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Bluebirds to take down Eagles

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The thought of playing at Wembley must have been on the minds of most players from Crystal Palace and Cardiff City over the festive period as one of these sides will grace the turf at the home of football in the Carling Cup final this season (Crystal Palace 17/10, draw 23/10, Cardiff 8/5 in the match betting).

These two Championship teams are currently preparing for the first leg of their semi-final encounter on Tuesday, when the Bluebirds and their fans make the trip across the Welsh border to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

Cardiff go into this game having been unable to imitate their Carling Cup form in the FA Cup as they crashed out in the third round of the competition with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Premier League outfit West Brom last weekend.

The Bluebirds welcome back veteran defender Kevin McNaughton for the trip to the capital with the versatile player returning to action after three matches out with a calf strain.

Cardiff managed to beat Blackburn Rovers in the quarter-final of the competition to reach the final four and they ultimately sacrificed their hopes of continuing in the FA Cup by resting players for this game against the Eagles.

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman is expected to make a host of chances after employing the same tactic as his opposite number on Tuesday – Malky Mackay – by playing a weakened side in their 1-0 FA Cup defeat against Derby County.

A host of unnamed players have come down with a bug this week which has delayed Freedman naming his squad that will look to take down a Bluebirds’ side who have lost just one game in their last 13 in the Championship.

The last time these two sides met was back in November and it was Mackay’s men who came out on top, with a 2-0 victory at the Cardiff City Stadium as their star men came to the fore.

Scotland striker Kenny Miller (6/1 First Goalscorer) and Peter Whittingham were on target for the home side that day and they will once again be a threat for Palace on Tuesday in what should be open game.

The Eagles have threats of their own with Wilfried Zaha (8/1 First Goalscorer) becoming a highly rated player at Selhurst Park and looks set to cause the Cardiff defence problems.

Darren Ambrose who scored the wonder strike to put Palace through to the last four of the Carling Cup is another standout player, as his goal knocked out Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in the upset of the tournament this season.

This should be a close encounter as Palace have come on leaps and bounds this term under the leadership of Freedman.

However Cardiff are in fine form and with their decent record at Selhurst Park – having lost just once on their last five visits, they should take a lead back to Wales for the second leg.

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Three already look doomed

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With 20 games now gone in the Premier League this season for all clubs apart from Tottenham and Everton, there are five sides who need to start winning now if they are to escape the drama of the relegation dogfight sooner rather than later.

Just three points separate rock-bottom Blackburn and fifth-from-bottom Wolves, with QPR, Bolton and Wigan sandwiched between the Ewood Park and Molineux outfits, although there is every chance teams higher in the table could plummet in the second half of the season.

However, for now the alarms bells will be ringing at the current bottom five, with transfer-window dealings and managerial changes very much on the footballing agenda.

WOLVES

Mick McCarthy’s men are in trouble largely because of a terrible away record which shows they have won just once in ten games and have scored just eight times on the road.

But they have already been to the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, so surely things will only get better.

Time will tell but a trip to Tottenham this weekend is unlikely to see them start edging their way up the table.

Drop odds: 6/4

Verdict: DOWN

QPR

The Loftus Road outfit have ‘blinked first’ after sacking Neil Warnock on Sunday and now it seems Mark Hughes will succeed him in the W12 hot seat.

‘Sparky’ will need to hit the ground running to halt the Hoops’ alarming run of bad form – especially at home – although his record will command instant respect in the dressing room.

QPR need a striker, centre-half and midfielder as a bare minimum in January to give the squad a boost, while Hughes must get the best out of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Adel Taarabt to name just two players.

Drop odds: 15/8

Verdict: SAFE

BOLTON

The Trotters thumped QPR on the opening day in London but it has been downhill all the way ever since and it looks like star defender Gary Cahill will be on his way this month.

Boss Owen Coyle has a lot of players out of contract in the summer and has already told many of them they are playing for their futures.

But their chance to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere from January 1 might just backfire on the club and make the slide into the Championship a very possible outcome.

Drop odds: 4/6

Verdict: DOWN

WIGAN

Roberto Martinez seems to enjoy a close relationship with chairman Dave Whelan and it has already survived more than one brush with the drop out of the Premier League.

Somehow Latics seems to carve out results when they need them and it would be a foolish man to doubt the talents of the Spaniard to motivate his men.

Wigan only really get by thanks to Whelan and the fact they have sold on players for big profits and that brings its own problems, but relegation can be staved off again this time around.

Drop odds: 1/2

Verdict: SAFE

BLACKBURN

The fact Warnock went before unpopular Scot Steve Kean is a fact many football fans will be struggling to get their heads around this week.

Add into the mix the fact Rovers have  beaten Arsenal and Manchester United in just three Premier League wins all season and the head scratching could lead to borderline insanity.

However, Kean, who also got a pay rise at the end of 2011, remains in a job and would surely have gone before now if owners Venky’s did not think he was the right man.

Drop odds: 1/2

Verdict: DOWN

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Henry back to torment Leeds

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The FA Cup always throws up one or two shocks along the way with Wigan already dumped out by League Two Swindon, while Macclesfield were denied a Premier League scalp by a late Bolton equaliser – although the betting suggests we would be in for the biggest surprise yet if it were to happen on Monday night when Arsenal host Leeds United.

The Gunners are 1/4 favourites to make it through to the fourth round at the first attempt, while Leeds are on offer at 11/1 to enjoy the romance of the cup with the draw priced at 9/2 in the match betting.

It is hard to argue with the betting given that Arsene Wenger’s men have been an elite team in the country for many a season, while the Elland Road outfit are trying to make their way back to the top-flight from League One football just two seasons ago.

There will be those who fancy the price on the away win as in that promotion season, Leeds famously beat Manchester United at Old Trafford 1-0 in the third round, while they also took Tottenham to a replay the same year after a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.

Last season, the Whites were at it again and held this year’s third-round opponents to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, before losing 3-1 in the replay back on home territory.

That previous form may tempt some, but Leeds have endured a difficult run in the Championship of late with a 2-1 home win over Burnley last time out ending a three-match losing streak.

Simon Grayson’s men do still remain in play-off contention but, because of that, it might pay to see what line-up Grayson puts out against the Gunners, particularly with injuries beginning to take their toll.

Centre-back Paddy Kisnorbo has picked up a knee injury which will keep him out for the rest of the season, while fellow defenders Tom Lees and Alex Bruce are struggling to make it.

Captain Jonny Howson and playmaker Robert Snodgrass are also amongst those on the injury list, which is making the case for a shock win all the more difficult, even with a host of changes expected for Arsenal.

Defensively the Gunners are down to the bare bones with Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos all ruled out through injury, while Johan Djourou is suspended.

Robin van Persie has been on fire for the Gunners this season and has single-handedly kept them in the Champions League hunt, and he has unsurprisingly been installed as the 9/4 favourite to be the First/Last Goalscorer.

The latter of those is more viable as the Dutch striker is expected to be rested for this tie so there could and should be more value elsewhere – and Thierry Henry is worth considering at 9/4 First/Last and 5/4 Anytime as he is set to start on his return to the Gunners.

Marouane Chamakh is also available as Wenger has successfully delayed his departure to join up with the Morocco squad for the African Cup of Nations and may be worth a punt at 5/1 First/Last.

There has generally been a glut of goals between these two in recent meetings and, with both defences shorn of key players, there should be more on Monday evening, which is reflected in the betting – Over 2.5 Goals at 4/9, and 4 or more goals at 6/5.

Providing Arsenal do not get caught up in Henry’s return, they should have too much for an injury-hit Leeds side to cope with, although an away goal cannot be ruled out (Arsenal 3-1 Correct Score 10/1).

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Five potential big-money moves

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With the January transfer window now firmly open, bosses up and down the country are checking available funds and players, as they look for a key buy to help them in the second half of the season. Here we look at five potential big deals.

Last January was an unusually active transfer window in the Premier League with plenty of business conducted by some of the top clubs. Liverpool landed Luis Suarez, but then lost Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million which prompted the sensational last-day purchase of Andy Carroll from Newcastle for £35m. But will there be similar drama this month?

1. Darren Bent – Aston Villa to Liverpool?

Liverpool (9/4 – Top 4 finish) are again in the hunt for a goalscorer with Suarez serving his eight-match ban and the aforementioned Carroll not looking like a man capable of replacing the Uruguayan and his goals. They have been linked with a big-money swoop for Bent, who himself only left Sunderland for Villa 12 months ago.

The Reds have certainly enquired about the England man but Villa steadfastly say he will not be sold. However, a bid over £15million could tempt the Midlanders and this one could have legs.

2. Cheik Tiote – Newcastle to Man City?

Despite signing a new long-term contract in February, the Ivory Coast star has attracted attention from all the top clubs following some outstanding displays for the Magpies (66/1 – Top 4 finish) this term.

The midfielder is now heading to the African Cup of Nations but speculation is growing that he will not be a Toon player when he returns.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and now City (4/9 Premier League outright) have all been linked with him and the latest reports suggest Roberto Mancini wants Tiote and is prepared to pay up to £25million for his services.

3. Jack Rodwell – Everton to Chelsea or Manchester United?

The Everton youngster has long been on the radar of United with boss Sir Alex Ferguson a confirmed admirer of the midfielder, who earned his first England cap at the end of last year.

David Moyes has constantly denied reports he is prepared to sell the starlet, but privately knows he could get something in the region of £15-20million for him – money he desperately needs to strengthen his threadbare squad.

The Toffees boss has admitted he may need to sell before he can buy and the thinking is Rodwell could be sacrificed for the greater good at Goodison Park and, with Chelsea (1/2 – Top 4 finish) also interested, a deal could well be on the cards this month.

4. Andrey Arshavin – Arsenal to Zenit St Petersburg or Galatasaray?

The Russian star, who moved to north London from Zenit St Petersburg in a £17.5million deal three years ago, has fallen out of favour at the Emirates and looks a pale shadow of the player he was when Arsene Wenger brought him to the club (Arsenal 11/8 – Top 4 finish).

Arshavin has struggled with form and injuries over the past year and Wenger is reportedly happy to let him go for £12million in order to fund other buys from elsewhere.

The return of Thierry Henry could also be seen as sign Arshavin’s exit is imminent and there will be plenty of interest in the forward should it emerge he is surplus to requirements.

Plenty of sides back in his homeland are keen, with a return to Zenit the most likely, while Turkish giants Galatasaray have also targeted the talented, but inconsistent, 30-year-old.

5. Chris Samba – Blackburn to Spurs?

Samba first handed in a transfer request a year ago but never got his move away and has been forced to stay at Ewood Park, watching as Rovers struggle under embattled boss Steve Kean.

He has plenty of admirers in the Premier League, with Arsenal interested last year, but now Spurs (10/1 Premier League outright) have emerged as the frontrunners for the DR Congo international.

Harry Redknapp has confirmed he is looking at luring the centre-back to White Hart Lane and Samba is said to be desperate to secure a move, with QPR and Chelsea also monitoring the situation.

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United out to derail City

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The FA Cup continues on Sunday with the tie of the round as Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium for the huge clash with Manchester United. The day’s other fixtures throws up some tasty matches, with a repeat of the 2010 final and a tough test for Martin O’Neill’s revival of Sunderland.

Manchester City v Manchester United 1pm

For the first time in a very long time City will head into a Manchester derby as favourites off the back of a fantastic 2011. Totesport price Roberto Mancini’s men at 11/10 to dump United out of the FA Cup for the second year running after turning them over 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season. City also grabbed the headlines when the two teams met at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals, Mancini’s men winning 1-0 on their way to ultimate glory.

The Etihad faithful will be eagerly anticipating Sunday’s match given the recent history between the two teams, and the club’s respective form. United are looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions after a disastrous New Year period where they were beaten by Blackburn and Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were abject in defeat at St James’ Park and alarm bells will be ringing inside Fergie’s head going into this clash.

While Mancini’s men were defeated by Sunderland on New Year’s Day they did recover to beat Liverpool 3-0. The Italian claims he is struggling for players for this clash which is surely a bit of kidology given all of United’s injury problems at the moment. One player who will be a big miss for City is Yaya Toure and without him they will lack the driving force which has carried them through a few games this season. As such sitting on the fence might be a smart option here, with the draw priced at 12/5.

Chelsea v Portsmouth 3pm

The last time these two clubs met was in the final of the FA Cup in 2010, Chelsea edging out Portsmouth to complete the double that year. In the time that has passed since that encounter Pompey nearly went out of business and are currently at the wrong end of the Championship table, while Chelsea are struggling to stay in the top four in the Premier League. The Blues have struggled under Andre Villas-Boas this season, with a lack of goals and defensive slip ups hampering Chelsea’s season.

Portsmouth will look at Chelsea’s form this season, especially their results at home, and think they are in with a chance. Pompey boss Michael Appleton has talked up the importance of this game but knows his main focus has to be keeping the south cost club up this season. The Championship outfit have only lost only one of the last 7 but Chelsea should have too much for them. Chelsea to win 3-1 is priced at 10/1 and two or more goals by half-time at 11/10 might also be a sound investment.

Peterborough v Sunderland 3:30pm

When the draw was made this game was picked for television coverage because Sunderland were sliding towards the bottom three under Steve Bruce and it seemed an upset would be on the cards. Since then Martin O’Neill has come to the Stadium of Light and turned things around, helping the Black Cats pick up 13 points from a possible 18. O’Neill says he is looking forward to a distraction from the league in the form of Sunday’s cup contest but admits he might be forced to make changes.

Sunderland have a crippling injury crisis and there may be a few unknown faces in their starting eleven at London Road. Whoever plays for the Wearsiders they shouldn’t underestimate a Peterborough side who appear to be on the up.

Darren Ferguson’s men were desperately unlucky not to beat Birmingham City last time out and have some good players in their team in Ryan Tunncliffe, Tommy Rowe and George Boyd. The Posh are 11/4 to beat Sunderland, a price which might tempt many to back the underdogs. However, while Peterborough have enough to match Sunderland you get the impression the way the Black Cats are going a draw, at 12/5, is the best they can hope for. Sunderland at even money looks to be your best bet.

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Madrid to start 2012 with success

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After the traditional winter break, Spanish football saw one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season on Tuesday as Real Madrid recovered from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 Copa Del Rey victory over Malaga. Jose Mourinho and his side now turn their attention to the league with their first La Liga fixture of the year on Saturday at home to minnows Granada (Real Madrid 1/14, draw 9/1, Granada 25/1).

Mourinho once again showed his ruthless streak in the Malaga match, making all three of his substitutions at half-time and the players he introduced all made a big difference. You can expect that trio of Benzema, Ozil and Khedira to be recalled to the starting XI at the weekend.

Of these three, Benzema (2/3 to score at anytime) will have the biggest point to prove as he continues to cement his place in the side ahead of Argentine Gonzalo Higuain. After a difficult first two seasons in Spain, where he struggled to adapt both on and off the pitch, Benzema is now one of the world’s premier strikers and has led the line with aplomb this term, scoring 14 goals in all competitions. Its pretty hard not to see him adding to his tally on Saturday and he’ll be looking for a big performance at the Bernabeu to help his side get 2012 off to the perfect start in the league.

Granada will be heading to the capital with little hope of winning and will view the match as a ‘damage limitation’ exercise. Fabri Gonzalez’s side have done well since their promotion and hold one of the best defensive records in the league. This has helped them rise to 13th in the league but it is at the other end of the pitch where they have struggled and they’re currently the lowest scorers in the competition.

However, they will certainly not lie down, especially after Madrid’s poor defensive display in the cup, and will look at Ikechukwu Uche (13/2 to score at anytime) as their best chance of breaking the Madrid rearguard. Uche is a well-travelled striker, having previously played for a number of top flight clubs in the last few seasons where he has always managed to find the net. The Nigerian has only scored once this season but has a habit of popping up with crucial goals and could find himself on the scoresheet.

However, Madrid should win this game and will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table ahead of Barcelona’s match on Sunday. All their stars will be looking to make an impact as they look to get their 2012 campaigns off to a good start so expect a comfortable Madrid win (Madrid 11/1 to win 6-1).

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Blues hungry for Wolves test

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It is FA Cup third round weekend and Saturday throws up a whole host of interesting ties, but we will take a look at the trio of games which sees three Premier League sides running the risk of an early exit at the hands of Championship opposition.

BIRMINGHAM v WOLVES (12.30pm)

The early kick-off at St Andrew’s on Saturday see Chris Hughton’s Birmingham looking to take the scalp of their Midlands rivals and Premier League strugglers Wolves.

It would not be a major shock if the Blues did come out on top given that they lifted the Carling Cup and were amongst England’s elite last season before being relegated on the final day of the campaign in May.

Wolves escaped the drop courtesy of a better goal difference and have continued to struggle in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, the Blues will no doubt fancy their chances of some revenge here, as they welcome back fit-again duo Jordon Mutch and Liam Ridgewell, given that they are unbeaten in 11 games on home soil and have lost once in front of their own fans all season to date.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, who has not seen his side win in their last six league and cup games, could make several changes as his priority is Premier League survival.

Therefore, newcomers Emmanuel Frimpong and Eggert Jonsson may get a start, but Nenad Milijas is still missing as he will serve the third game of a three-match ban.

Wolves have only won away twice this term – in their opening two matches on the road at Blackburn and in the Carling Cup against Northampton – so Birmingham will feel they are there for the taking.

However, when the sides last met in the FA Cup in January 2009, it was Wolves who came out on top at St Andrews 2-0.

A tight game awaits, but with home advantage for Birmingham, we feel the Championship side could come out on top here.

Prediction: Home 90 Minutes @ 11/8
Value Bet: Marlon King 1st Goal Birmingham 2-1 Scorecast @ 35/1

NORWICH V BURNLEY (3pm)

Paul Lambert’s Canaries will be looking to take their good Premier League form into this cup clash against Eddie Howe’s Clarets, who have also been in decent form of late in the Championship.

However, Norwich have not got history on their side having only progressed past the third round once in the past eight seasons, with Leyton Orient coming out on top at Carrow Road 12 months ago.

Lambert is still without full-back Marc Tierney and on-loan Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet due to respective injury problems, while loan man Kyle Naughton is ineligible.

But the chances are the City chief will hand several of his senior players the weekend off following a hectic festive fixture programme.

That could allow Burnley an opportunity to spring a surprise result as Howe is set to be without the banned full-back Kieran Trippier and injured defender Michael Duff for the trip to Norfolk.

The two sides have never met in the FA Cup before, but Burnley are unbeaten in their previous four league matches, while as for recent form, they have won six of their last eight Championship games so will be confident.

The game could hinge on how many changes Lambert elects to make as Burnley would be capable of winning the match if the Canaries are weakened too much.

But we will give him the benefit of the doubt when he said earlier in the week that he would be sending out an XI he feels can see them through to the fourth round draw.

Prediction: Home 90 Minutes @ 10/11
Value Bet: Burnley/Norwich HT /FT @ 25/1

WEST BROM V CARDIFF (3pm)

A cracking game lies in wait at the Hawthorns as an inconsistent West Brom side go up against Malky Mackay’s high-flying Championship side for the right to progress to FA Cup round four.

Roy Hodgson’s Baggies go into the game without a win or goal in their last three Premier League outings, while they will also be wary of the fact that they have crashed out of the FA Cup against Cardiff’s Championship rivals Reading in the previous two seasons.

Add to that an injury crisis for the hosts, with Chris Brunt, Zoltan Gera, Shane Long, Steven Reid, Jonas Olsson, Jerome Thomas, James Morrison and Youssouf Mulumbu all set to miss out, and Cardiff will be scenting an upset.

The 2008 finalists also have a good recent record against Albion with two wins and three draws in their last five encounters.

Mackay should be boosted by the return of Kevin McNaughton after a calf injury so Craig Conway might have to settle for a place on the bench along with Stephen McPhail and former West Brom striker Robert Earnshaw.

The only conundrum for Mackay is that his side have a Carling Cup semi-final first leg tie against Crystal Palace coming up on Tuesday and that could well affect his team selection plans for this tie.

It is difficult to choose between he two sides and, while neither side will want one, we can see a possible replay on the cards.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 11/4
Value Bet: 2-2 Correct Score @ 14/1

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Friday night football action

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Bet on the FA CupThe Premier League and Championship take a break this weekend as the FA Cup takes centre-stage, and Liverpool will be bidding to avoid an upset on Friday night as they host League One outfit Oldham Athletic.

The Latics sit comfortably in mid-table at present, 10 points clear of the relegation zone and seven points away from the play-off spots.  Oldham boss Paul Dickov is expected to name his strongest possible line-up for the trip to Anfield and former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Shefki Kuqi will lead the line. Finnish frontman Kuqi is Oldham’s top scorer and his size and presence could trouble the Reds defence – if the Latics can provide him with the service he needs.

However, it is hard to see anything other than a Liverpool victory in this particular fixture, even if boss Kenny Dalglish chooses to rest his star men. Youngsters such as Sebastian Coates and Jonjo Shelvey are expected to be included in the starting line-up as Dalglish shuffles his pack, but talisman Steven Gerrard may feature in some capacity as he continues to work his way back to full fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez could be involved in the starting XI after struggling to secure regular action this season, while Alexander Doni will replace Pepe Reina in goal. Liverpool are 1/8 to secure the win, while the draw can be backed at 7/1 and an Oldham victory, which would be a massive upset, is priced at 18/1.  Liverpool can be backed at 7/1 to land the FA Cup this season, Chelsea are 5/1 and Manchester City are priced at 13/2.

There are two other domestic fixtures on Friday night and League One title chasers Huddersfield will be looking to put the pressure on the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic when they travel to lowly Wycombe.  Wednesday and the Addicks are both involved in the cup so Huddersfield can close the gap at the top if they manage to secure all three points.

The Yorkshire outfit have drawn their previous two matches and will be desperate to get back to winning ways to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive. In contrast, Wycombe are involved in the relegation dogfight and are currently two points adrift of safety. The Chairboys have lost their previous two fixtures and have failed to score in both, and their struggles could well continue when Huddersfield visit.

Town striker Jordan Rhodes is in sensational form at present and can be backed at 5/4 to score at any time, or 7/1 to score two or more.  Huddersfield are 10/11 to take all three points, while a Wycombe win is available at 11/4 and a draw can be backed at 13/5.

In League Two Burton Albion host Accrington Stanley in a crucial promotion encounter. Burton currently occupy the last play-off spot in the table and Stanley are just four points behind Paul Peschisolido’s side, who have slumped of late. The Brewers slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to relegation threatened Hereford last time out and have managed just one win in their last four games.

While Burton are struggling Accrington are in the midst of a rich vein of form and are unbeaten in their last nine fixtures, winning six and drawing three. Burton are 10/11 to take all three points but considering Stanley’s recent form an away win at 12/5 could well be the best bet in this Friday night contest, the draw is available at 12/5.

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Possible 3rd-round shocks

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With the FA Cup third round coming up this weekend, here we look at five potential shocks with Premier League reputations on the line on what is traditionally one of the most exciting dates on the football calendar.

1. Gillingham v Stoke (Sat 3pm)

This has all the hallmarks of a giant-killing (Gillingham 7/2 in the match betting) with in-form League Two side Gillingham hoping to catch the Potters (8/13) cold at the Priestfield Stadium.

The Gills are currently sixth in League Two and are well placed to mount a promotion challenge in the second half of the season. Andy Hessenthaler’s side are currently on a four-game winning streak, are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and will relish the opportunity of testing themselves against a Premier League side.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is likely to rotate his squad and, with a Europa League knockout campaign to come in 2012, will not shed a tear if they exit the FA Cup at the first hurdle.

2. Fulham v Charlton (Sat 3pm)

Craven Cottage hosts a London derby in the third round when League One leaders Charlton visit on Saturday afternoon looking to claim a Premier League scalp (Charlton 11/2 in the match betting).

Chris Powell’s side have enjoyed an impressive first half to the season and will approach this tie with nothing to lose against Martin Jol’s side (2/5, draw 3/1).

The Addicks are five points clear at the top of League One, losing just twice all season, and have plenty of talent in their squad to trouble Fulham.

Again, expect the Premier League side to make changes with so-called more important games coming up and back Charlton to come away with a narrow win, take 0-1 at 12/1.

3. Swindon v Wigan (Sat 3pm)

Swindon boss Paolo di Canio will relish pitting his wits against Wigan counterpart Roberto Martinez in this clash at the County Ground.

Town are well in contention for a promotion place in League Two, sitting in fourth and, with home advantage against the Latics, are well worth backing to come out on top in this tie at 9/4.

For Wigan (EVENS), this represents a tough test but Martinez’s priority is undoubtedly to remain in the Premier League and, with that in mind, a big shock could well be on the cards in Wiltshire.

4. Birmingham v Wolves (Sat 12.30pm)

Although this would not go down as big an upset as some of the others, Championship side Blues beating Premier League Wolves would still count as a shock if Chris Hughton’s men can see off their West Midlands rivals at St Andrew’s.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has often played a weakened side in the FA Cup in order to rest players for league games and he is expected to make changes for this one to make it a more even contest – a prediction that is reflected in the odds with Blues narrow favourites at 5/4 with Wolves 7/4 to win.

Hughton’s side are out of the Europa League so only have a play-off charge to contend with in the second half of the season so will give their all to make it into the fourth round.

5. Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa (Sat 5.30pm)

Alex McLeish takes his inconsistent Villa side (8/15 to win) to the West Country on Saturday evening knowing a defeat would increase the pressure on him among the club’s restless fans.

This is a side that can go to Chelsea and win impressively but then surrender without so much as a fight at home to Swansea immediately afterwards.

There is no doubt Villa have a talented squad when they gel but all too often this season they haven’t and have looked a disjointed outfit for much of the campaign.

Rovers can exploit their weaknesses even though they have their own problems and sacked boss Paul Buckle earlier this week.

With a new manager to impress, the Pirates’ players will be going all out to prove they have a future at the club and can claim a memorable upset at odds of 4/1 in this one.

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Possible FA Cup 3rd-round shocks

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With the FA Cup third round coming up this weekend, here we look at five potential shocks with Premier League reputations on the line on what is traditionally one of the most exciting dates on the football calendar.

1. Gillingham v Stoke (Sat 3pm)

This has all the hallmarks of a giant-killing (Gillingham 7/2 in the match betting) with in-form League Two side Gillingham hoping to catch the Potters (8/13) cold at the Priestfield Stadium.

The Gills are currently sixth in League Two and are well placed to mount a promotion challenge in the second half of the season. Andy Hessenthaler’s side are currently on a four-game winning streak, are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and will relish the opportunity of testing themselves against a Premier League side.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is likely to rotate his squad and, with a Europa League knockout campaign to come in 2012, will not shed a tear if they exit the FA Cup at the first hurdle.

2. Fulham v Charlton (Sat 3pm)

Craven Cottage hosts a London derby in the third round when League One leaders Charlton visit on Saturday afternoon looking to claim a Premier League scalp (Charlton 11/2 in the match betting).

Chris Powell’s side have enjoyed an impressive first half to the season and will approach this tie with nothing to lose against Martin Jol’s side (2/5, draw 3/1).

The Addicks are five points clear at the top of League One, losing just twice all season, and have plenty of talent in their squad to trouble Fulham.

Again, expect the Premier League side to make changes with so-called more important games coming up and back Charlton to come away with a narrow win, take 0-1 at 12/1.

3. Swindon v Wigan (Sat 3pm)

Swindon boss Paolo di Canio will relish pitting his wits against Wigan counterpart Roberto Martinez in this clash at the County Ground.

Town are well in contention for a promotion place in League Two, sitting in fourth and, with home advantage against the Latics, are well worth backing to come out on top in this tie at 9/4.

For Wigan (EVENS), this represents a tough test but Martinez’s priority is undoubtedly to remain in the Premier League and, with that in mind, a big shock could well be on the cards in Wiltshire.

4. Birmingham v Wolves (Sat 12.30pm)

Although this would not go down as big an upset as some of the others, Championship side Blues beating Premier League Wolves would still count as a shock if Chris Hughton’s men can see off their West Midlands rivals at St Andrew’s.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has often played a weakened side in the FA Cup in order to rest players for league games and he is expected to make changes for this one to make it a more even contest – a prediction that is reflected in the odds with Blues narrow favourites at 5/4 with Wolves 7/4 to win.

Hughton’s side are out of the Europa League so only have a play-off charge to contend with in the second half of the season so will give their all to make it into the fourth round.

5. Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa (Sat 5.30pm)

Alex McLeish takes his inconsistent Villa side (8/15 to win) to the West Country on Saturday evening knowing a defeat would increase the pressure on him among the club’s restless fans.

This is a side that can go to Chelsea and win impressively but then surrender without so much as a fight at home to Swansea immediately afterwards.

There is no doubt Villa have a talented squad when they gel but all too often this season they haven’t and have looked a disjointed outfit for much of the campaign.

Rovers can exploit their weaknesses even though they have their own problems and sacked boss Paul Buckle earlier this week.

With a new manager to impress, the Pirates’ players will be going all out to prove they have a future at the club and can claim a memorable upset at odds of 4/1 in this one.

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