The case for laying Brighton at FC United
After winning 3-2 away to Rochdale in the first round of the FA Cup, FC United came within seven minutes of causing an even bigger shock with ten men 11 days ago when League One leaders Brighton were spared from a huge upset by assistant manager Mauricio Taricco's late equaliser.
Because of the weather, neither team have had an opportunity to play since, meaning that Brighton are still on a concerning run of six matches without a win which started with a draw in the previous round against Conference South club Woking, who they eventually saw off on penalties in the replay.
Yet despite having faced non-league opposition on three occasions without once being victorious in normal time, the Seagulls are firm [1.61] favourites to ruin the party on FC United's first ever home outing in the FA Cup proper.
The visitors' lay price of [1.62] is far more attractive in the context of their recent struggles, with boss Gus Poyet's frustration at the draw in the initial tie prompting an attack on fans who jeered his side off at half-time. "I invite every single one who booed the team today to stay at home," he said.
FC United's results prior to the clash at the Withdean Stadium weren't so great either but that's far less significant as it's normal for any lower-league club who go far in a cup competition to suffer a dip in league form because they don't really have the resources to fight on both fronts.
The FA Cup has become a priority for them, even more so now that they know that a triumph this evening earns them the right to host last year's finalists Portsmouth in the third round.
FC United v Brighton
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on ESPN
Really confident about FC United's chances? They can be backed at [6.4]...
Published: 8 Dec 2010
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