Wrexham can finish Brighton off

Tuesday sees five FA Cup third round replays with Wrexham, MK Dons and Macclesfield among those hopeful of causing an upset against higher-ranked opposition at the second time of asking (FA Cup – totesport).

Bolton V Macclesfield (Winners home to Swansea)

It’s been a season to forget for the Trotters (1/4 to win) and Saturday’s defeat at Manchester United in the league means they are just a point ahead of bottom-of-the table Wigan in 19th place.

So this is hardly the time to welcome League Two side Macclesfield (11/1) to the Reebok seeking a giant-killing.

The first game ended 2-2 a couple of weeks ago (draw 9/2 – match prices) and Macc will again fancy their chances of hurting a Bolton side short on confidence and quality at the minute.

It could end up going to extra time but back the Premier League strugglers to eventually book their place in the fourth round, if only just – with draw/draw – HT/FT at 15/2 worth a punt.

Prediction: Home win (aet).

QPR v MK Dons (Winners home to Chelsea)

Mark Hughes began his tenure in charge of Rangers with a narrow defeat at Newcastle on Sunday but he will have seen enough from his new side to believe they have enough to see off the Dons at home (QPR 4/5, MK Dons 10/3, draw 13/5 – match prices).

Like the Bolton-Macclesfield tie, this was heading for a shock until a late equaliser rescued the top-flight side but you sense MK Dons’ best chance of making it through and getting a crack at Chelsea in the fourth round has now gone.

Their players will be well rested after their home clash with Carlisle was called off on Saturday but, with the R’s squad out to impress their new boss, this should be a fairly comfortable home victory with QPR to win 3-0 at 12/1 particularly appealing.

Prediction: Home win.

Leicester v Nottingham Forest (Winners home to Swindon)

This East Midlands derby ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the City Ground earlier in the month so they go at it again at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday (Leicester 8/11, Forest 4/1, draw 5/2 – match prices).

The game may well come as a welcome distraction for struggling Forest, who were beaten 3-0 by Championship leaders Southampton on Saturday – a result that leaves them in the final relegation spot in the table.

Leicester also lost at home at the weekend, 2-1 against Barnsley, and are in desperate need of some inspiration following a disappointing season to date.

Nigel Pearson’s return as manager has not had the desired effect of moving them up the Championship and they remain firmly in mid-table, despite spending heavily in the summer and many back then tipping the Foxes for automatic promotion.

So a Cup run could be just what the doctor ordered for these two sleeping giants. Expect a tight game with Leicester just about squeezing through.

Prediction: Home win.

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Winners home to Southampton)

The Lions (2/5 to win – match prices) will probably still be in shock following the 6-0 home defeat against Birmingham City on Saturday so will be desperate to get that out of their system and see off League Two outfit Dagenham and Redbridge (15/2) in this replay.

The Daggers are in a relegation fight and lost 1-0 at home to Hereford on Saturday but will approach the trip to The Den with nothing to lose.

Expect a reaction from Kenny Jackett’s side, though, and another home win looks on the cards here.

Prediction: Home win

Wrexham v Brighton (winners home to Newcastle)

Welsh outfit Wrexham (7/4 – match prices) are enjoying a fine season in the Conference and stayed on course for a return to league football when they won 2-1 at Tamworth over the weekend – three points that moved them back to the top of the table.

Securing promotion is likely to be their priority this season but, with the prospect of a potential home date with Newcastle to play for in the fourth round, they will also be desperate to progress past Championship side Brighton (6/4).

This tie was another that ended 0-0 first time around and it should be tight again but there is scope to back the non-leaguers here to cause the upset of the night.

Prediction: Home win.

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