FA Cup

Todays tips will be based on the FA Cup replays.

Cardiff v Stoke

Cardiff are currently sitting in 3rd place in the Championship with a good home record (7-3-2, 20/10). Stoke are sitting in 8th in the Premier League, though they have a fairly poor away record (3-1-6, 12/14). However, these losses include games against Chelsea (pre-meltdown) and Manchester United.

Last game at Stoke ended 1-1, although Stoke looked the more dominant team and should have put the game to bed. Stoke have an almost full strength side to choose from and with Cardiffs two most attacking players (Bothroyd and Bellamy) likely to be out, this looks like a Stoke victory. This also looks to be a low scoring affair.

Tip: Stoke to win @ 2.45, Under 2.5 goals @ 1.75


Manchester City v Leicester

Manchester City are currently sitting 2nd in the Premier League with a good home record (7-3-2, 18/10). Leicester are currently sitting 13th in the Championship and have a poor away record (3-2-9, 15/31).

Manchester City drew 2-2 at Leicester 2 weeks ago in what was a fairly surprise result, although it must be added that Leicester have a good home record. Manchester City are missing Balotelli, Richards and Dzeko for this game. However, with the array of attacking talent at Manchester City, expect a high scoring affair.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.55


Wolverhampton v Doncaster

Wolves are currently sitting 19th in the Premier League with a decent home record (5-2-4, 15/15). Doncaster are currently sitting 15th in the Championship with a poor away record (3-3-6, 18/27).

The original fixture at Doncaster ended 2-2 in a highly entertaining match. Although the possession was fairly even, Wolves created more and better chances using a 5 man midfield. Wolves have a great never say die attitude that has served them well and nearly garnered points from Manchester United (twice) and Manchester City, as well as taking all 3 from Chelsea. You would also expect alot of goals given the total goals per game average for both teams is very high (Wolves @ home; 2.72 goals/game, Doncaster @ away; 3.75 goals/game).

Tip: Wolverhampton to win @ 1.67, Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75


Leeds v Arsenal

Leeds are currently 5th in the Championship with a good home record (7-3-4, 29/24). Arsenal are currently 3rd in the Premier League with a good away record (7-3-2, 23/11).

Are leeds the giant killers? After beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford last season in the FA Cup, they very nearly repeated an upset last week at the Emirates. Arsenal lacked an end product even though they dominated the game and it took just one long ball to expose Arsenals defensive frailties. However, expect Arsenal to put in a better performance this time round.

Tip: Arsenal to win @ 1.57, Arsenal to win at halftime @ 2.1, Arsenal to win at halftime/fulltime @ 2.4