Lampard to hit spot for Chelsea once more

16Jan 2013

FA Cup

Christian Crowther peruses the Opta stats to pick three bets for Wednesday's big FA Cup and Premier League games...

Arsenal v Swansea, Wednesday 19:30, ESPN, Match odds: Arsenal 1.56, Swansea 6.8, The Draw 4.5

Five of the six goals scored between Arsenal and Swansea this season have come in the final 10 minutes of matches

Whereas Arsenal are hard to predict this season, under Michael Laudrup the Swans have developed an effective game plan when playing on the road. As witnessed in their league victory here, and in their recent League Cup clash at Stamford Bridge, the Welsh side are more than happy to soak up pressure. Laudrup's fluent team are then capable of pouncing ruthlessly on mistakes or sucker punching on the counter, especially late on in games when the opponents are fatigued. All four goals in the initial tie arrived after the interval and, if this game follows a similar pattern to Swansea's recent road performances, the drama could arrive latterly again. Furthermore, Arsenal are sluggish starters at home, highlighted by nine of their last 11 Emirates goals in all competitions going in during the second period.

Chelsea v Southampton, Wednesday 19:45, Match odds: Chelsea 1.25, Southampton 15.0, The Draw 7.0

Frank Lampard has scored seven goals in eight Premier League starts for Chelsea this season

One ought to get used to the levels of lunacy at Stamford Bridge regarding certain personnel decisions. However, the latest debacle concerning the club's unwillingness to hand their second top scorer of all time at least a one-year contract extension is beyond baffling. Frank Lampard may be 34, but considering his scoring stats consistently read better than any other midfielder in Premier League history, Chelsea would simply be mad to let him leave. Since his arrival, Rafa Benitez has been quick to recognise Lampard's contribution and his regular starts have unsurprisingly rewarded the manager with goals. Lampard scored a penalty in the FA Cup tie against the Saints 11 days ago and, considering Chelsea have earned more spot kicks (7) than anyone else in the league this season, he could easily repeat that feat here.

Recommended Bet: Back Frank Lampard to score @ 3.15

Manchester United v West Ham, Wednesday 20:05, ITV1, Match odds: Manchester United 1.35, West Ham 10.5, The Draw 5.9

West Ham have failed to score in their last four trips to Old Trafford in all competitions, losing all four

West Ham fans will feel particularly bitter about having to make this trip to Old Trafford, not least because it's a an awkward journey to be making on a Wednesday night! More infuriating to Irons fans, however, was the late nature of Man United's equaliser to earn this replay after West Ham had measured up to their illustrious visitors for the majority of the game. Sam Allardyce's men also put on arguably their best away performance of the season here in the league despite coming out 1-0 losers. What is worrying for Allardyce's men, as it was that day in Manchester, is their inability to score goals away from east London - they haven't troubled the scoresheet in their last four - and, considering this fixture follows a woeful display at Sunderland, you worry for the Hammers here.

Recommended Bet: Back Manchester United to win to nil @ 1.95