FA Cup 3rd Round Betting Tips: Potential upsets

5Jan 2013

FA Cup

Jaymes Monte has picked out five potential FA Cup 3rd round upsets with the help of a few Opta stats...

Leicester 1.3 v Burton Albion 14.0; The Draw 6.0

This will be the second time in cup competition that League Two Burton have met Championship side Leicester. Back in late August of this season the Brewers netted four times at The Walkers Stadium to knock The Foxes out of the Capital One Cup.

Although Nigel Pearson did make a few changes that day, it cannot be suggested that he fielded a weak or inexperienced side. Burton were worthy winners with the Foxes offering few excuses.

It may be a little much to expect a repeat result, but there is plenty of mileage in laying the hosts at odds of 1.3 to win the match.

Southampton 5.5 v Chelsea 1.7; The Draw 4.1

Following Chelsea's surprise defeat at QPR and Southampton's impressive home performance in drawing at home to Arsenal, there is scope for taking on the visitors here.

These two clubs have met each other seven times previously in the FA Cup, and Chelsea have yet to beat The Saints in the world's oldest club competition.

Team news will be important give that Nigel Adkins could opt to rotate his squad, but if he does name a strong XI I'll be having a nibble on the 5.5 about a home win. Arsenal and Manchester United have each already experienced difficulties at St Mary's this season.

Brighton 2.76 v Newcastle 2.74; The Draw 3.6

Whether a Brighton win would be considered an upset, given their odds of 2.76, is debatable. The Seagulls remain in contention for a Championship play-off spot after beating Ipswich 3-0 in midweek to end a run of four games without a win, while Newcastle have lost ten of their last 13 fixtures.

Again, team news will be important, but given that the Geordies are battling against the drop and will also want to give a good account of themselves in the Europa League knockout stages, this is perhaps a potential cup run that they could do without.

Brighton and Newcastle have met four times before in the FA Cup; the Magpies progressed in the first meeting in 1930, but the Seagulls have since won the last three ties including in Round 4 last season. Back the hosts at odds of 2.76.

Aston Villa 1.93 v Ipswich 4.4; The Draw 3.9

Ipswich have been rejuvenated since the arrival of Mick McCarthy at Portman Road and have won seven of their last 13, having previously won none of their preceding 12 matches in all competitions.

Villa, meanwhile, suffered some hefty defeats over the Christmas period, while Swansea's last-minute equaliser on Tuesday would have felt just as devastating as previous losses in the circumstances. The league has to be Paul Lambert's priority and he is certain to rest any players who aren't considered 100% fit.

In short, Ipswich are a confident side on the up, while Villa are bereft of any sort of momentum and look to be in terminal decline. The Tractor Boys can compound that misery by getting the win at Villa Park at odds of 4.4.

Leeds 2.04 v Birmingham 4.0; The Draw 3.8

Leeds boss Neil Warnock has already hinted that he could make a few changes to his starting XI for the visit of Birmingham, as the Yorkshire club remain firmly focussed on a promotion push.

Birmingham have already won at Elland Road this season when Leroy Lita's strike midway through the second half was enough to secure a 1-0 victory and all three points.

Since beating Manchester United 1-0 at this stage of the competition in 2010, Leeds have won none of their FA Cup games (D2 L3), and their could be an opportunity for the Blues here. At odds of 4.0 for the win they're worth having a few quid on.

Recommended Bets

Lay Leicester to win @ 1.3

Back Southampton to win @ 5.5

Back Brighton to win @ 2.76

Back Ipswich to win @ 4.4

Back Birmingham to win @ 4.0