FA Cup fourth-round preview
The FA Cup returns this weekend, with four matches being screened for our viewing pleasure. If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's games, it's well worth checking out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. They're offering all
Dave Harris
27-Jan-2006
The FA Cup returns this weekend, with four matches being screened for our viewing pleasure. If you're tempted to have a punt on any of this weekend's games, it's well worth checking out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. They're offering all new clients a free £150 per goal football bet**
Here are our thoughts on this weekend's televised games:
Cheltenham v Newcastle
Newcastle's injury woes continue, but both Scott Parker and Emre have an outside chance of featuring in this game. With Michael Owen out, it will be up to Alan Shearer to carry the goal threat for a side who have scored three goals in their last six matches.
Newcastle's injury woes continue, but both Scott Parker and Emre have an outside chance of featuring in this game. With Michael Owen out, it will be up to Alan Shearer to carry the goal threat for a side who have scored three goals in their last six matches.
The Magpies' main concern is their shaky defence, having conceded eight goals in the same six fixtures. With Steven Carr (injured) and Celestine Babayaro unavailable (African Cup of Nations), manager Graeme Souness is struggling for options.
John Ward's Cheltenham are a well-organised side, who have a good scoring record at Whaddon Road this season. Watch out for Odejayi, he's been excellent this season and could mark his final game for the Robins (moving to Plymouth) with a goal. Sporting Index are predicting a 1.1 to 1.3 goal victory for Newcastle. Anything but an away win could seal Souness's fate.
Bolton v Arsenal
With both sides missing key players, this looks like being a scrappy affair. Bolton will be without Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadji Diouf and Radhi Jaidi (African Cup of Nations), but still have a good chance against the out of form visitors.
With both sides missing key players, this looks like being a scrappy affair. Bolton will be without Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadji Diouf and Radhi Jaidi (African Cup of Nations), but still have a good chance against the out of form visitors.
The strike partnership of Kevin Davies and Jared Borghetti could be the key factor in this game. If they can unsettle Arsenal's makeshift back four, as Everton did last weekend, a home win may be on the cards. The Gunners will be without the injured Thierry Henry, Sol Campbell and Lauren, so the performance of Robin van Persie will be crucial.
Sporting Index have made Arsenal slight favourites, going for a 0.1 to 0.3 goal victory for the away side.
Wolves v Man Utd
United's injury crisis deepens, with Ryan Giggs unavailable on Sunday. Nevertheless, their threadbare midfield performed well against Blackburn in midweek. Cristiano Ronaldo is back after suspension and expected to start.
United's injury crisis deepens, with Ryan Giggs unavailable on Sunday. Nevertheless, their threadbare midfield performed well against Blackburn in midweek. Cristiano Ronaldo is back after suspension and expected to start.
United have scored 12 goals in their last five matches, and with Sir Alex Ferguson likely to continue with Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy up front, there could be plenty of goals at Molineux. Wolves have been characteristically inconsistent this season, but should be a tough proposition at home.
Strikers Cort, Miller and new signing Frankowski all possess the ability to expose any gaps in the visitors' defence, but the Championship side are unlikely to outscore their opponents. Sporting Index have priced up United to win, predicting a 1.1 to 1.3 goal victory.
Portsmouth v Liverpool
Pompey's performance at Birmingham last week has raised serious questions about their chances of playing Premiership football next season. Going on current form, it's unlikely that they'll progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup either.
Pompey's performance at Birmingham last week has raised serious questions about their chances of playing Premiership football next season. Going on current form, it's unlikely that they'll progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup either.
Mwaruwari and Lua Lua will be missing (African Cup of Nations) and Noe Pamarot is injured for the home side. Not surprisingly, Sporting Index has priced up Liverpool as favourites, predicting a 0.9 to 1.1 goal victory. Even with Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse struggling for goals, ex-Saints striker Crouch should have too much quality for Portsmouth's generous defence.
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