Luton to turn their hand to Lion taming

 

Using Opta's intelligence as a guide, Christian Crowther provides a bet to go with three of the weekend's big fixtures...

 

Luton v Millwall, (Saturday 12:45, ESPN)

The Blue Square Premier side have conceded just three goals in their last six at home; keeping three clean sheets in that run

In dumping out Premier League Norwich at Carrow Road this crop of Luton players have already written ithemselves into Hatters' history, but they may not be ready to  close this particular chapter just yet. As Championship Wolves discovered to their peril, a trip to the quirky surroundings of Kenilworth Road will not be in any way  comfortable for visiting Millwall, after the midlanders succumbed to the same 1-0 scoreline which pushed the exit button on the Canaries in round four. Keeping it  tight at home is clearly something Paul Buckle's side are well versed in, and although the Lions beat Aston Villa to get here, they've actually been in woeful league  form, losing four on the spin ahead of this tie, scoring just once.

Recommended Bet: Back Luton to beat Millwall 1-0 @ 14.5

 

Manchester City v Leeds United, (Sunday 14:00, ESPN)

Manchester City have conceded just two goals in their last five home games in all competitions; keeping four clean sheets

For the champions of England this competition represents the classic eggs in one basket scenario as their title defence has wilted and Europe is a ship long since  sailed. If Roberto Mancini has any designs on keeping his post then City must surely bring this trophy home as they did two years ago. Their quest shouldn't encounter  much trouble against visiting Leeds either. The Yorkshire side own one of the worst away records in the second tier and despite City's own troubles on the road the  Etihad is still a fortress, with only Man United triumphing there all season. It's now seven victories to nil in their last eight FA Cup ties for the Sky Blues.

Recommended Bet: Back Man City to win to nil @ 2.1

 

Liverpool v Swansea, (Sunday 15:00)

Liverpool are yet to enjoy a victory over a side in the top half of the division this season (D7 L7)

If Luis Suarez returns from Liverpool's midweek trip to Russia donning the same boots he wore against Zenit then Swansea ought to have nothing to fear. The Uruguayan  spurned three gilt-edged chances in St Petersburg, reminiscent of the frustrating Suarez of last season. It's been a dire week for the Reds, who have been forced to  cram three games into six days, which have produced successive 2-0 defeats so far. Brendan Rodgers' side are bound to feel the effects of their exertions against  Swansea, whom they haven't actually scored against in three previous league meetings. The evidence suggests Liverpool's hoodoo against top ten sides will continue  here, especially as Daniel Sturridge is still a doubt.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 4.2

 

Bet HERE

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