Possible 3rd-round shocks

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

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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Five possible weekend shocks…

It has been an unpredictable Premier League season to date and this weekend could throw up some more shocks with Spurs having every chance of taking the spoils from the north London derby (Tottenham 4/1 to beat Arsenal).

Arsenal have been impressive of late and have moved to within two points of Chelsea at the top of the table but they have already lost twice at the Emirates Stadium, and Spurs showed last time out that they are capable of taking sides apart when on form.

Form will count for little on Saturday lunchtime but with the man of the moment, Gareth Bale, in the ranks, then anything is possible for Harry’s men.

Birmingham are currently in the relegation zone but have lost just once at home all season while Chelsea have already lost twice on their travels.

This fixture would normally be put down as an away banker but the Blues of Stamford Bridge have hit a sticky patch with two defeats in their last three top-flight games.

With John Terry out of the running they are not the same side and Birmingham’s work ethic has never been in question. A draw would be a superb result for Alex McLeish’s men but do not rule out all three points staying in the West Midlands this weekend (Birmingham 9/2 to beat Chelsea).

It appeared as though Liverpool had turned the corner but the resurgence has come to a shuddering halt after defeat to Stoke last time out and now Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for four weeks.

They face a West Ham side who have won only once this season and have picked up just three points away from home to date.

While it is unlikely that Avram Grant’s men will pick up all three points from the trip to Anfield, a draw would be a shock result given the season the Hammers have had and we predict honours will be even on Merseyside (3/1 the draw).

Fulham are one of the teams at the wrong end of a tight Premier League table but are a much tougher nut to crack at Craven Cottage with just one defeat this term.

They host a Manchester City side who have won just one of their past five top-flight games and are seemingly at war with each other in the dressing room.

With the talent on show for both sides City should expect to win this one but Fulham boss Mark Hughes will want to get one over on the club that sacked him and will have his players pumped up for Sunday’s encounter by the Thames.

The Eastlands outfit are there for the taking and Fulham have it in them to shock their cash-rich Premier League rivals (Fulham 19/10 to beat City).

It is difficult to tip against the Old Firm in Scotland but Kilmarnock must have a great chance of upsetting Rangers at Rugby Park (Killie 7/1 to beat Rangers).

The Gers’ 3-0 home reverse to Hibs sent shockwaves through Scottish football while they were also held recently by Inverness at Ibrox.

Killie have enjoyed an up-and-down season to date but have taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three games and may cause a further shock for Walter Smith’s side this weekend.

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