FA Cup / Alan Dudman / 06 January 2011 /

Portsmouth are unlikely to replicate their efforts of last year when they made it all the way to the final but a win over Brighton should be more than manageable. Plus Southampton v Blackpool, Norwich v Leyton Orient and Sunderland v Notts County.

Southampton [2.46] v Blackpool [2.98], the draw [3.65]

Like many of the Premier League sides, Blackpool's heavy Christmas period might have taken its toll heading into Saturday's FA Cup third round clash. Tangerines boss Ian Holloway might see this as an opportunity to bring in several squad members, but we should hopefully still see that refreshing open attacking style that has served him so well this season.

Blackpool beat Sunderland over the festive period, but lost to Manchester City and Birmingham. The latter was a decent display and deserved a point out of that high-octane clash. I noted the Blues were set up to stop Holloway's side - a measure of their potency away from home, and they've impressed me this term
with their brand of play.

The visitors like to pass and have plenty of pace, whilst Southampton have hit a rich vein of form in League One. They've scored 18 goals in a winning run of five out of seven games and have plenty of momentum.

Like Blackpool, Southampton boss Nigel Adkins could make changes, which would be a pity as I'd like to see one of the best sides at full strength to tackle the Tangerines. Forward Rickie Lambert is scoring again, and the Saints plan will see plenty of service into the box. Both wouldn't want a replay, and I wouldn't have thought
it will be a cagey game.

Best bet: Back over 2.5 goals @ [1.96]

Norwich City [1.56] v Leyton Orient [7.20], the draw [4.00]

Norwich boss Paul Lambert is another counting the cost of the brutal Christmas run of games, and it looks nailed on he will field a weakened team. Lambert used the Harry Redknapp 'down to the bare bones' phrase after a run of three matches in six days - and his players were described as running on empty.

Orient meanwhile had a fairly crazy festive time, losing to Brighton 5-0 and then hitting Colchester to win 4-2. Remember this is the team that beat Droylsden 8-2 in extra time in the previous round (six goals in the added period).

The visitors have plenty of striker options, and I think the best of them is Jonathan Tehoue - who has speed and an eye for goal. However I suspect the less mobile duo Alex Revell and Scott McGleish might get the nod, with Tehoue once again used as a supersub.

I am not massively convinced by Orient at the back, and that's a worry taking on a Norwich side who can score plenty. The Canaries have giant striker Grant Holt bang in form, he smashed 30 last season, and is back in the groove with 12 already. He might be too hot to handle and a potential FA Cup shock looks unlikely here.

Suggested bets:

Back over 2.5 goals @ [1.75]
Back Norwich to win HT/FT @ [2.32]
Back 3-1 [14.00]

Brighton [2.62] v Portsmouth [2.94], the draw [3.50]

League One leaders Brighton had a decent Christmas - picking up seven points to maintain their hold at the top of the table. Manager Gus Poyet might find himself linked to a few jobs as a result of that, but the former Chelsea player is doing a fine job with a style of passing football that has worked well.

Brighton are over their blip, and forward Glenn Murray is a key man in a 4-3-3 system. Their defence is extremely reliable too - boasting the second best in the division having conceded just eight goals on home soil.

Pompey are struggling a bit at the moment, having had a poor Christmas with a wafer thin squad. Boss Steve Cotterill is still without Michael Brown and Richard Hughes due to contract issues, whilst Greg Halford's loan has ended and his delivery will be sorely missed.

Portsmouth look very shaky at the back, and were horribly fragile in the defeat to Watford, but they still have a host of decent players. Cotterill might not have the luxury of resting and rotating and might just pull off a result here.

Suggested bet: Back Portsmouth to win @ [2.94]

Sunderland [1.43] v Notts County [10.00], the draw [5.00]

For potential as a double figure price and FA Cup third round shock, it might be worth having a couple of pounds on Notts County. A team who have really clicked under Paul Ince - winning five out of their last six and improving at a rate of knots.

Unfortunately they are coming up against the Premier League outfit that have the joint best defensive record in the top flight - and have yet to concede a goal in 2011. However manager Steve Bruce could do without this game, and could be without up to ten senior players for Saturday.

County's defence have kept four clean sheets in the run of five too, and have plenty of midfield scoring options and if they can hold firm - could nick a goal and a result.

Suggested bet: Back Notts County to win @ [10.00]

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