The FA Cup enters its third round which means the big boys of the Premier League get their elbows out against teams from the lower reaches of the English football pyramid.
There are some fascinating mis-matches ala-FA Cup including Exeter City of League One heading to Manchester City and Arsenal’s trip to Fratton Park to face Pompey.
Friday 9 January
42/10 Wrexham | Draw 26/10 | Nottingham Forest 13/20
Wrexham are flying high with four wins in five, full of confidence. Forest sit 17th in the Premier League and have just one win in their last five. Wrexham look good value to spring a surprise here against what will be a much-changed Forest outfit. Get on at 42/10.
Saturday 10 January
1/4 Wolves | Draw 46/10 | Shrewsbury 10/1
Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League with just six points and only one win in their last five, facing relegation pressure. Shrewsbury, 22nd in League Two and winless in five, are also struggling. Neither side is looking particularly flash at the moment. I’m leaning toward a Both Teams to Score: No at 17/20 – likely a dour, low-scoring tie.
9/10 Everton | Draw 21/10 | Sunderland 32/10
Everton sit 12th in the Premier League with just one win in their last five, still searching for rhythm. Sunderland, also with one win in five but four draws, have shown resilience and are pushing for consistency.
This shapes up as a tight contest, with both sides tipped to find the back of the net at 1/1.
22/10 Stoke | Draw 43/20 | Coventry 12/10
Stoke come in on the back of a solid 2-0 win over Norwich, sitting 8th in the Championship and eager to carry that momentum into the cup clash. Coventry, top of the league with one win and two draws in their last three, remain tough opponents.
Coventry have wobbled lately but have shown their quality throughout this season, topping the Championship. Back them to get the job done against the Potters at 12/10.
8/1 Sheffield Wednesday | Draw 42/10 | Brentford 3/10
Brentford, on the other hand, are flying high in the Premier League, sitting seventh and unbeaten in their last five EPL matches.
This fixture looks like a mismatch on paper and it’s hard to see Sheffield Wednesday pulling off an upset. Brentford’s quality should shine through, we’re tipping them to win to nil at 11/10.
1/16 Manchester City | Draw 13/1 | Exeter 25/1
Manchester City, six-time winners of the FA Cup, enter this tie in formidable form. Currently sitting second in the Premier League, they remain unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws. Their depth, quality, and attacking firepower make them one of the most feared sides in the competition.
Exeter City, meanwhile, are 14th in League One. The Grecians have managed three wins in their last five matches, a respectable run that shows resilience, but this fixture represents a mountain to climb against elite opposition.
Manchester City’s class should prove overwhelming. They’re tipped to clear the (0:2) handicap at 9/20.
Sunday 11 January
10/1 Portsmouth | Draw 46/10 | Arsenal 1/4
Portsmouth, currently 21st in the Championship, have managed two wins in their last five league matches. In FA Cup history, their most recent highlight was finishing as runners-up in 2010, but this tie presents a daunting challenge against top-tier competition.
Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, are in scintillating form, winning all of their last five matches. With 14 FA Cup titles to their name, the Gunners are the most successful club in the competition’s history and enter this clash as overwhelming favourites.
Back Arsenal to on the Matchbet & Both Teams to Score: No market at evens.
Monday 12 January
2/11 Liverpool | Draw 6/1 | Barnsley 12/1
Liverpool, currently fourth in the Premier League, head into this tie following a 2–2 draw with Fulham in their most recent league outing. The Reds last lifted the FA Cup in 2022 and remain one of the strongest sides in English football, with quality across every department.
Barnsley, positioned 17th in League One, have picked up just one win in their last five matches. While they will look to compete, this fixture represents a huge challenge against top-flight opposition. The Reds should be far too strong at home. Back them on to clear the (0:2) handicap at evens.
Odds are subject to change and may vary based on market conditions. Please check the latest updates before placing any bets.
Written by Mabongi Gazu