Non-Televised Match Previews / Alan Dudman / 01 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman takes a break from his regular League One tipping column to focus on four mouth-watering FA Cup third round fixtures: West Ham v Barnsley, West Brom v Peterborough, Leicester City v Crystal Palace and Millwall v Crewe Alexandra.

At the time of writing this FA Cup preview, I am getting myself in the NewYear's Eve mood.....that's right, queuing up for ages, paying double and treble for everything, and kissing complete strangers wishing them all the best for the next 300-odd days. Although living in London, I am well versed in the art of the first two.

I don't know about you, but I have rarely had a decent one (NYE), the best was about 10 years ago when myself and a few mates managed to find ourselves a house party. We didn't know anyone nor can we remember how we ended up there, but the fella whose house it was bore an uncanny resemblance to Bob in 'Rita, Sue and Bob too'. We had a great night, so did Bob, I wonder what he is up to these days?

So farewell to 2008, and for this week only - farewell to League One - as the FA Cup third round proper kicks off 2009.

West Ham United [1.58] versus Barnsley [7.60], the draw [4.10]

Perhaps not many of you know this, but I am in fact a West Ham supporter, but it could have been oh so different.........

Rewind back to 1980, and my earliest memories of football were that I was in fact following Arsenal before the FA Cup Final (I was a five-year-old who supported the best team of the moment).

Fast forward 28 years, and I blame Trevor Brooking for changing my life. For some reason, I grew to love the claret and blue, I worshipped Alan Devonshire and Neil Orr, and cherished my trips to the Boleyn. We were stuck with each other, and that was that.

Since then, Arsenal may well have had Premier League titles, FA Cup winners medals and countless big games in Europe. But we had Samassi Abou and Mike Small.........and you can't take that away.

So on to this Saturday and it's always hard writing about your own side, especially when they are the [1.58] favourites!

Two wins over Christmas have given West Ham a comfortable position of tenth in the Premier League, one which I was thinking could have been a lot worse before those wins against Stoke City and Pompey.

It will be interesting to see if boss Gianfranco Zola picks Craig Bellamy, who is available after missing the Stoke win through suspension. The Welsh forward has been linked with a switch to Tottenham, and he wouldn't be the first Hammer to move across the capital. Neither would it surprise me.

If Bellamy plays, Barnsley could be in trouble. His pace has been the highlight of recent weeks. Doing what he does best...running the channels and bugging the hell out of defenders.

Elsewhere Lucas Neill could be fit again after an ankle injury, but Scott Parker will be suspended after accruing five bookings.

Although Zola's side are playing pretty well at the moment, they are still a million miles away from my favourite period. The likes of Di Canio, Kanoute, Cole, Carrick and Lampard would have eaten Barnsley for breakfast.

Instead we have Carlton Cole, who can trap it further than I can kick it.

I fear Barnsley, anyone would in the Cup. Ask Liverpool and Chelseafrom last season. Tykes boss Simon Davey performed miracles in taking them to last season's semi-final, but it's hardly likely
lightening can strike twice..or is it?

Barnsley are without key men Jamie Cureton and Rob Kozluk. And although they have a couple of threats, including the pacey Jamal Campbell-Ryce, nothing other than a home win
for me, albeit not by many.

Recommendations: Back Draw/West Ham @ [4.70]
Back West Ham to win 1-0 [7.40]

West Brom [1.64] versus Peterbrough [7.20], the draw [3.95]

For those seeking a Premier League exit at the hands of a lower league club, I would expect this game to be sitting quite high on the list of many.

West Brom - bottom of the top flight, Peterborough - fourth in the third tier, and the latter have only been beaten once in their last 17 games. It's all there......

The Baggies had two tough Christmas fixtures against Chelsea and Tottenham, and the win against Spurs was absolutely priceless considering Blackburn's upturn in form.

They don't score too many, and boss Tony Mowbray has pulled off an excellent piece of business in bringing in Arsenal forward Jay Simpson on loan. The 20-year-old has got bags of confidence,
and is one of the Wenger 'young guns' who scored twice in the Carling Cup this season.

Ironically Posh tried to sign Simpson before the Baggies!

Peterborough meanwhile won both their games over the festive period, including a crazy 6-3 win against Cheltenham. If they defend like that on Saturday then they are doomed.

Posh will welcome back centre-back Gaby Zakuani (who should be playing at a higher level). His return is a big plus as he is fearless, quick and superb in the air. I think he'll handle Roman
Bendtner well.

And talking of handling it will be interesting to see how the Baggies cope with 27-goal pairing Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean.

These two have a telepathic understanding, and with the wide supply of the exciting George Boyd, I fancy a cup upset with a few goals. That's if Peterborough turn up with their defensive heads on.

West Brom's ultimate goal is to stay in the Premiership, and they are worth taking on.

Recommendations: Back Peterborough to win [7.20]
Back over 2.5 goals [1.95]

Leicester City [2.72] versus Crystal Palace [2.88], the draw [3.40]

Perhaps the most interesting game of the weekend for me, as well as the tightest.

League One leaders Leicester are going from strength to strength.They've won six of their last seven, and it would have been seven had Leeds not equalised in the last minute.

The Foxes have been scrooge-like conceding goals this season in the league, having given up just the seven goals in 12 games. But my oh my, they are potent up front with the 23-goal Matt Fryatt.

And it is Fryatt who is perhaps giving boss Nigel Pearson the biggest headache as he's struggling to overcome an ankle injury, and is doubtful for Saturday's game.

Championship outfit Crystal Palace have come into form at the right time, and have only lost once in their last nine.

However the Eagles have a dismal record in the FA Cup in recent years, and boss Neil Warnock has already described the tie as a real tough draw.

I still haven't got Leicester right all season, which is pretty damn stupid considering they are top. But I just cannot see many goals in this one and expect the Eagles to go and nick a draw in search of a replay.

Oh and look out for Palace's young right-back called Nathaniel Clyne. He is top drawer, only a kid, but quick and composed. My player to watch out for in the future!

Recommendations: Back 0-0 @ [11.5]
Back the draw@ [3.40]

Millwall [1.56] versus Crewe Alexandra [8.20]

So we have an all League One tie for Saturday, and on paper, one that looks a fairly straightforward task for third placed Millwall against rock-bottom Crewe.

Think again, this is the cup!

These two teams met fairly recently in the league, they drew 0-0, and now we are getting a massive discrepancy in the prices for this weekend.

I wouldn't normally back the Alex, but they are too big a price.It's that VALUE word!!

Crewe have a new manager, finally. Former Stoke boss Gudjon Thordasson has arrived at Gresty Road and will take charge for the first time this weekend, although Dario Gradi will be helping out
with selection.

Thordasson has been boosted by the news that defender Dennis Lawrence has extended his loan at the club, and has been grantedpermission by parent club Swansea to feature in the FA Cup.

He has been excellent recently, and the 34-year-old brings that crucial experience to a team that does not fear fielding its youngsters.

Having watched the highlights of Crewe's 4-1 win at Hartlepool, it reminded me of the old side under Gradi where they always played decent football along the floor.

His influence is strong, and they are too big a price if they can replicate that showing from Victoria Park.

Recommendations: Back Crewe to win [8.20]

And finally Happy New Year! From myself and Bob (wherever
he may be).

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