FA Cup 3rd Round 6th/7th/8th Jan

[Keith]

Southampton v MK Dons

I have absolute confidence that no one will follow this suggestion so I don't even know I am bothering to write this but I've backed the Dons @ 9.20.

I don't think they've even scored a goal in recent weeks let alone taken a point but they did beat Southend away in the last round.

Southampton have a youthful looking side at the moment with many of the experienced players out injured (eg Parhars,Svennson, Delap, Higgingbottom, Powell, Oakley, McCann Prutton).

They have been poor in recent weeks losing 3 on the bounce. Although they beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday, it took a late goal and Brighton had 11 first team players unavailable.

MK Dons have no major injury problems and at such a big price a small punt is worth a try.

[kompressaur]

im clicking the wee MR button CG and it takes me to their usual pishy screen. It let me use Chesters reports though
http://www.chestercityfc.net/fansite...xtureId=240788

[Computer Guy]

Strange

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Computer Guy

Strange

My tips or komp's clicks or both?

[Swooperman]

actually MK Dons are on my list Was & I'll be on them, so at least I dont have to put a preview up now

Sheff Utd v Colchester

Everybody seems to fancy it so I thought I'd put the preview up:

Neil Warnock has confirmed he will make wholesale changes for Sheffield United's third round FA Cup clash with Colchester.

The Blades boss will rest some of his key players following four Championship matches in eight days and revealed the League One side will be favourites to win at Bramall Lane.

Midfielders Phil Jagielka and Nick Montgomery, defenders David Unsworth and Leigh Bromby, goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and striker Neil Shipperley are all expected to be rested, while veteran forward Brian Deane could make his first appearance since returning to the club for a third spell.

Former China international striker Hao Haidong, who has yet to appear for the first team since arriving over a year ago, may make the bench.

Youngsters Jonathan Forte and Ian Ross, defender Alan Wright and transfer-listed striker Paul Shaw are all expected to feature.

Colchester welcome back highly-rated midfielder Greg Halford for their trip to Bramall Lane.

Halford returns from a one-match ban, but manager Phil Parkinson will have to shuffle his defence as Liam Chilvers is suspended for the Bramall Lane clash.

Parkinson once again has no new injury worries, with only Marino Keith and Stephen Hunt on the long-term absentee list.


Well, it sems to have everything going for it. Colchester have had a long unbeaten run ended at Swindon over xmas but bounced back to beat Brentford away so theres no denying the confidence is there, & Colchester @ 11/2 Blue Sq looks too good to turn down, maybe with draw cover @ 11/4 Bet365

[all_funkt_up]

interesting one was, saints have bigger fish to fry than this. not convinced with regards to their motivation. they should walk it, but you never know... like you say - worth a nibble

[Keith]

Komp

These Official forums turn it and on and off at will. Sometimes you can view sometimes registered users only

Its a pain but it is free to register. Takes about 3 mins

[keemanan]

Just been onto Stockports rivals board

With the obvious exception of the last four minutes, when Cheltenham deservedly equalised and nearly undeservedly won, I really enjoyed Monday's game - which was my first for a few weeks.
I thought we looked more determined under Gannon and the couple of minutes before Dickinson's goal typified that. But we are so vulnerable at the back you feel that absolutely anyone could score a hatful against us if they've got their shooting boots on.

Anyway to Saturday. I can't for the life of me work out whether we ideally want to win this or not. We will already have a congested fixture list with the Grimsby, Torquay and Bury games needing to be rearranged. If we somehow manage to beat Brentford then that will mean the game at Wycombe also needing to be rearranged to allow the 4th round game to take place. Also we won't have very much time in the transfer window - if any - to spend any potential revenue from a 4th round game against a big club.
Balanced against that, a win will breed badly needed confidence and increase Gannon's chances of getting the job full time (which I would like to see).
However I can't help but think an unlucky defeat might be the best thing in our somewhat desperate predicament. I want County to get out of this mess and be able to support a league team next season and not be like the fans of Shrewsbury Town a few seasons ago, who had the joys of their shock 3rd round defeat of Everton completely wiped out by the misery of relegation to the conference a few months later.
Any thoughts folks?

I really feel for them especially as the board is a frindly place.
Here's an actual extract from Martin Allens e-mail to a fan from the Brentford message board , i belive the first bit is concerning new signings

"I am sorry I`ve left it so late in the day but I have been working on bits and pieces. But unfortunately, at this moment in time I have no good news for you. But it is not through the lack of trying."


"I`m not too sure if I will sleep too well tonight as I am well aware, for many different reasons, how important this game is to the progression of what has been started. I don`t think I have ever been so excited and determined. You, like me, are just waiting in eager anticipation. Mark my words it`s a tough one. But whatever happens the name of Brentford has got to be in that draw come Monday afternoon."

He wants it bad ! Let's get on

[keemanan]

I'm gonna leave Sheff Utd alone too , I cant see them throwing away promotion for a cup run again. They should win but may not and a draw wouldn't suprise at all

[Swooperman]

Millwall v Everton

Soccernets preview:

Millwall hope to have goalkeeper Andy Marshall available for the FA Cup clash with Everton.

The 30-year-old is close to a recovery from a knee injury and is the Lions' only eligible keeper as on-loan Birmingham man Colin Doyle has been prevented from playing by his parent club.

Marshall has not played since being sent off in the 2-1 Championship defeat at Burnley on November 1, but caretaker boss David Tuttle knows he has the experience not to be overawed by the visit of Everton.

Zak Whitbread - who this week extended his loan deal from Liverpool until the end of the season - is available to face David Moyes' team after gaining the permission of Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

Barry Hayles (knee) is still unavailable, while fellow striker Bruce Dyer has returned to Stoke after a two-month loan stint at The Den.

Everton will do well to be very wary of Millwall - because the South Londoners have been preparing for the tie with the help of the Army.

Tuttle took his squad down in the west country where they were put through their paces by Army fitness experts.

That is probably the last thing that Goodison Park boss Moyes wanted to hear, having opted to give his own players a few days `r and r' to get over the physical demands of four top flight games in eight days over the holiday period.

And they also know that they will be running into a Millwall side, for so long rock bottom of the Championship this term, who are in their best form of the season after four games unbeaten and two wins on the bounce.

That has dragged the Lions off the bottom of the table and clearly in the mood for a clash with supposedly superior opposition.

Moyes, though, has enough to worry about with his own players who were physically exhausted after two wins over New Year that eased their relegation fears.

But Moyes sees the FA Cup as a chance to redeem his side's desperately disappointing season. He said: ``We have the cup next and we really want to get through and make an impact.''

But he added: ``I still had to give the lads a few days off to recover from what they have had to cope with over the holiday period.

``We had two games in three days over New Year, which is a daunting task for anyone, especially at the level the games are played in the Premier League.

``Overall, though, we were pleased. We won at Sunderland and then I thought there was a better balance around the team against Charlton and we played better.

``There were bits we weren't happy with but that is going to happen because we are trying to regain our confidence and our self-belief, and that win after the one at Sunderland will help us.

``We felt we could have played even better at times but we had a good style and our football wasn't as hurried as it has been in the past.

``The next game comes too quick, really. That's what happens. But it's an FA Cup tie and we want to get through.''

Moyes will hope that veteran striker Duncan Ferguson will be able to lead the line again, having no doubt surprised himself with his display against Charlton - as captain - despite having talked to his boss about retiring in the near future.

....I'll probably be alone here & I dont expect Was or Muze agreeing with me for sure, but I think this will be tight as fcuk. The chances have probably decreased slightly with Everton winning the last 2 games but the Sunderland win was last ditch & Charlton are very poor at the moment...but they all count & Everton are definetly better off for having won them. The premier side could relax of course & just play Millwall off the park as they are still the side who finished 4th in the prem last season but I think whilst the terrors have been pushed away for the moment theyre not too far below the surface still.
Millwall arent great but as the preview says theyre 4 unbeaten & the New Den is never the best place for a fragile team to go. Theyve only scored 9 at home but particularly if they score the first goal I fancy them here. Everton have been better away generally but bar the Sunderland trip they'll have gone nowhere as favourites, & have been expected to make all the running.
Early goal for everton & they could walk it but theres no way on this earth I'd back them at odds on here.
Despite Millwalls position theyre not a side that gives up generally & they'll fight as long as they can stand & theyve held much better sides than themselves at home this season, & i definetly think the value is with them.

Millwall will take great heart from the fact that Everton have shipped 4 goals each away at Everton & Villa & at home to Bolton, & whether true or not they will take this as a sign of Everton having a weak outlook & I think they'll throw the kitchen sink here. until I read the Sheff Utd team news I 'd have picked this as my best upset pick.....Millwall @ 3/1 Bet365 4/10 covered with the draw @ 23/10 Bet365

[Swooperman]

Southampton v MK Dons preview:

Southampton head coach George Burley will run late checks on a host of players ahead of the FA Cup clash with MK Dons.

Martin Cranie (hamstring) and Darren Kenton (ankle) should be okay despite limping out of the win over Brighton on Monday, but Matt Oakley (calf), Rory Delap (Achilles), Darren Powell (hamstring) and Neil NcCann (tendinitis) are all struggling.

Claus Lundekvam is in line to return, however, having trained with the first team this week following surgery on a long-standing groin problem.

Danny Higginbotham, Kamil Kosowski, Marian Pahars and Michael Svensson are definitely missing, and Kenwyne Jones is a doubt with a foot injury.

Burley may recall teenage star Theo Walcott, having rested the striker against Brighton.

MK Dons boss Danny Wilson has close to a full-strength squad to choose from.

The only absentee is likely to be midfielder Gary Smith, whose recovery from a knee ligament injury looks set to take at least another week.

Gareth Edds has recovered from an eye problem and should take his place in the squad.

Wilson must decide whether to play Izale McLeod after the striker, who is the subject of a #1million-plus bid from Wolves, was barracked by his own fans against Oldham on Monday.

Reserve goalkeeper David Martin will travel despite reports suggesting he is about to move to Liverpool.

MK Dons 15/2 Bet365 & 3/1 draw same book

[kompressaur]

aye their just a big tease WAS. I prefer just to have no dealings with them its a prob as theyve really taken over everything. I'll check out our club sites and forums thread. Be great to have links for all with NO Premium TV crap in there.

Paddy power have Peter Crouch to score anytime at 11/8 whilst he's as low as 8/11 with some. You think he'll be relaxed?

This could be an error but Betdirect have moved Michael Carr of Northwich to 4/1 whilst others go 25/1 on last goalscorer. Seems like a mistake to me and who backs last goal scorers? 4/1 ist goal scorer too. Maybe worth a look. Anyone tell me more? 33/1 with Hills
http://www.oddschecker.com/betting/m.../mbid/13979340

[Swooperman]

Sheff Weds v Charlton

Preview:

Sheffield Wednesday will be without new striker signing Deon Burton for the home clash with Charlton in the third round of the FA Cup.

The former Rotherham forward, signed for #110,000 last week, made his debut in the 3-0 win over Crewe but is cup-tied, and that could mean a start for young Irishman Barry Corr alongside on-loan Derby striker Marcus Tudgay.

On-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver is ineligible, but boss Paul Sturrock is ready to take a gamble on David Lucas, who will return following knee surgery.

Left-back John Hills will sit out a one-game ban and that could mean a return to the starting line-up for Lee Bullen, who stepped off the bench late on against Crewe.

Sturrock is not expected to make further changes as he bids to keep a settled line-up.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley has called on his players to strike the first blow when their FA Cup campaign kicks off.

The Addicks head to Hillsborough on the back of a miserable run in the Barclays Premiership which has seen them lose eight of their last 10 matches.

In the majority of those defeats, Curbishley's men have been chasing the game for long spells.

The 3-1 reverse at lowly Everton was a case in point, with Charlton hitting the self-destruct button in defence again after having got back on level terms through Matt Holland following James Beattie's early opener for the Toffees.

Curbishley has been perplexed by such a terrible run of form, which has been even more difficult to fathom given the position his team had found themselves during the early part of the campaign.

And the Charlton manager called for whatever XI he fields tomorrow to give themselves something to build on and a fighting chance of making it into the fourth round draw.

``We always seem to be coming from behind away from home - all we are asking for is a decent start,'' Curbishley boss declared.

``We always seem to be fighting back in games, and we can't keep on doing that.''

Curbishley is keen for his team to make an impact in the famous knockout competition following several seasons of under-achievement.

In 2004/2005, the Addicks were handed favourable home draws against lower-league opposition in Rochdale and Yeovil for their opening two ties, before then taking on Leicester, again at The Valley, when Dion Dublin's last-gasp strike put pay to their aspirations as the Foxes ran out 2-1 winners.

The make-up of the south-east London club would seem to equip them well for a decent cup run.

However, the omens from the current campaign do not bode well either.

Charlton missed the chance to move into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup at the end of November when they threw away a two-goal lead at home to Blackburn.

And defender Jonathan Spector declared: ``This is a competition we are looking to do well in after getting knocked out of the Carling Cup.''

Curbishley could have midfielders Alexei Smertin (knee) and Jerome Thomas (virus) back in contention after the pair missed the festive season.

Gonzalo Sorondo (foot) may also feature, although Danny Murphy (hamstring) is doubtful.

Striker Francis Jeffers has this week returned from his loan spell at Rangers, and is likely to go straight into the squad

.....no rocket science here I'm afraid, I'm basing this on a very simple theory that Charlton are in freefall that I expect them to halt before getting really involved in the relegation tussle, but I'm not sure it'll start tomorrow. Its a bit like the Millwall/Everton pick in that my fancied team arent really in massively great form, but Wedsnesday have been pretty active in the transfer market this week & whilst I'm not entirely convinced on Deon Burton myself, & hes cup tied anyway, the competition for places is generally a good thing. Sturrock I think is a decent manager at this level especially when he hasnt got a f**kw*t like Rupert Lowe to deal with & I give Wednesday a good chance here. If this tie was at Charlton I would still give Wednesday a chance in this tie so I have to believe that theyre value at home. Then theres Charltons recent cup form.......

Sheff Weds @ 11/4 Lads with 9/4 general draw cover

[Swooperman]

I dont touch those premium sites awful sterilised news in a censorship regimented order

Oh, theyre crap

[Swooperman]

Watford v Bolton

Preview:

Watford will be without influential forward Ashley Young for the FA Cup tie against Premiership side Bolton.

The third-round clash at Vicarage Road sees the 20-year-old begin a three-game ban for the straight red card he received in the 2-1 win at Luton on January 2.

Defender James Chambers and midfielder Matthew Spring are also banned after collecting their fifth bookings of the season in the goalless draw at Millwall on December 28, so Jordan Stewart is likely to come in at left-back and Al Bangura will keep his place alongside Gavin Mahon in central midfield.

Young is likely to be replaced on the right wing by the experienced Paul Devlin, with Darius Henderson and Marlon King continuing in attack and Anthony McNamee on the left.

Defender Clarke Carlisle plays his final game before serving a one-match ban, while midfielder Dominic Blizzard is still unavailable due to illness.

Martin Djetou has been told he could earn a long-term deal at Bolton if he performs well in the FA Cup against Watford.

The 31-year-old defensive midfielder has made only three appearances in the Barclays Premiership since arriving in the summer as a free agent.

Djetou is anxious to get his career back on track after wearing the colours of Monaco, Parma and Fulham.

He looks certain to feature at Vicarage Road as Bolton are down on numbers going into the third round tie.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: ``We will get through the Watford game and make a decision after that.

``One would hope Martin would go out and prove what he is worth. Then we would say 'yes'.

``I like the man immensely as a person but you have to be a good footballer.

``He has to do a real job, so I have to make that assessment in the next few days.''

Allardyce could be without nine players for the tricky tie against the Coca-Cola Championship high-fliers.

Kevin Davies, Kevin Nolan and Ivan Campo are all suspended while El-Hadji Diouf, Abdoulaye Faye and Radhi Jaidi are heading off to prepare for the African Nations Cup.

Gary Speed (knee), Nicky Hunt (calf) and Khalilou Fadiga (virus) may also miss out.

Allardyce is calling on the likes of Fadiga, should he overcome his illness, as well as Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata and Mexico's Jared Borgetti to seize the moment.

The pair are desperate to get more playing time under their belts in a World Cup and Allardyce said: ``I hope one or two players are going to perk me up and make me excited about the cup game and play to their potential.

``Should he come through, I want to see Fadiga blossom and do the business.

``Hide Nakata is another. He has just faded away after looking as though he was going to be brilliant.

``It is an opportunity for him to shine as well as Jared Borgetti.

``All of them will get a longer run in the side. They've got the chance to stamp their authority and play until the end of the season.

......9 players ....he did say 9 players didnt he ?? Lets not go overboard as whoever Sam puts out can do a joib but watford are decent & I fancied them for a chance before this

Watford 5/2 Lads & Sp.Odds & draw cover of 9/4 Sp.Odds