I see many pundits are tipping Reading to kick my old team Aston Villa out of the cup but I’m completely the other way!  I have to believe Martin O’Neill’s men have the character to put last weeks Carling Cup Final defeat behind them advance to the Semi Finals.  This is a Villa team that has been wonderfully molded by their manager and they gave United all they could handle at Wembley before finally succumbing, with a blend of youth and pace that few can match.  Fair play to Reading! They have turned their season around after a dreadful start and already have put out top class opposition in getting this far but this is a step too far in my judgement.  Villa have been fantastic away from home all season and at 1.92 on the “Daq” I’m a serious backer!

After the sad events at the Britannia Stadium against Arsenal last week I think Stoke City will do well to keep their season on an even keel.  Moments such as the one that saw young Ramsay injured in the the challenge from Ryan Shawcross can have a real effect on a side, especially one as physical and aggressive as the Potters.  Chelsea have their own well documented problems but I cannot see the Blues losing at Stamford Bridge for a second consecutive week after getting turned over by Man City.  Chelsea are 1.3 on Betdaq as I write this and that doesn’t get me excited.  However the Asian handicap Line of 1.9 -1.5 goals is very appealing and i’d be staggered if Ancelloti can’t muster a convincing display from his superstars.

In Premier League action on Monday I think Liverpool will lay a beating out to Wigan at the DW stadium.  Regardless of the playing surface, the Reds will have far too much for the Latics whose lightweight syle of play sees them headed for a brawl for survival at the foot of the table.  1.66 about Liverpool is a winner in my book!

Join me in the week for more previews and action on the “Daq”

ALAN MCINALLY