Leeds

Will we see a famous upset in Arsenal v Leeds FA Cup betting? Leeds have made a nuisance of themselves against Premier League opposition in cup meetings over the past few years, and now the Championship side get another chance to claim a big scalp. Leeds head to the Emirates in the capital to face Arsenal, and while Leeds’ form has dropped from a strong start to their league campaign, one thing you can be assured of, is that they will give the Gunners a tough game. Many would be calling this match even closer if it was being played at Elland Road, but Leeds are a decent side who will scrap and work hard. They were running along in the Championship at a fine old pace, before a run of three defeats in December saw them stutter badly. Still, they had amassed enough points to keep them in eighth place with dreams still of getting back into England’s top flight. They ran out 2-1 winners over Barnsley last weekend, so at least they will have gotten some confidence back from that. Boss Simon Grayson will have his crew ready, and with the scoring power of Ross McCormack up front, along with great support from Robert Snodgrass, there could be a few scary moments for the Arsenal back four. Leeds are really capable, with spirit and character, of giving Arsenal a really good game at the Emriates on Monday night. Will the Third Round close with a bang?

Arsenal have gotten back on their feet after torrid start to the new season, when boss Arsene Wenger was under increasing pressure. However, that is all long forgotten now as the Gunners have pulled themselves up into fifth. Once their extremely fragile looking defence had shaped up, Arsenal really haven’t looked back. Up front Robin van Persie is doing everything on his own, with only support coming from Gervinho with four goals. The flying Dutchman has netted seventeen league goals this season, and without him, Arsenal would be struggling. The Gunners though haven’t been quite as fluent of late in the League, losing two and drawing one of their last five league matches. While Arsenal’s defence is leap years better than what it was at the start of the season, it is one which is still prone to conceding a goal here and there. Clean sheets don’t come all too often with Arsenal, and that will give Leeds something huge to pounce on. If the visitors steal in with a break away goal, then Arsenal will have a real game on their hands. However, the class which Arsenal do have, along with Leeds having conceded a lot of away goals this season, should see the Gunners through safely at the end of the day. This is one fixture which they will want to get out of the way, and not have to face a messy trip back up to Leeds for a replay, so Arsenal should see Robin van Persie guiding them forward to the fourth round of the FA Cup. That is what the bookies are predicting in Arsenal v Leeds FA Cup betting, a tough match, but one which Arsenal should get the job done in.

Arsenal v Leeds FA Cup Betting
Arsenal to win: 3/10 at William Hill
Draw: 5/1 at Boylesports
Leeds to win: 11/1 at BetFred

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Saturday 25th November

English Premier League

Arsenal v Fulham

A Lodon derby at the Emirates between inform Arsenal and Fulham is the early evening kick off on Saturday.

After an horrendous start to the season which culminated in an 8-2 thrashing by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsenal’s form has picked up dramatically in recent weeks. From their last 13 matches in all competitions they have failed to win just two of them – one in the league and one in Europe. The only match they did lose was the North London derby against Spurs at White Hart Lane. That defeat was back in early October which means they are on a run of nine games without defeat winning eight of those. Their last home defeat was against Liverpool in August and despite their early season troubles, it was, to date its the only loss they have suffered on their own patch this season. They have, in actual fact, won nine of their following ten matches at home which is an excellent record by anyone’s standards. Their good form see’s them sitting in 7th place at the moment, three points off the fourth Champions League spot which is surely their aim at this stage of the campaign.

Fulham have been diasppointing thus far and are edging ever closer towards the dreaded relegation zone. Last weekend’s draw with Sunderland was one of the most boring fixtures that have been played in a long time. Fulham had a couple of chances to win the game but it would have been harsh on Sunderland who dominated for large spells. It now means Martin Jol’s side have won just two of their 12 Premie League matches which means they sit only above four sides in the division. Jol has had a reputation of playing attractive, attacking football at his previous clubs including Spurs. That doesn’t seem to be the case at his current club, however, despite the amount of attacking talent that he has at his disposal. One of their victories has come away from home so there is a little crumb of comfort for the travelling fans but it’s only the smallest of crumbs as their record away to Arsenal is terrible – they have yet to win. From 25 games they have lost 22 and managed just three draws.

There is not a man in World Football who is in better form than Robin Van Persie. The Dutch striker has really came to the fore in 2011 and his run of form has conincided with his longest injury free spell for years. From 33 matches this calendar year, Van Persie has scored 31 goals. Arsenal have scored 15 goals in their last five games of which Van Persie has scored two thirds of them. There is little doubt that the Gunners have adopted a different style of play this season since losing Cesc Fabregas in the summer and it’s suited their striker in form. Theo Walcott’s direct play from the wide areas as well as Mikel Arteta’s and Aaron Ramsey’s distribution from the middle of the park has allowed Van Persie to get more chances and with his confidence so high and finishing so clinical, he is not missing too many at the moment.

Fulham paid a big fee for Brian Ruiz who arrived from Dutch side Twente in the last transfer window. He has taken some time to adapt to his new club, so much so that despite the large fee he has been unable to command a regular starting spot and has just one goal to his name. Bobby Zamora remains Fulham’s biggest threat and despite not scoring as many as he would have liked he is still very much in the thoughts of England manager Fabio Capello. Zamora lined up in his country’s recent 1-0 victory over Sweden at Wembley and will be hoping to kick on between now and the end of the season and stake a claim for a place in the Euro 2012 squad.

There can only be one winner for me on Saturday evening and I envisage a comfortable home win. The 1/2 available may well tempt many but to make it a little more attractive, go for Van Persie to score anytime and his side to take all three points.

My Selection: Robin Van Persie to score at anytime and Arsenal to win

Best odds available: 13/10 available with Betfred

English Championship

Leeds United v Barsnley

Another derby but this time it’s of the Yorkshire variety as promotion chasing Leeds entertain their near neighbours Barsnley at Elland Road.

Leeds have been in and around the play-off zone for much of the season and after narrowly missing out at the end of last season, will be even more determined to ensure they last the pace this time around. Simon Grayson has had to contend with losing key players throuhgout his time in charge at Leeds but he still manages to keep churning results out and keep his side competitive with the other sides looking gain promotion to the Premier League. The Championship is as competitive as ever this season so it will be close come May when the top six will be set in stone but currently sitting fifth and with a couple of points to spare, it’s looking positive for Leeds. What will be especially pleasing for Grayson and their prospects of sustaining their challenge is that their away form is just as good as their home record. He will be hoping that his players can make amends for their last home match which resulted in a 5-0 thumping from Blackpool. In actual fact, Leeds have not won a home match since the 1st of October.

Barnsley’s aim at the start of the season will have been to remain in the division but they will be hoping to do that as early as possible and then look to finish as high as possible. 17 matches into the season and they are sitting in 15th position with a healthy 21 points. Their last match was a 2-0 win over another Yorkshire side in the shape of bottom club Doncaster at Oakwell. Tomorrow’s match will be a totally different prospect but they will make the short journey to Elland Road in good heart after that win. Their away form does leave a lot to be desired however as it’s now six games without a win on the road. They have lost their last three matches against Portsmouth, Cardiff and Brighton so they, along with tomorrow’s opponents, have something to prove and rectify. Their sole win on the road came back in August when they got the better of Reading in a 2-1 victory.

Leeds have won their last two games since being thrashed 5-0 at the beginning of the month. A 1-0 victory over Leciester was followed by a come from behind 2-1 success against Burnley last Saturday. At the heart of both of those wins and most of the good things about Leeds this season has been Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack. The Scottish internationalists have scored 13 goals between them in the League this season and their fitness and form will be vital as Leeds look to cement their positive league position.

Barnsley have not faired too badly against Leeds in recent times and have managed to accumulate eight points from their last four meetings – two wins and two draws. Goals were a common theme last season in this fixture with a total of 13 goals shared between the sides so there is reason to believe that there may well be goals tomorrow. That hope is enhanced further with the amount of goals that both sides have conceded this term. Leeds have shipped 26 goals already this season (the most of any top side) whilst Barnsley’s defences have been breached nine times in their last three away matches alone.

I wouldn’t put anyone off backing over 2.5 goals but the value bet for me is for the home side to record their first home win in four.

My Selections: Leeds to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

English League One

Sheffield Wednesday v Leyton Orient

The third match previewed this week see’s Sheffield Wednesday host Leyton Orient with the home side hoping to maintain their unbeaten record at Hillsbrough.

It would have been hard for any side to keep tabs on Huddersfield and Charlton with the form the top two in League One have been in but Gary Megson and his Wednesday side are just about managing it. Just two points off of second placed Huddersfield, the Owls are impressing many with their consistency. One defeat from 11 matches in all competitions is impressive form considering how competitive League One is. Their home record is also very strong as the only blemish from nine league games was their most recent home fixture against Brentford. That matched ended goalless but they had won their other eight matches at Hillsbrough with an aggregate score of 18 goals for and just five against. Viisitng sides will really have to be on their game if they wish to take anything back home with them.

Leyton Orient are also a side in very decent form as they have not lost in any of their last nine games. Russell Slade’s side certainly started slowly but no-one can deny that they have certainly turned the corner and are definitely heading in the right direction. Orient have actually performed slightly better on the road and ammased more points on their travels than when playing at home. Their only two defeats away from home this season have come against Brentford and Walsall both of which were very early on the season. It means that they have been to Huddersfield and avoided defeat so they will certainly not be overawed heading into tomorrow’s fixture, despite Wednesday boasting the best home record in the division.

Megson will once again be hoping that the goals of Gary Madine can prove to be the difference for his side. The former Carlisle striker is enjoying an excellent season but he has failed to score in his last four matches. Before that, however, he had went on a run of eight goals in seven matches. If he does get back to that kind of form then there is no reason that Wednesday cannot look to push for one of the automatic promotion spots.

Leyton Orient may not score as many as other teams in the league and have had some trouble keeping them out at the other end but they are one of the form sides in the division at present. Kevin Lisbie is an experienced head upfront and he will lead the line tomorrow as he looks to do the double over the Sheffield clubs having scored against United earlier in the season.

Both sides are in good form and people may be put off backing the home side because Orient haven’t lost in nine. I’m of a different opinion and despite the away side being hard to beat, Wednesday are a better side and have better players. Gary Madine will be a handful for one of the worst defences in the league so take the Owls side to gain another three home points.

My Selection: Sheffield Wednesday to beat Leyton Orient

Best odds available: 8/11 available with Skybet

Well, Arsenal have been having their problems against teams from the Championship in cup competition, that’s for sure. After being held by Leeds at the Emirates in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round, the Gunners then went and lost in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi final against Ipswich. Complacency would probably explain away a lot of that, as they turned out a professional display against West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, winning 3-0 away at Upton Park, keeping up their challenge at the top of the league. So, can Arsenal get over their little Championship hump? It took a late penalty from captain Cesc Fabregas to even get them to a replay in the FA Cup third round, and a trip to Elland Road is not one that Arsene Wenger will be particularly looking forward to. He really wanted the job done at the first test, and not have the distraction of an extra game. Now he may have to shuffle his pack again to keep players fresh. It was a game of two penalties in the first match, with Leeds opening the scoring against the run of play. That was the chance they needed though, and they battled well to keep Arsenal at bay until the 90th minute. Arsenal had a chance to sneak the win right at the death, but Leeds keeper Kasper Schmeichel performed heroics to save the day. With that late penalty, Arsenal saved themselves the blushes which Manchester United had to face at this stage last season when they were knocked out at home by Leeds.

To their credit, Arsenal did completely dominate the match, and Leeds had to rely on resilience more than anything to get through the ninety minutes. That was what was expected, with the often scintillating football which Arsenal play. But just of late, Arsenal have not quite been able to find the clinical finishing edge against teams, when it has been expected of them. You really would have expected them to run up a few goals against the Championship side which has one of the worst defensive records in the league. But Leeds dug deep and it created a great afternoon of FA Cup action, and that, after all is what the FA Cup is all about. The underdogs putting their backs to the wall and looking for that one opportunity to cause a major upset. Now they get to take the Premier League side back to their home turf, where the atmosphere won’t be very welcoming for Arsene Wenger and his men. It is a busy run of games for Arsenal now, with this extra match having to be played. They face Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday, and then have to play Ipswich again on Tuesday in the Carling Cup. Arsenal will still be favourites to win this one, but you may see a bit more of a gung-ho attitude from Leeds. They won’t be afraid to have a go at Arsenal, as they will be the underdogs, and things are different when you play at home. This is quite a tricky match for Arsenal now, especially after losing away at Ipswich, who are just above the drop zone in the Championship. Is there another famous FA Cup upset on the cards from Leeds? It will certainly be another big test of Arsenal’s mental and physical fortitude.

Leeds to win: 5/1 at Bet365
Draw: 16/5 at Victor Chandler
Arsenal to win: 8/13 at Totesport

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Arsenal v Leeds is probably the big highlight match of the FA Cup third round on Saturday. With little surprise really, Arsene Wenger is going to shuffle his pack again, after going through an arduous festive period. Aaron Ramsey could be back in line for a place on the weekend, after his short loan spell with Nottingham Forest has been completed and he is ready for selection. This is one of twelve third round matches in which Premier League sides square off against a team from the Championship. Arsenal will probably call on the services of Emmanuel Eboue to fill in at right back as Bacaray Sagna steps out of the line up through suspension. It could be a younger Arsenal side which take to the pitch, although to his credit, Arsene Wenger did put much stronger sides than usual out for the Carling Cup this year. Arsenal should have the upper hand in this one, although Leeds are promotion hopefuls in their division. Their fans will remember a third round trip to Old Trafford last year, when they stunned Manchester United with an unexpected, but well earned victory. The Championship side will have no shortage of support or passion, but will remember the huge downturn in form they had after the distraction of the FA Cup last season.

Arsenal Last 6 Current League Form: WLWDWD with GF10 GA5
Leeds Last 6 Current League Form: WWDDDL with GF12 GA10

Arsenal have a good record against Leeds and the Gunners have prevailed in five of the last seven meetings between the two in the cup. Arsenal, despite being held to a draw at the Emirates by a very negative Manchester City, do have the potential to rip teams apart, and carry more of an attacking threat than any other team in the country probably. The big stars like Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie may get a rest, as importance will be placed on Arsenal’s Premier League chase, but the cup this year really represents a good chance for them to get some silverware. Therefore it will likely be a much changed, but still powerful Arsenal side which take to the pitch. As for Leeds, they are sitting fifth in the Championships, and while they are one of the top scoring teams in the division, they also have one of the worst defences. This isn’t what you want when trying to keep Arsenal at bay. Leeds’ leaky defence have conceded 43 goals in just 26 Championship games, so there could be plenty of goals in this match. A lot of the impetus will be on Arsenal to break down Leeds, but you will probably see the underdogs having more of a go at the Gunners than Man City did. Leeds boss Simon Grayson has called Arsenal the best team in the world, and is under no illusion of the size of the task ahead of them. Leeds have been given permission for Sanchez Watt (who is on loan from the Gunners) to play in the match.

Arsenal to win: 4/11 at William Hill
Draw: 9/2 at Totesport
Leeds to win: 10/1 at BetFred

Tip: Arsenal -1.75 for 6/5 at Paddy Power

Saturday 27^th March

English League 1

Norwich City v Leeds United

The big match in the football league this weekend takes place at Carrow Road as top of the table Norwich entertain Leeds who occupy the other automatic promotion spot in League 1.

I’ve spoken about how well Paul Lambert has done since taking the reigns in August. His side have been in scintillating form since he took over and they’re currently 8 points clear of tomorrow’s opponents. They’ve won more games than anyone else in the league, they’ve score more goals than anyone in the league, they have the most home wins and the most away wins, and no other team has lost fewer games than any other team in the league. Norwich look to be nigh on certainties to go straight back up to the Championship but will want to do it in style. Their home form is staggering under Lambert with 14 wins from 17 and a 44 points from a possible 51 at Carrow Road. Only Southampton have managed to come away with all 3 points since the Scot took over, and it was probably the worst Norwich have played under Lambert. Key to their amazing form has been the trio of Wes Hoolahan, Chris Martin and Grant Holt. The 3 of them have terrorised league 1 defences all season and have 47 goals between them in the league alone. It equates to near enough 2 thirds of Norwich’s goals in the league and it’s no surprise that they have played in every game possible when available.

Leeds started the season flying and found themselves on top for nearly all of the first half of the season. Simon Grayson’s men steamrolled their way to the top of league 1 and were well clear of the chasing pack coming into January. They have tailed off massively of late, however, and now have a massive fight on their hands to secure automatic promotion. Their most recent match was at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Millwall which ended 2-0 to the away side and was very one sided. Leeds looked jaded, completely lack in ideas and a team that’s low in confidence. That’s not surprising when you analyse their recent form. Since knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup in January, the Elland road side have won 3 of 14 league games. It’s a staggering run of form from a side who were coasting earlier in the season. Goals have dramatically dried up as well in that time as they’ve only managed to score 17 times in that run of games, an average of just over 1 per game whereas their season average before that was well over 2. Jermaine Beckford is once again their leading goalscorer but mystery surrounds his absence from Monday night’s team. The striker was said to have strained a hamstring in the warm up but reports have emerged that he has had a bust up with Grayson and stormed out of the ground before the Millwall game.

Norwich have faired pretty well against their nearest challengers, especially at home. They have beaten Millwall, Huddersfield and Swindon, scoring 6 and conceding 0, and drew 2-2 with Charlton last year. Leeds on the other hand have a relatively poor away record when up against the sides vying for promotion. They have already lost away to Millwall, Swindon and Southampton, perhaps more importantly, 2 of these defeats have came in the last 6 weeks.

Leeds will find it even more difficult with the news that Patrick Kisnorbo is out for the rest of the season which could prove to be a massive loss as the defender has been a crucial player all season long, and is arguably their best defender. His loss could be compounded with the continued absence of Beckford who may miss out again. Norwich on the other hand have all their key personnel fit and available for the top of the table clash.

The Canaries have been impressive any time I’ve seen them this season and they look to be getting stronger as the season goes on. There is a real sense of unity and togetherness surrounding the club which Lambert must take huge credit for. Holt is still banging in the goals and he will relish the thought of coming up against a weak and fragile Leeds side who looked absolutely toothless on Monday night. A win will basically ensure a return to the Championship and could all but seal the league title – it’s one I think they’ll get.

My selection: Norwich to beat Leeds at a best priced 21/20 available at Betfred

Premier League

Wolves v Everton

Both sides are coming off excellent midweek victories so Molineux should play host to an entertaining game as Everton travel to the Midlands to take on Wolves.

 Mick McCarthy was ecstatic after his side came out on top in the big relegation battled at Upton Park as his side won 3-1 and all but ensured their stay in the Premier League for another season. It was Wolves’ 3^rd away game in succession and they managed to take 7 points from them – a superb accomplishment for any side, let alone one who were written off earlier in the season. They’ve done it by playing some really good football as well and central to these impressive performances was Kevin Doyle. The Irishman has been a brilliant buy for McCarthy as he has led the line very well, especially in recent weeks. He got his reward with the opening goal in the win over West Ham, it was his 7^th league goal of the campaign, not prolific by any means, but he has a habit of scoring important goals.

Everton are on a sensational run of form at present which culminated in a powerful 2-0 win over Man City away from home. They totally bossed the side who were put together for hundreds of millions, dominating them on their own ground. Davie Moyes would never say it but he must still harbor faint hopes of challenging for 4^th and the final Champions League spot. If it hadn’t of been for a dreadful start to their season, they would surely be in pole position for the European spots as opposed to playing catch up now. They have only suffered two defeats in their last 17 games, an astonishing run of form for such a small squad. Mikel Arteta has been a driving force in recent weeks since his return from injury and the Spaniard is definitely making up for lost time. He has scored 4 goals in his last 4 games and has a massive say in any game at the moment.

Wolves will be on a high after their recent form but McCarthy will be making sure they don’t get carried away with themselves and will no doubt keep faith with the same starting XI that has served him well over the last 5 weeks. He will attempt to play the same counter attacking football his side have deployed of late with the expectation that Everton will come and force the issue.

Everton would be a match for any side in the division at this point and to find them odds against facing a side in the bottom half of the table looks to be value – away win.

My selection: Everton to beat Wolves at a best priced 11/10 available with Stan James

Scottish Premier League

Dundee United v Motherwell

Dundee United knock Rangers out of the Scottish cup during the midweek and will be looking to follow up that result with another victory over an improving Motherwell.

A last minute David Robertson goal ended Rangers’ treble ambitions and put United through to a Scottish Cup semi final with Raith Rovers. It was nothing more than they deserved and in truth, it should have been more comfortable. It’s been a productive season for United thus far as they are currently 3^rd in the table and occupying the Europa League spot. From their last 6 home games they have won 3, drawn 1 and lost the other 2, so it’s been pretty erratic.

Motherwell have been transformed under the stewardship of Craig Brown. The former Scotland boss has steadied the ship since taking over in December. They are without defeat in the league in 2010. It’s a run of form which has catapulted them into contention for 3^rd place as they are level on points with tomorrow’s opponents although they have played a game more. It makes the match even more interesting and it’s one which Motherwell must get something from if they are to chase United down.

Brown is an excellent tactician at this level and he will look to exploit United’s tiredness after their massive effort during the week. He will look to keep it tight for much of the game, trying to hit them on the break with the pace of Jamie Murphy upfront. An away win would put Motherwell into 3^rd courtesy of a better goal difference and they will be desperate for it. A draw would not be catastrophic but United have been susceptible to a lack of consistency before and Motherwell have won on their last two visits to Tannadice so at the odds, an away win is very appealing.

My selection: Motherwell to beat Dundee United at best priced 16/5 with Skybet

Leeds look to continue their FA Cup adventures this season, by taking out Premier League opposition Spurs at Elland Road. The two sides go head to head again, after playing out a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane just over a week ago. In the first fixture, Tottenham were the better side, and looked comfortably on their way to a victory. They will be hoping that their late lapse in concentration, and some degree of complacency, won’t cost them too dearly, as they have to go to the hostile arena of Elland Road. It is not going to be an easy place to go and pick up a win, not a comfortable win anyway.

At the January trade deadline, Spurs have just loaned striker Robbie Keane to Celtic until the end of the season. Long term servant of Spurs, Keane has been unable to secure a starting place with Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch getting the nod ahead of him, and looking in good form. It’s all change with players on loan, as Spurs boss had drafted in ex-Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan until the end of the season, and backed up with Roman Pavlyuchenko there was tough competition for starting places at White Hart Lane.

Now Spurs, who conceded a late, late penalty in the initial fixture at White Hart Lane, which Leeds star Jermaine Beckford duly dispatched with great aplomb. Since their momentous Third Round victory over Manchester United, Leeds’ charge at the top of League One was having a bit of a wobble. Having been storming away with thinks at the summit of the division, a run of three games without managing to pick up a win, has cost them their first place. Norwich have overtaken them by three points, but Leeds are still in a very strong position, holding two games in hand over the leaders. They did manage to get things back on track on the weekend, when Beckford again showed his striking value, as he netted twice in a 2-0 win over Colchester.

Spurs are enjoying their best, and most consistent season for a long time, and currently holding on to the much coveted fourth place in the Premier League, which would ensure them passage into the Champions League were they to end there. The Tottenham defence have been good at home, not so much on the road though. Some less than ideal defending on Saturday, saw them gift Birmingham a late equalising goal, which never should have happened for a team looking for a top four finish. The first encounter was a thoroughly entertaining and intriguing game. The atmosphere on Wednesday night will be a lot more intense, with the home fans getting their first taste of Premier League opposition this season.

The Premier League is where Leeds want to be, and they are doing all they can to show the nation that they can get there. Leeds boss Simon Grayson will have his men ready, and will fully expect them to take the game to Spurs, who, when down, can look really off their game. This is a great opportunity to progress and more Premier League opposition awaits Leeds if they win this replay. An away fixture against strugglers Bolton will await the winner in the last 16.

Match Prices
Tottenham to win: 11/13 at Expekt
Draw: 11/4 at Victor Chandler
Leeds to win: 7/2 at Coral

Betting Advice: The higher quality of class has a way of winning out in replays like this. Spurs are a good side, and they showed it at White Hart Lane against Leeds. They may have to weather an early storm, but should be good enough to get a victory. Plucky and up for it as they are, Leeds have probably had their moments in the FA spotlight. A straight win on Tottenham as above should be a fairly safe bet. Or Spurs To Qualify 4/9 at Boylesports

FA Cup Fourth Round Draw

The Fourth Round of the FA Cup has been made, and, thanks to Manchester United’s shock Third Round exit to Leeds, Chelsea have stretched their legs as favourites. Chelsea, the current FA Cup holders, thumped Watford 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Third Round, and now face a trip to Preston in the next. Preston his seven unanswered goals against Colchester in their Third Round match, and are rewarded with the most lucrative home fixture they could possibly have drawn.

The winners of the replay between Reading and Liverpool, will have a home tie against Premier League opposition Burnley, who beat the MK Dons away. Arsenal, after overcoming a tricky tie against West Ham in the Third Round will square off against more Premier League opposition in Stoke, while Manchester City stay on the road after beating Middlesbrough in the last right, as they travel to Scunthorpe.

Leeds (200/1 at SkyBet to win the FA Cup), who were the undoubted giant-killers of the Third Round, are rewarded for their Old Trafford heroics with another tough, yet potentially giant-killing task. They travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham, while Aston Villa will enjoy another cup fixture at home, as Brighton come to visit them.

There are still some FA Cup Third Round replays to come, but once against it is Yorkshire side Leeds who will be taking part in the most interesting one. Can they continue their heroics against Spurs? At the other end of the scale, Conference side Forest Green earned themselves a replay against Notts County and if victorious, could have a great payday at home against Premier League side Wigan.

FA CUP FOURTH ROUND DRAW
Southampton v Ipswich
Reading/Liverpool v Burnley
Millwall/Derby v Brentford/Doncaster
Bristol City/Cardiff v Leicester
Stoke v Arsenal
Notts County/Forest Green v Wigan
Scunthorpe v Man City
West Brom v Plymouth/Newcastle
Everton v Nottm Forest/Birmingham
Accrington/Gillingham v Fulham
Bolton v Sheff Utd/QPR
Portsmouth/Coventry v Sunderland
Preston v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Brighton
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Tottenham v Leeds

Latest revised prices has Chelsea out as strong favourites now, with London rivals Arsenal behind them. No surprise that the Premier League teams lead the way in terms of betting, and the highest non-Premier League team is West Brom (100/1 at SportingBet) who are awaiting the winners of Plymouth and Newcastle at home.

FA Cup Outright Winners:
Chelsea – 10/3 at BetFred
Arsenal – 13/2 at Victor Chandler
Liverpool – 13/2 at Bet365
Man City – 7/1 at Blue Square
Tottenham – 15/2 at Bet365
Everton – 20/1 at SkyBet
Fulham – 25/1 at Blue Square

Saturday 28^th March

League 1

Leeds United v MK Dons

On any other weekend, Saturday’s clash at Elland road would be the fixture of the day in League 1 with the biggest side in the division, and currently 5^th placed Leeds, playing host to the side directly above them, MK Dons. However, this weekend also see’s the top two, Peterborough and Leicester, meet at London Road in the early kick off. This weekend may prove pivotal for all four sides in their desperate attempt to get into England’s 2^nd tier.

Leeds’ season has been rejuvenated of late thanks to manger Simon Grayson. The former head man at Blackpool, Grayson was presented with the challenge of steering Leeds to promotion in December after the sacking of Gary McAllister. After a somewhat indifferent start to his stint at Elland Road, the former Leicester captain has oversaw a 7 match unbeaten run as well as guiding his team to 7 successive home victories in League 1. A run which has witnessed wins over fellow promotion hopefuls, Peterborough, Millwall and Scunthorpe. A key player in this run has been star man, Jermaine Beckford. The young striker has notched 21 goals this season, including 6 in his last 3 matches at Elland Road, a terrific run by anyone standards.

MK Don, however, currently boast the 3rd best away record in the division. Roberto Di Matteo’s side have lost just three times on the road this season, with no away defeats in their last 6 matches, a run stretching back to January. Their recent form, however, has been littered with unimpressive draws. The Milton Keynes side have played out stalemates with lowly Yeovil and Swindon in their most recent away trips and also surrendered a two goal lead at home to Crewe on Tuesday night, with the matching ending all square. With this being their first season playing at this level, the games may just beginning to catch up on what is a relatively young and inexperienced squad. Also, it is Di Matteo’s first managerial job in this country, and his free flowing football philosophy may not be what is required at this stage of the season.

Leeds should welcome back their captain, Frazer Richardson, who has been missing with an injury, whilst Beckford also returns after missing last weekend’s victory at Crewe. Grayson has also acquired the services of Reading defender, Sam Sodje, who may come straight in due to an injury to Rui Marques.  Beckford is expected to reclaim his place, but it is up for debate who drops out. On loan, Liam Dickinson, may be the unlucky one as Lucciano Becchio has, more often than not, partnered the clubs top scorer when both have been fit.

Di Matteo will have to decide who comes in for the injured winger, Luke Chadwick. He may also decide to freshen things up as he looks for his first away win in since the first weekend in February.

It’s been a long hard season for both clubs and things are not going to get any easier as we approach the final weeks of the campaign. Leeds seem to be finishing the stronger and a lot of it may be down to the manager. Simon Grayson won promotion from this division with Blackpool in 2007 and he knows what it takes. The relative novice, Di Matteo, may just come up short this season with his team stuttering at the worst possible time. Elland Road will be bouncing tomorrow with Leeds on their best run of the season.

I expect Leeds United to notch a victory tomorrow and make it 8 home wins on the bounce. Jermaine Beckford is bound to be a key man, take him to score anytime in the match.

My selections: Leeds United to beat MK Dons                      11/10 with BETFRED

                           Jermaine Beckford to score anytime               7/5 with PADDYPOWER

I’d also like to remind anyone who may not have seen my earlier tip for tomorrow’s football. Earlier in the week I advised punters to get on Holland (-1) to beat Scotland at a tasty Evens. As predicted, the price has been slashed in many places, but Sportingbet still go EVENS for Holland (-1)

Previous selection: Holland (-1) to beat Scotland at EVENS with  SPORTINGBET

Good luck and Happy Punting

Not since the Sydney Roosters trounced St Helens in003 have the Australian NRL champions managed to defeat the Super League Grand Final winners in the World Club Challenge. But Manly look to have the ammunition to break the British monopoly when they take on the Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road this weekend. Normally this one-off game comes just a few weeks too early for teams from Down Under, whose domestic season starts after the northern hemisphere’s premier rugby league club competition gets under way. But Sea Eagles‘ coach Des Hasler has had his players back in full training especially early this year and they’ve arrived in England with 13 of the squad that won the Aussie Grand Final. It’s true Manly will be missing Australian front-rower Brett Kite, but Jason King is an able deputy and their side, overall, looks a lot more settled than that of the Rhinos who will be missing several key personnel. Hooker Danny Buderus will be sorely missed, while scrum-half Rob Burrow may not be risked after a lay-off and there are also doubts over Lee Smith, Brent Webb, Carl Ablett and Jamie Peacock. The Sea Eagles like to move the ball around quickly so will be praying the rains stay away from Leeds for a few days. If they do, William Hill‘s 10-11 for Manly to win off scratch might start to look a little generous.

Talk of Hills leads to speculation that the bookmaking giant may be about to announce a new rights issue as part of plans to restructure the group’s £1.2 billion debt. Investors are reported to have already given brokers Citigroup the green light to attempt to raise £350 million, which should calm some city analysts who had been predicting dark times ahead for the company without significant restructuring.