Andy's Saturday tips - Arsenal to progress
Our top tipster Andy Gray offers his verdict on Saturday's televised FA Cup third round encounters, as well as offering advice on some of the most appetising 3pm games...
Arsenal v Leeds United
Last year, Leeds stunned Manchester United backers when they beat them 1-0 at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup. They may have lost Jermaine Beckford, who scored the winning goal that day, but Simon Grayson's side are stronger than they were a year ago. So the question is: can they do it again?
At [11.0], it seems unlikely. As with many of the FA Cup ties featuring Premier League clubs this weekend, much will depend on which players the top flight managers select. Arsene Wenger has no qualms with selecting young sides when it suits him and, with Arsenal in contention at the top of the table and a Carling Cup semi-final on the horizon, he may go with the kids.
Leeds will have a chance at the Emirates. They recently went on a league run of 12 matches without defeat and they will not roll over against the Gunners. Robert Snodgrass is a talented player who may trouble the home defence but Arsenal boast quality throughout their side and, whoever Wenger selects, I'm struggling to see any other outcome than a home win. It won't be easy though, so don't expect a rout.
I've been impressed by Arsenal this season. They are still prone to the occasional defensive lapse but they're more direct up front, as evidenced in the excellent 3-1 win over Chelsea, and I think this is the strongest squad Wenger has had in years.
At the odds available, Leeds may attract some interest from those who believe in the magic of the FA Cup, but the Gunners will have too much for them and I'm backing Wenger's men to progress.
Recommended Bets:
Back Arsenal to win 2-1 at [10.0]
Back over 2.5 goals at [1.57]
Back both teams to score at [1.97]
Stevenage v Newcastle
With the home team priced at [5.7], Betfair punters clearly can't see beyond a Newcastle win but they should remember that there's history between these two.
I was at the game when Stevenage held the Magpies to a 1-1 draw in 1998. Kenny Dalglish was in charge of Newcastle and when Alan Shearer gave the visitors the lead, Newcastle looked certain to win. That was until Giuliano Grazioli scored the famous equaliser that took the tie to a replay. Stevenage put up a good fight at St James' Park and were unlucky to go out 2-1.
So do I think Stevenage can repeat the magic of 13 years ago? In short, no. I'm not entirely certain how strong their current squad is but I'm sure they will make it tough for the visitors. Alan Pardew will take this game seriously though because what you really don't want, three weeks into a new managerial post, is to be the victim of an FA Cup upset.
The weather will be a big factor. The rain, wind and cold could all play a part at Stevenage's exposed ground. This Newcastle side know how to mix it though. With Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan in midfield and the likes of hat-trick hero Leon Best up front in place of the injured Andy Carroll, the away team are more than capable of winning the big physical battles.
They demonstrated last season in the Championship that they know how to win against determined, less accomplished opposition. This will be a great day for Stevenage and their supporters but I don't see them reliving the magic of that day in 1998. I'm backing Newcastle to reach the fourth round.
Recommended Bets:
Back Newcastle to win at [1.74]
Back Newcastle to win 2-0 at [9.2]
Back Newcastle to keep a clean sheet at [2.66]
Andy's predictions for some of Saturday's 3pm kick-offs...
Blackburn Rovers v QPR
With QPR top of the Championship and Blackburn inconsistent under Steve Kean, you might think this one looks ripe for an upset. I disagree.
Recommended Bets: Back Blackburn to win at [2.04]; 1-0 at [8.0]
Scunthorpe v Everton
This hasn't been the best season so far for David Moyes but Scunthorpe are second from bottom of the Championship and I don't think they will be able to stop my old club.
Recommended Bets: Back Everton at [1.65]; 1-2 at [8.0]
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Both teams are struggling in their respective divisions but Villa come into a potentially tricky tie on the back of a great point at Chelsea.
Recommended Bets: Back Aston Villa to win at [2.3]; 0-1 at [8.4]
Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.
Published: 7 Jan 2011
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