FA Cup / Michael Lintorn / 07 February 2012 /

Michael Lintorn is backing Blackpool to maintain their current form when they travel to Hillsborough for an FA Cup fourth-round replay with Sheffield Wednesday...

Sheffield Wednesday v Blackpool, Tuesday 19:45, ESPN, Match odds: Sheffield Wednesday [2.6], Blackpool [2.9], The Draw [3.6]

This writer wasn't alone in thinking that Blackpool would follow the trajectory of several other recent Premier League one-year wonders and gradually fade from view after their season in the sun.

Without attracting too much attention however, Ian Holloway's men have shot up the Championship table to such an extent that their 3-1 victory at Cardiff on Saturday pushed them to fourth, four points shy of Southampton, and in to [5.1] to go up.

Indeed, with the Saints struggling at the moment, it is suddenly far from unthinkable that the three clubs promoted this term will be the trio that went down in the previous campaign, as West Ham, Birmingham and Blackpool all assume positions of strength.

The dilemma that league success provides, and one that Gary Megson and Sheffield Wednesday are already familiar with, is how much respect to show the FA Cup. Is it an unwanted distraction and energy sapper, or an opportunity to build even more momentum?

By rescuing a replay from the initial Bloomfield Road tie through Kevin Phillips' injury-time penalty, the latter appears to be the answer and is probably right, given that they lost five in six after their early bunk from the competition last year.

Blackpool have won five in seven and fired ten in three away games, so though Sheffield Wednesday have been strong at Hillsborough this season, their only defeat coming against Charlton last month, a run of just two wins in six suggests that the hosts aren't worthy favourites at [2.6].

The [2.9] available on the Seasiders looks more appetising, but an even sounder bet, on account of how close the first match was and the rarity of defeat for both, is backing the visitors to qualify at [2.1], earning a fifth-round trip to Everton.

Over/under 2.5 goals

While Blackpool have been frighteningly prolific of late, the defensive frailties that led to their relegation remain, with only one away clean sheet achieved in 15 fixtures. Overs is consequently favoured justifiably at [1.81].

Best Bet: Blackpool to qualify @ [2.1]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [1.81]

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