Cup of Nations Duty and the much-maligned Joey Barton through a debatable suspension. It’s also questionable just how seriously Neil Warnock will take the game with vital Premier League points a much more valuable commodity for the club than an FA Cup run. Anything less than a fully committed Rangers could find themselves out of the competition at the first hurdle for the 12th season in a row.

In contrast to QPR (just 1 win in 10) the Dons are on a fine run of form with just one defeat in 10 so go into the game as the form side. They’ll be without top scorer Charlie McDonald but at 9/5 (Blue Sq) look a decent bet to make it to Round 4. There’s also value for money in siding with the home team to score 2 or more which can be backed at 11/8 with SkyBet.

Derby v Crystal Palace

At Pride Park there’s an all-Championship clash between Derby and Crystal Palace. The Eagles have suffered a virus that has affected most of their squad this week so it’s unlikely they’ll be at full-strength. Add to that the fact that they’ve the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Cardiff on Tuesday and Dougie Freedman would be forgiven for fielding some ‘fringe’ players in this tie.

Derby can lay claim to being the form side in the Championship and have impressed with wins over Hull, West Ham and Leeds in recent weeks – all of whom sit above them in the table. Perhaps they’ve finally ‘turned the corner’.

Money has been coming in for the Rams so get on the 6/5 at William Hill before it disappears.

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Chelsea have been notoriously unreliable for us punters this season. 3 draws followed by a defeat to Aston Villa meant they were left off a lot of coupons last week when they duly obliged with a win at Wolves. That hasn’t stopped the bookies pricing them up short to win over Pompey at just 1/5.

That’s not worth it but there is still value to be had in the game. Despite such short odds to win the Blues are a much more tempting 1/1 (Paddy Power, SkyBet) to win to nil. To be fair they’ve not kept too many clean sheets of late, in fact none in their last 6 but that run can’t go on forever.

Pompey are on a reasonable run of form themselves but haven’t exactly been banging them in, just 8 goals scored in their last 9 and they’ve drawn a blank in 7 of their 12 away games this season. Recent history doesn’t point to many goals for Portsmouth in this fixture either, they’ve scored just twice in the last 10 meetings, conceding 22.

Back Chelsea to win to nil at 1/1 with Paddy Power or SkyBet

It’s Cup weekend north and south of the border so that can only mean one thing – Goals Galore.

Teams will be going all out to make it to the next round so hopefully we can expect some open games and plenty of goals hitting the back of the net.

Here are my top tips for games where both teams will score;

Newcastle v Blackburn

One of the outstanding all-Premier League ties of the third round sees on-song Newcastle host a free-scoring Blackburn side.

Although bottom of the league Rovers have scored 29 goals this season, more than Liverpool and anyone else in the bottom half of the table so they’re always good for a goal.

Newcastle proved on Wednesday just how deadly they can be in front of goal, especially Demba Ba who is on fire.

I expect both teams will field relatively strong sides so goals could be on the cards.

• Both teams to score is 5/6 with Ladbrokes.

Fleetwood v Blackpool

The localest of local derbies this weekend is at Conference club Fleetwood who host near-neighbours Blackpool in what should be a passionate affair.

Some think this could be where the upset of the round comes from and with Fleetwood in fine form they’ll fancy their chances against their more-illustrious opponents. Fleetwood are current second in the Blue Sq Conference but notably are top scorers with 57 in 26, over 2 per game. They’re also unbeaten in their last 5 and have lost just once at home in the league.

Last season followers of the Both Teams to Score Market had Blackpool marked down week in week out. This season they’ve not been quite so entertaining but you’d expect they’ll breach the Conference side’s defence at least once due to their greater quality.

• Back both teams to score at 8/11 with Ladbrokes.

Peterborough v Sunderland (Sunday)

Martin O’Neill may be tempted to rest a few players in favour of picking up Premier League points in their upcoming fixtures but he’ll not want to derail the momentum that he’s built since arriving at the Stadium of Light so I think the Black Cats will be well up for this one.

Their opponents too will also see this as a chance to claim a Premier League scalp so it should make for a good cup tie.

As far as goals are concerned the signals are good. Peterborough have scored in each of their last 17 matches – quite a record and at home they’ve failed to find the target just once in 12 league matches, keeping just one clean sheet in that time too. 44 scored versus 41 conceded make them the most entertaining to watch in the Championship.

Sadly the same can’t be said for Sunderland but under O’Neill they’ve looked a different animal. 4 goals away to Wigan in midweek will have boosted their confidence as will picking up 13 points from 18 since O’Neill’s arrival. Away to lower league opposition could be tricky but they’ve at least got a goal in them.

• Back both teams to score at 4/6 with Ladbrokes

Airdrie v Dundee Utd

Finally in Scotland look out for goals when 2nd Division Airdrie welcome SPL side Dundee Utd.

The Diamonds have been prolific in front of goal and equally profligate in defence this season, scoring 44 and losing 40 in just 19 league games, that’s an average of over 4 goals scored in each of their games. At home they’ll put up a decent fight against United.

The Terrors are in a bit of a slump at the moment and I’d be more concerned about them scoring in this one than Airdrie, however they have netted in their last 5 matches  and failed to score in just one away league match all season so the signs are good that they’ll find the net in this one.

• Back both teams to score at 4/6 with Coral.

Accumulator

All four both teams to score bets can be backed as an accumulator at best odds with Coral, where a £10 four-timer will pay £78.20.

FA Cup Final. Kick off: Saturday 3pm

I’ve been having trouble writing an article about the FA Cup final this year.

I don’t know if it’s because of the teams involved (not exactly mouthwatering) or maybe the fact that it’s been shunted to a ‘normal’ Saturday or maybe, it’s just that trying to find a betting angle on it doesn’t look too easy. But to say I’m apathetic towards it would be an understatement.

Whatever. I hope it’s a great day for all involved.

The natural reaction of most football fans would be that City ’should’ win the famous old trophy but outside the top 3 in the Premier League, City couldn’t have asked for tougher opponents. In fact, I’d almost think City would prefer to go into this game against better quality opposition than themselves and be classed underdogs.

The weight of favouritism will lay heavily on their shoulders. Never mind the anxiety that comes when you’re within touching distance of your first trophy in 35 years. If Stoke can keep things quiet for the first half hour I think they have a real chance.

After all they’ve shown in the last 6 games that they’re a match for Roberto Mancini’s side. The last 4 meetings have been drawn and each side has won one apiece. 1-1 has been the scoreline of choice on each of those four occasions and that can be backed at 15/2 with Betfair.

7/2 (Boylesports, Paddy Power, Totesport) looks a bit on the generous side for me if you fancy a bit of Stoke to win in the 90 minutes, certainly there’s little value in siding with City at a measly 10/11 (William Hill) – a price that would be more akin to the game being at Eastlands.

It looks like being a bit of a nervy affair but tactically I think Stoke have the players to spring a surprise. It may take them 120 minutes or more but in a game that’s far closer to call than the bookies would suggest 2/1 (Bet365, Paddy Power) on Tony Pulis’s side to lift the trophy looks a punt worth taking.

Selectabet’s Best Bets

• Stoke to win the FA Cup 2/1 (Bet365, Paddy Power)
• Correct score 1-1 15/2 (Betfair)
• Stoke to win on penalties 12/1 (Boylesports)

FA CUP Sixth Round. Live on ITV 1. Kick off: Saturday 17:45

One by one, Arsenal’s chances of winning a trophy are disappearing, now they must get a result at Old Trafford to keep their double dream alive and to prevent their season from sliding away from them completely.

They could hardly have picked a tougher place to go. Despite United’s two recent results leaving the Premier League door open for the Gunners, it’s their head-to-head that will be causing most concern for Arsenal fans. Just one win in ten will hardly fill them with confidence, nor the fact they’ll be without Cesc Fabregas in the heart of the their midfield.

That all leads me to favour a United win. Although they’ve looked incredibly ordinary on the road this season their bedrock has been their home form, where they’ve won 17 from 20 and drawn the other 3. Contrast that with Arsenal’s form away from the Emirates where they’ve failed to win since mid January and you can see why the bookies are not going any bigger than 1/1 (Betfred, Blue Sq, Boylesports, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power) on the home win.

Arsenal can be backed at 3/1 (Bet365, William Hill) and the draw is available at 13/5 (Bet365).

If you’re a bit less confident of the match outcome then why not consider Boylesports 10/11 on the first goal being scored on 28 minutes or over. Just 3 meetings in the last 15 have seen one goal or more scored in under 28 minutes so the odds are definitely in our favour on this one.

Alternatively have a look at the 3/1 at William Hill on a penalty being awarded. There’s been 3 scored in the last 8 meetings and if you think there could be plenty of goalmouth action then this could be an interesting side bet to keep you going right up until the final whistle.

Selectabet’s Best Bet

• First goal scored 28+ minutes 10/11 at Boylesports

The FA Cup could provide a welcome break from the strains of the Premier League for two of the division’s out of form sides.

Chelsea will be aiming to score their first goal in over 180 minutes since the arrival of a certain Fernando Torres, for Everton they’ll be looking to improve on a run of just one win in 6. Don’t expect a classic FA Cup tie.

On paper, many would have this own as a banker home win but Everton have a decent recent record against the Blues and are unbeaten in the last four encounters (W1 D3) so we can expect David Moyes to more than match his Italian couterpart Carlo Ancelotti when it come to the tactical battle.

And for me that is where this game will be won and lost. If Ancelotti continues to play square pegs in round holes then he’ll be asking for trouble. Some thought it was a brave decision to ‘rest’ Drogba on Sunday but he may need to make an even braver one tomorrow and consign Torres to a place on the bench. Do that, and go with a team with more balance and Chelsea should have the measure of the Toffees and will be worth backing at 3/5 (William Hill).

Everton are a best-priced 11/2 (Bet365, Betfred, SkyBet) but I think the best they can hope for is to force a replay. The draw can be backed at 3/1 (Boylesports, Coral) but I’m not even tempted. Despite spirited displays against the Blues Everton go into this heading in wrong direction, after David Moyes described their 2-0 defeat at Bolton on Monday as ‘one of their worst ever’ and I’m afraid the misery look set to continue for a despondent Moyes.

With neither side firing on all cylinders, Under 2.5 goals looks the call at 1/1 with Ladbrokes. A clean sheet for Chelsea is backable at 6/5 but better value lies in backing the Blues to win to nil at 8/5 with Bet365.

Selectabet’s Best Bet

• Chelsea to win to nil 8/5 (Bet365)

Leeds v Arsenal

Leeds versus Arsenal used to be one of the big fixtures on the English football calendar. Nowadays, Leeds are not quite the force they used to be as they sit in the Championship, but this is still an intriguing FA Cup replay in prospect at what should be a packed Elland Road.

The original tie at the Emirates Stadium was a good game. Leeds worked incredibly hard and fully deserved something from the game for their efforts. It was almost enough for a win, as Robert Snodgrass opened the scoring for the Yorkshiremen from the penalty spot, before the Gunners responded with a spot kick of their own, converted by Cesc Fabregas.

As you would expect with a clash between a Premier League side and one in the division below, the top tier team is the clear favourite to win this game. Arsenal are a best price of 8/13 (Betfred).  If they play to their full capability, the Gunners should move into the fourth round, without doubt, to face Huddersfield. But the beauty of the FA Cup means there is always that bit of doubt, as we saw with Notts County beating Sunderland and Stevenage defeating Newcastle.

Leeds can be backed at a relatively kind price of 5/1(Bet365), and they come into the game off the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe at the weekend. They’re very strong at home, a full Elland Road can be an intimidating place to go, and their players will be wanting to prove that they have the ability to live with a Premier League team as they attempt to step back into the big time with promotion this season.

And cup upsets have not been unfamiliar territory for Leeds. I’m sure you don’t need reminding about their triumph at Old Trafford last season where they beat Manchester United 1-0 at the same stage of the competition.  With Arsene Wenger likely to name a few changes from his strongest line-up, you may want to back the Championship team in this one, and 5/1 appears to be a generous offering by the bookmakers.

If you’re looking at danger men to do the damage for Leeds, look no further than Luciano Becchio who is their top goalscorer. If you fancy him to open the scoring, the Argentine can be backed at 10/1 (Victor Chandler), whilst penalty taker and scorer at the Emirates, Robert Snodgrass, may also be a good bet at 16/1 (Blue Sq, 888 Sport).

Torquay Utd v Crawley Town / Derby County

Watford v Brighton

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic

Arsenal or Leeds v Huddersfield

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Everton v Chelsea or Ipswich

Southampton v Manchester United

Swansea v Leyton Orient

Burnley v Burton Albion

Birmingham City v Coventry City

Doncaster Rovers / Wolves v Stoke / Cardiff

Notts County v Leicester / Man City

Stevenage v Reading

Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers

West Ham v Nottingham Forest

Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe / Hereford

Live on ITV, Kick off: Sunday 1.30pm

So Uncle Roy has gone. And with the return of King Kenny to the Anfield hotseat this game takes on a whole new complexion and should serve up a cracker.

Just how much the form book can be relied on now I don’t know. Liverpool have been truly dire this season and odds of 6/1 earlier in the week looked well and truly justified. But things changed overnight with Roy Hodgson being mutually consented by the Liverpool board. That in itself would have given the red half of Merseyside a serious boost and the truth is they could have appointed Jimmy Tarbuck as interim manager and some would think it was a step in the right direction.

But the fact that it’s Kenny Dalglish who takes up the reins means that it may well be a completely different Liverpool we see at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The Reds seldom need any lifting ahead of a trip to Old Trafford but prior to Dalglish’s appointment there was a feeling that they were going to be lambs to the slaughter, whereas now they go there with hope in their heart. Money has obviously been coming in for the away win as the best price you’ll find now is 9/2 (Bet365, Betfred, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power) but let’s not get too carried away here.

This isn’t some non-league side that Liverpool are facing. This is table-topping, one-defeat-in-30 Manchester United. Sure Fergie likes to ‘rotate’ when it comes to the Cup but he loves nothing more than sticking it to Liverpool so expect a close to full-strength side to take the field. I expect United will bring Liverpool back down to earth with a bump but it won’t be easy. 4/6 (888 Sport, Blue Sq, Betfred) is the best price you’ll get but I’m going to wait until nearer kick-off as I think the those odds might drift a wee bit further off the back of punters piling into the Dalglish-effect.

One man that I think will get a huge boost from having a new boss in the dressing room is Fernando Torres. It’s been plain to see that all has not been well with the Spaniard this season, but if anyone can inspire the talismanic striker it surely has to be Dalglish. Torres has previously shown he has the measure of the United defence and Vidic in particular. Another performance like the one in Liverpool’s 4-1 win in Manchester back in 2009 would be very timely and odds of him finding the back of the net look worth taking on at 12/5 with SkyBet.

Selectabet’s Best Bets

• Man Utd 4/6 (888 Sport, Blue Sq, Betfred)
• Torres to score any time 12/5 with (SkyBet)

Live on ITV. Kick off 12.45pm

Two form teams meet in the first FA Cup tie of the weekend at The Emirates but the outcome will largely depend on the team that Arsene Wenger selects.

We all know that Wenger likes to ‘rotate’ in the Cup competitions but after 5 trophy-less seasons I’ve a feeling he’ll be taking things a whole lot more seriously this season. And that’s reflected in the odds ahead of their third round match with Championship side Leeds Utd. The Gunners can be backed at just 1/3 (Bet365, betChronicle, William Hill) which doesn’t represent much value to be honest.

Not when you consider that prior to Tuesday night’s defeat in Cardiff, Leeds had been on a run of 12 games without defeat that had propelled them into the play-off positions in the league. Some might fancy the 10/1 (Betfred) available on the side from Yorkshire but despite their good form there’s still a massive gulf in class.

However, Leeds ability to find the back of the net should be of interest to all of us. They’ve scored in all but 3 of their 26 league games this season and are second top scorers in the Championship with a fantastic 46 goals. At the Emirates they’ll be up against a side that’s kept just 3 clean sheets at home in the Premiership (compare that to the 6 that Man Utd and Chelsea have managed). They’ve lost 11 in 10 so average just over one goal against at home.

With that in mind I fancy the look of Leeds to score. Only Bet770 offer this market so why not look at SkyBet’s 10/11 on both sides to score. It has all the makings of an open game and this bet would have landed in 6 of the last 7 meetings between the two sides.

Selectabet’s Best Bet

• Both teams to score 10/11 (SkyBet)

That’s especially true for the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Gerard Houllier and Avram Grant, all 3 of whom have come under severe pressure after falling to disappointing defeats in midweek. They’ll be expected to overcome lower league opposition in the 3rd round but the same cannot be said for Roy Hodgson.

The beleagured Reds boss must take his side to Old Trafford on Sunday in an attempt to save his job (if he’s still got one by then) and restore some pride. It really could go either way for Hodgson on Sunday but such a tough tie so early in the competition makes Liverpool completely unbackable to lift the trophy at 22/1 with Betfred.

It also makes Man Utd a hard one to justify as joint favourites at 6/1 (Betfred, Blue Sq, Coral, Totesport) but they’ll have plenty of backers. With forthcoming challenges at the business end of the Premier League and Champions League ahead of them, Fergie would surely sacrifice the FA Cup ahead of the other two so look for some value elsewhere.

Also at 6/1 (888 Sport, Blue Sq) are Chelsea but you wouldn’t back them to win anything based on current form. I’ve got a feeling they’ll come good again but they’re not worth the money at those odds.

The biggest challenge in trying to pick an ante post winner of the FA Cup is trying to second guess those teams that will take the competition seriously. For their own reasons each of Arsenal, Man City and Spurs will relish the opportunity to lift the famous old trophy.

For Arsenal it might represent their best chance to end their trophy drought. 8/1 (Stan James) is decent value but away from home I think Arsenal are beatable on any given day and I’d rather wait until later in the tournament and if they’re still in there having a look then.

Man City need to get some silverware in the cabinet to prove that they’ve arrived. Some think they’ll be there or thereabouts in the Premier League come May and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t expect a decent run in the FA Cup too. Roberto Mancini proved in midweek that his catenaccio style can be very effective away from home. That might stand them in good stead should they find themselves drawn away against some of the other top dogs. But I can’t get too excited about odds of just 7/1 (Blue Sq, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power) so will be looking elsewhere.

And where I’ll be looking is Spurs. It’s a well known theory that Spurs always / only win the cup when the year ends in “1″, so the omens are good. They managed it an incredible 5 times in the 1900’s (1901, 1921, 1961, 1981, 1991) so why not 2011? Superstitions aside, in Harry Redknapp they’ve a boss who knows his way round this trophy. He took Spurs to within extra-time of the final last season, after having lifted the trophy 2 years previously with Portsmouth.

They’ve a decent start on Saturday and should get by Charlton with ease and I can’t see Harry not giving it all by selecting seriously weakened teams. After that, if they get a good draw, 10/1 (Betfred) could look very good value.

Selectabet’s Best Bet

• Spurs to win the FA Cup 10/1 (Betfred)