FA Cup 5-7th Jan

[prinze]

WBA's recent run of form at home has been incredible since their last loss to Norwich on 11/11. They have scored 15 goals and allowed 2 against them them in the last 5 home fixtures. Leeds won their game on New Years day against Conventry. Prior to that they've failed to win in their last 7 fixtures, losing all. Equally disconcerting is their goalscoring stat during this run of 7 games where they only managed to hit the opposing net once.
With Leeds concerned more on their championship survival, I would not be surprised if some of the 1st teamers are given a break for fear of getting more into the injured list.
It goes without saying looking at the stats that WBA are a much better outfit when at home, and a tie with struggling Leeds in these stage should be most welcomed if they do have any sights of having a long run in this competition.
Barring team news I would reckon WBA to march forward without much of struggle in here. If teams news are favourable looking forward to the follows:-
WBA to win outright
WBA -3/4 (Asian handicap)
CS 2-0,3-0

[Man In The Know]

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Ben Haim, Giannakopoulos, Speed, Nolan, Diouf, Anelka, Davies, Walker, Gardner, Vaz Te, Tal, Temourian, Fortune

Surely with that squad , big sams going to take this seriously enough to wallop Donnie at their new ground ?

Doncaster been in good nick recently bar the 3-0 thumping at inform blackpool , but their home form though solid isnt the best with figures of 5-6-1 16-8

I think Bolton should be a class apart ,especially with the battling way they play , and this Bolton team are 1 of only a few teams who will feel they can go a long way and maybe get inbetween the big4s domination of this event in recent years

1.66 isnt an amazing price ,but when you consider the gulf vetween the 2 teams ,added to that the new ground factor ,it isnt half as intimidating as belle vue was , it could seem a very nice price after 20 mins or so

be lucky

MITK

[slick]

I also like the look of Bolton Man in The Know and Big Sam usually tries to do well in cup competitions, I just hope there lofty heights in the Prem doesent start playing a part in his selection but if the lineup is anything like what you have posted above then they look a pretty formidable side. Plus they will be looking to bounce straight back after the thumping they recieved from Liverpool at the weekend.
Could be the kick up the arse they needed for this game.

[ABWN]

Gonna stick my neck out and back against my own team tonight. Gotta take Millwall +1 on the Asian @ 22/25 with laddies. We don't really care for the cup, never have in my lifetime and we have been beaten b y lesser teams than Millwall in this. We should also be bringing a couple of newer faces into the team tonight(who aint very good).

[Bigkegman]

Originally Posted by ABWN

Gonna stick my neck out and back against my own team tonight. Gotta take Millwall +1 on the Asian @ 22/25 with laddies. We don't really care for the cup, never have in my lifetime and we have been beaten b y lesser teams than Millwall in this. We should also be bringing a couple of newer faces into the team tonight(who aint very good).

Even although your playing pretty well abwn ? Wouldn't a defeat (this year especailly cause your going well) dampen enthusiasium and morale etc

[conanthelibrarian]

Originally Posted by thehandicapman

Can't find a good reason to put anyone off backing Bristol City at home against coventry, we have a pretty formidable home record they are in a bit of a rut.

Sporting Life:

Bristol City v Coventry

The fact that League One's Bristol City are favourites for this game against Championship visitors Coventry City proves it would be no shock should they win.

It wouldn't and they should be backed at 6/4 to progress to round four on Saturday.

Bristol City are unbeaten in their last 12 games, and they have won 11 from 14 at Ashton Gate this season.

They are just three points off the top in fourth place in League One, and are strongly in the promotion hunt.

Coventry on the other hand are struggling in the Championship.

They have collected one point from their last five games and that was at home to bottom club Southend.

The Sky Blues lost to lowly Leeds most recently and they travel to Ashton Gate devoid of all confidence.

Bristol City are bubbling though and they rate a solid bet.

Verdict: Bristol City 2 Coventry 0 (BL)


Can't see much else I fancy to be honest, back to Div 1 for me

THM

Although I will be there shouting the sky blues on I can't disagree with the above. We really are poor at the moment with no cofidence within the team.

I would reckon komp has more chance of scoring with kylie than our lot have of hitting the net at the moment.

We will have over 3 thousand supporting us, but to be honest most will be treating it as a day out.

[ABWN]

Nah Keg, it wont dampen Morale we expect to lose in this cup every year. Morale will be boosted again soon anyway when we sign a couple of players.

[ABWN]

Just to add, I don't necassarily think we'll not win this match, I just thought we wont win by 2+, if we win it'll be a scrappy 1 goal and money back.

[ABWN]

Two Goals in last 8 minutes ruin me, but at least were through for a change . Lucky First goal too.

[rcgills]

In answer to Twotwins' question from a few days back, it seems Forest will be without the players red-carded at Oldham, Clingan and Cullip, along with John Thompson (cup-tied) and most importantly, Kris Commons. However, Charlton have also got problems - Scott Carson has been denied permission to play, while Sankofa is suspended, and Darren Bent and Hreidarsson are also missing. I still fancy Forest to maybe nick this one, certainly to avoid defeat, although I have to say I'd be happier backing them if Commons was playing.

Any Forest or Charlton fans around with any thoughts on this?

[slick]

Muze any comments on the Everton v Blackburn game? Blackburn seem to be picking up again after a shakey end of november/december and 4's looks a bit on the high side to me as Everton seem to be faultering of late and not looking the same side that started to the season so well.
My only Doubt for Blackburn will be the absence of Lucas Neill who will be a big miss for them as he's had a blinding season but they still enough quality in there to make a game of this.

How fit is Arteta too Muze as he's another who will be missed for Everton if he's out as he does look a class act this season.

[Tricky]

If this game was played a month ago I would of thought that Forest could win this. Now though despite Charlton struggling and not being very good in the Fa Cup, (think they have only made the 4th round once in the last 5 years) I think they will win.
Forest players more interested in wrecking havoc in the pubs than playing for their club. Forest had just 3 wins in last 10 games and one of those was against Salisbury and last week were thrashed 5-0 by Oldham. Also struggling for players and creativity in midfield.

Bristol city look decent to bet Coventry, while Oldham are value to win away at 5/1 against Wolves.

[GETT1NLOTS]

I agree with Tricky. Forest will find it tough today as they are missing some of their best players - especially Kris Commons who is a huge loss.

That said Charlton also miss their biggest player in Darren Bent according to the BBC and Matt Holland (their next best or equal best player) might be forced to drop into right back due to other players missing.

I think this game could end up with any of the three results if I'm honest.

[rcgills]

Cheers Tricky and Gett1n. I've reluctantly decided not to back Forest. Have taken one other bet though, Nicky Southall gets his fair share of goals for them (7 so far this season), and 18/1 (1/3 odds if he scores any of the first three goals) for him to be first scorer seems a bit big to me, so have taken 1pt e/w on him.

[Bigkegman]

Originally Posted by ABWN

Lucky First goal too.

Aye just saw it this morning .