History and the prices suggest it will be difficult for any club outside the usual suspects to win the FA Cup this season, but the third round showed there are still some shock results.
Following victory over Liverpool, Manchester United can be backed as the 4/1 favourites and it is not rocket science to make a case for the 11-times winners and seven-times runners-up.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side last won the trophy in 2004, but a kind draw away to League One promotion-hopefuls Southampton in round four means they should not have too many problems reaching the business end.
The each-way value might come by way of either Tottenham or Everton – and possibly Bolton.
Tottenham fans cling to the romance of years ending in the number one, so could this be the year the north Londoners get their hands on the trophy?
First, it would be folly to dismiss the threat of fourth-round opponents Fulham, but there is enough attacking intent to suggest Tottenham could come away with capital gains on the banks of the Thames.
Harry Redknapp, winner of the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, has created a shackles-off approach to winning football matches and Tottenham may view the competition as an ideal opportunity to get their hands on a major piece of silverware.
Tottenham have the third-best FA Cup record, winning the famour old trophy eight times, so Redknapp will be aware of its importance to seasoned White Hart Lane followers.
He also has enough match-winners at his disposal to know the Premier League top-four hopefuls can shock any of the big-guns on their day (Tottenham 13/2 – FA Cup Outright).
Everton have the small task of sending holders Chelsea packing but, like Tottenham, can turn it on against the Premier League heavyweights (14/1 Everton – FA Cup Outright).
They have already taken a point off Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea this season and beat Manchester City in their own backyard, so should not be questioned when it comes to upsetting the odds.
They have had a poor season domestically but the new year usually brings an upturn in fortunes in the blue half of Merseyside and stuttering Chelsea will not be rubbing their hands at the prospect of this awkward assignment.
Bolton, granted, are a price shout at 20/1 but the each-way value means they only – yes only – have to reach the final.
Wanderers have won new admirers under manager Owen Coyle and could be dangerous, if they first get past north-west rivals Wigan at the Reebok.
With the prospect of as many as five all top-flight ties, there will be some high-profile fallers but Bolton could just spring a surprise by slipping under the radar.
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