FA Cup 27-28th Jan

[Zarko]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Anyone fancy Ipswich-Swansea over 2.25 goals? Swansea away this season in div1 is p14 f22 a22 and Ipswich at home p15 f25 a20. Ipswich miss 2 defenders and Jason de Vos (where does he play? is he influencial?)

De Vos is a Central Defender -Very expirienced one ,but still i dont know how capablle are swansea to score more then one goal there...Probably 2-3 goals on the match imo...
I think that Over on the West ham-Watford considering the stile of play and the quality of their defencies is possible,I'll go with that but its a cup so not with full stakes...Considering Boro win and maybe a Draw on the Man City-Southtamton game ...Still undecided...

[ONEDUNME]

Originally Posted by Zarko

I think that Over on the West ham-Watford considering the stile of play and the quality of their defencies is possible,I'll go with that but its a cup so not with full stakes...

I like it Zarko



.....and welcome back.

[ONEDUNME]

I agree with Keema that that Southampton price is way too big for a team that's been sneaking steadily up the CCC. I know there are some shite teams in that division but success breads success and teams get into a winning mentality and I think Southampton have only lost once since October.

It's often said that anyone seems to be able to beat anyone else in the CCC but a similar thing can be said for City in that they seem to be able to beat anyone and then lose to shite teams the following week.

I've talked myself out of backing Southampton and having a decent sized lay of City instead as that price is way too tight. Rasiak first and/or last goalscorer.

[kompressaur]

For what it's worth from me (i nver knew it was FA Cup proper, a great day, i might...nope nothing) What about Norwich at 2/1+ at Blackpool? Blackpool are going ok this season i belive ad theyre ok at home but that looks to big to me for an FA cup game involving Darren huckerby.

Thats about it i think for me.

[Bigkegman]

I'm gonna wait until lads shop opens and have a decent slice of the 11/10 mentioned above on Boro. The more I think about it - i'm getting excited but feck it.

I remember in the last round they done me with drawing with Hull but they had 2 or 3 fantastic chances late on - aye they'll do it.

C'MON THE BORO

[rcgills]

Originally Posted by kompressaur

For what it's worth from me (i nver knew it was FA Cup proper, a great day, i might...nope nothing) What about Norwich at 2/1+ at Blackpool? Blackpool are going ok this season i belive ad theyre ok at home but that looks to big to me for an FA cup game involving Darren huckerby.

Thats about it i think for me.

Don't know about that, Komp, I quite fancy Blackpool myself for this one. They're unbeaten in 12 at home, and have won 7 of their last 9 home games.

Norwich are slumping, now only 5 points above the relegation zone, only one win in their last 8, lost 4 of their last 5 aways, and they're without Earnshaw for the rest of the season. They've also got doubts over Shackell, with Dublin maybe having to move to the back as an emergency defender.

This from Soccernet:

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson is set to name an unchanged side when his in-form team host Championship strugglers Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round.
Winger Wes Hoolahan returned from back and calf injuries to play a key role in last weekend's 1-0 win at Leyton Orient and will continue on the left-hand side while Grayson again has a striking dilemma.


Keigan Parker has been confined to the bench since returning from suspension as Scott Vernon and Andy Morrell have started in attack but the 10-goal striker is pushing for a recall after making Keith Southern's late winner at Orient last Saturday.


Latvia international Kaspars Gorkss has cemented his place in defence with two solid displays since arriving from FK Ventspils earlier this month and is set to continue at left-back with Ian Evatt and Michael Jackson in the centre.


Marc Joseph remains short of match fitness after a hamstring strain and Rory Prendergast left the club this week to join League Two side Rochdale.


Chris Brown is set to make his first start for Norwich at Bloomfield Road as they come to terms with the long-term injury to top-scorer Robert Earnshaw.


The 17-goal Welshman has been ruled out until at least April with a groin injury so Brown is set to partner Paul McVeigh in attack.


Defender Jason Shackell is almost certain to miss out as he has not trained for two weeks with an ankle injury so veteran Dion Dublin - who scored twice in the third round win at Tamworth - will revert to a defensive role alongside Gary Doherty.


Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall will make a belated debut after signing on loan until the end of the season after last weekend's clash at Burnley was postponed.


And winger Luke Chadwick's return from a knee injury has had another setback after bruising on the bone was discovered, leaving the injury to be treated like a fracture.


Meanwhile fringe players Rossi Jarvis and Matthew Halliday have joined League Two strugglers Torquay on one-month loan deals.

[thehandicapman]

Originally Posted by Bigkegman

I'm gonna wait until lads shop opens and have a decent slice of the 11/10 mentioned above on Boro. The more I think about it - i'm getting excited but feck it.

I remember in the last round they done me with drawing with Hull but they had 2 or 3 fantastic chances late on - aye they'll do it.

C'MON THE BORO

Couldnt forgive myself if I didnt give it a COME ON THE CITY! in response to that

Got no idea how the game is going to go, but from what I've read neither team is going to be too keen on a replay. I can definately see goals in this one.

the price is a bit tight but i'm on the overs at 1.98 with betfair, could have the money in the bag by half time.

THM

[bosman]

I don't like to bet on cup matches, but Blackpool could be interesting. Great form lately, no fresh injuries, opponent is a Championship side, but a poor one.

Another one I fancy is West Ham. It's will be meeting two Premiership teams out of form,
fighting against relegation, so I don't expeckt big motivation from both. So, why I'm on Hammers? They are better side in my opinion, playinng at home, have great record against Watford (23-5-5), a win will give them confidence. Odds are not great, but I'm still on West Ham.

[A.M.P]

With you and not with you HC Man...

C'MON YOU REDS!!!!!

With the heart.

Betting on Boro with the brain

The true zen of punting. With Booker doubtful and just big Enoch likely to be the only first choice striker up front, Mccombe suspended and the loss of our recent loan additions I think evens and above is a good price for Boro.

Still, I won't be crying over a loosing ticket if we win or draw.

[thehandicapman]

hang your head in shame AMP!

[slick]

Evening game preview from Sky..

Man United v Portsmouth
Portsmouth head to Old Trafford with Harry Redknapp devising a plan to try and stop Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Redknapp has singled out the Portugal international as the player who could give his side the most problems in the FA Cup fourth round tie.

The Pompey boss is tipped to deploy a 4-5-1 formation for the game and is aiming to double-up on Ronaldo.

With the wide man capable of playing on either flank, the visitors look set to start with Glen Johnson and Lauren on the right-hand side.

On the left, Noe Pamarot is due to return after injury and will replace the cup-tied Djimi Traore, with Matthew Taylor playing ahead of him.

David Thompson is an option, if Pamarot is not passed fit, but Dejan Stefanovic has only just returned to training after two months out with a knee injury.

Benjani Mwaruwari, despite nursing a sore hamstring, could be the lone striker, although former United hit-man Andy Cole is an option.

Tresor Lomana Lua Lua is unlikely to be risked, while Kanu could be kept back for the midweek Premiership game against Middlesbrough.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson must decide how much he should rotate his squad as he has a full complement to choose from.

Tomasz Kuszczak is likely to replace Edwin van der Sar in goal and there could be a start up front for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The likes of Darren Fletcher, John O'Shea, Park Ji-sung and Kieran Richardson will also hope to feature at some stage.

Louis Saha has not started a game since New Year's Day and he could be given a run-out, while Chinese forward Dong Fangzhuo is now eligible to make his United debut.

[Bigkegman]

fecking useless bastards...............

still in injury time but fuck them 2-0 up and back to 2-2

cnuts

[thefox]

Is this right ? Paddy Power are offering 6/5 for Chelsea to win both halfs today against Forest. That seems massive to me.

Either Laddies have priced it up wrong, which i think is likely or PP are stupid which is very unlikely.

Chelsea V Forest.

Chelsea to win both halfs @6/5
After the 76th minute for the last goal @4/5

Arsenal v Bolton

Over 2.5 Goals @Evens

Man City v Southampton

Man City @10/11

[kompressaur]

Could be Foxy. Im still a bit undecided about this one. I'll see what i read this morning

Wolverhampton v West Brom
Wolves defender Jackie McNamara is struggling for fitness ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Black Country rivals West Brom at Molineux.

McNamara has been rated as 50-50 after picking up a groin strain while Jody Craddock's return from an Achilles' tendon injury is proving protracted and Jay Bothroyd has a thigh injury.

Rob Edwards and Gary Breen are back from one-game suspensions but Michael Kightly and new signing Andy Keogh are both cup-tied.

Meanwhile, Charlie Mulgrew remains sidelined by an ankle knock, Lewis Gobern by hamstring trouble and Dan Jones has undergone a hernia operation.

Carl Cort has yet to recover from knee surgery and Gabor Gyepes, who underwent cruciate knee ligament surgery last year, has returned to Hungary for specialist treatment

Goalkeepers Carl Ikeme and Michael Oakes remain sidelined by respective ankle and knee problems but Jan Budtz has been signed on loan from Doncaster as cover for first-choice Matt Murray.

West Brom will be without goalkeeper Russell Hoult after he was suspended by the club following newspaper allegations about his private life.

Pascal Zuberbuhler is set to step up from the bench to deputise, while boss Tony Mowbray has seen his attacking options boosted ahead of the clash.

Striker John Hartson and playmaking midfielder Jason Koumas have both returned to availability in time for the Molineux tie after completing one-game suspensions.

But Martin Albrechtsen is unlikely to be risked, despite completing 45 minutes of a midweek reserve game following his recovery from groin troubles.

However, Steve Watson, who has bounced back from groin troubles of his own, completed the full 90 minutes' of the second-string's 4-2 win at Huddersfield and could play a part against Wanderers.

The Baggies will be keen to get one over their fierce rivals yet again, having already beaten Wolves this season, 3-0 in Mowbray's first game in charge back in October

Chelsea v Nottm Forest
Didier Drogba insists Chelsea's players are right behind manager Jose Mourinho in his battle for spending money in the current transfer window.

Mourinho has not hidden his frustration over the lack of funds available to strengthen his injury-hit squad, which he claims is hampering his ability to make signings before the close of the window on Wednesday.

Chelsea may yet resurrect their interest in Bolton defender Ben Tal Haim, despite the rumours of Abramovich and Mourinho being at loggerheads over new signings.

The Portuguese coach wanted to money to buy a new defender and striker but Abramovich is believed to have told Mourinho to get more out of under-fire striker Andriy Shevchenko instead.

Top scorer Drogba wants Abramovich to provide the financial clout to draft in reinforcements and bolster the Barclays Premiership champions' title bid during the final few months of the season.

Drogba said: ``Let's get one thing clear, when Mourinho says we need new players to help us achieve our ambitions, he is talking on behalf of the whole group. All the players here feel the same way as Jose.''

Chelsea could be boosted by the return of England captain John Terry for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round tie with Nottingham Forest.

The Blues' talismanic defender was included in Mourinho's first-team side in a training-ground game against the reserves yesterday - sparking speculation he will be included in the line-up for the first time since undergoing back surgery last month.

England defender Ashley Cole believes the return of his club and international skipper will be a massive boost to the side.

Cole said: ``It will be good if he's involved. Everybody knows how much we've missed him.

``He's a great leader and captain of the club. When he's in, his presence is felt by all the lads. We've missed him and we've conceded silly goals where, if he had been there, we would have dealt with it better.

``It's good to have him back and hopefully we can start our season from here.''

Cole also expects Terry to put pen to paper on a lucrative new Chelsea contract in the near future.

The deal on the table is reported to be worth around #150,000-a-week and Cole insists he deserves every penny.

``He's a Blue through and through,'' Cole said. ``The players won't get around him and put any pressure on him - it's his choice and his career.

``I wouldn't be surprised if, in the next few weeks or days, he'll be signing a new contract.

``He's been here for a long time. He's like the walls here. The contract is a great reward for him being a great captain and great player.''

Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood has given his players a reality check ahead of the tie.

The Coca-Cola League One high fliers travel to Stamford Bridge for a money-spinning fourth-round tie looking to cause a huge upset.

But Calderwood has warned his stargazing side he is ready to refocus their attention on more mundane matters the instant the final whistle is blown tomorrow.

Having set the early pace in League One, Forest have slipped to third in the table, although they have recovered from their mini-slump in their last three games in all competitions.

But despite the lure of an extended cup run Calderwood knows where his priority lies.

``We all know there were great days when Brian Clough and Peter Taylor were here winning league championships and back-to-back European Cups,'' he said.

``But, at this moment in time, we are a League One club and as much as some people might not like that fact, we will not be dressing ourselves up as anything different.

``We are a League One side but we want to be a Championship side and only our results between now and the end of the season will determine that.

``You can rest assured that, whatever the outcome of the game, at five o'clock on Sunday afternoon our focus will be on the next game, which is Carlisle away.''

Forest captain Ian Breckin is rated touch-and-go for the trip to Stamford Bridge with a foot injury.

Calderwood said: ``Ian did not train at the beginning of the week and has had a scan.

``We are awaiting the results of that scan to determine the extent of the injury but that is more precaution than necessity.''

Sammy Clingan is back from a three-game suspension but hamstring troubles are likely to keep Kris Commons on the sidelines once more.

Should he be selected, young midfielder Lewis McGugan is likely to play wearing a gumshield to protect a tooth re-inserted after it was knocked out.

Man City v Southampton
Stuart Pearce is convinced Barclays Premiership clubs are being asked to pay too much for potential.

In the week when Aston Villa have forked out #9.65million to land England Under-21 striker Ashley Young from Watford, Pearce's Manchester City side will face up to the other highly talked-about youngster in this transfer window.

Although Gareth Bale is expected to be in the Southampton line-up visiting City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, it is by no means certain the 17-year-old will still be at St Mary's once Wednesday's deadline has passed.

Bale has been courted by Tottenham and Manchester United, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also expressing his admiration for the Wales international while distancing himself from making a firm bid.

The asking price is thought to have reached #10million, an incredible sum for a player who has yet to make 30 senior appearances.

And, while Pearce is among those who marvel at the youngster's talent, he feels fees for players of potential are too high.

``You are paying #4million in player value and #6million for the potential,'' observed Pearce.

``In my opinion, you are talking about prices that are too high.

``We have watched Gareth, as have many Premiership clubs. He has caught the eye and has the potential to go on and become an extremely good player.

``But I would put him slightly behind Ashley Young because he has not played in the Premier League.''

Although it appears inevitable Bale will leave Southampton, if not this month then in the summer, Pearce believes the player must recognise the benefit to be gained from regular football before he quits to join a bigger club, where he may spend most of his time on the bench or in the stands.

``Players are not stupid,'' he said, recalling his formative years as a non-league star with Wealdstone.

``They have seen lads go to big clubs with squad rotation and know they will have to sit out matches.

``The experience of playing matches is invaluable.

``If I had come through the ranks at a professional club, I would have played a fraction of the games I actually did between the ages of 16 and 21. There is no substitute for playing first-team football.''

Pearce will recall Joey Barton for the clash, while Trevor Sinclair misses out through suspension.

Former Southampton goalkeeper Tim Flowers believes his old club will provide a stiff test for Manchester City.

Flowers, who made 242 appearances for Saints, is currently working as goalkeeping coach for Stuart Pearce's men and will therefore shelve his affection for his former employers.

But he acknowledged their threat and believes automatic promotion is a realistic prospect for George Burley's Coca-Cola Championship outfit.

Flowers said: ``Their squad is strong, they have goalscorers and it is going to be a very tough game for us.

``They are in the play-off positions but I think that they will go up automatically this year.

``It's a fantastic club with good people and it's great to see them pushing in the right direction.''

Flowers was between the posts when Saints knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford after a penalty shoot-out 15 years ago.

``It was a great game for us, victories at big grounds were few and far between at Southampton,'' he recalled.

``We were more used to scrapping away and trying to ensure survival. I learned so much there but then got a terrific move to Blackburn.''

Southampton have made steady progress under Burley this season and currently lie fifth in the Championship.

City, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency and last won the FA Cup 38 years ago and have not lifted any domestic silverware since winning the League Cup in 1976 after beating Newcastle.

``This club is crying out for a cup run,'' Flowers added in the Southern Daily Echo.

``There are already a few Premiership sides out and with three all-top-flight ties this weekend - nearly half the division could be eliminated after Sunday.

``When you look at it like that, let's be positive and go out on the front foot. It's a home draw, so to go out in front of our own supporters is also a big plus for us.''

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Bale is expected to feature against City, while young winger Nathan Dyer could also return.

Dyer is back in training after almost a month out with an ankle injury, although he may only be fit enough for a place on the bench despite the absence of Inigo Idiakez (thigh), Rudi Skacel (Achilles), Andrew Surman and Djamel Belmadi (both knee).

Full-back Chris Makin will return following a hamstring problem, and Bradley Wright-Phillips is pushing for a start against his former club after a goal from the bench at QPR last week

Arsenal v Bolton
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accepts that sooner or later he will have to give Cesc Fabregas a break.

The brilliant 19-year-old midfielder has appeared in all of the Gunners' Barclays Premiership and Champions League games this season.

Suspension kept him out of the FA Cup third-round victory at Liverpool, but he was back in the thick of the action for the midweek Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Tottenham.

Bolton travel to the Emirates Stadium for a fourth-round FA Cup meeting, before the Gunners welcome Spurs for the Carling Cup second leg next week.

With European action resuming at the end of February, it is set to be a hectic schedule for Arsenal, who last weekend beat Premiership leaders Manchester United to remain in touch with the top three.

Fabregas is happy enough to continue his role at the heart of the team whenever asked.

Wenger, though, remains acutely aware of the need to protect one of his key men against burnout.

The Arsenal manager admitted: ``I do not know whether Cesc will play or not yet.

``He will be on the bench or in the team.

``But I am tempted to count one game out for him, either on Sunday or Wednesday.''

As several other first-choice players are struggling with injury, not to mention the suspension of midfielder Gilberto, Wenger admits he has little room for manoeuvre in team selection.

However, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is set to be given another breather, with Manuel Almunia continuing to deputise.

Wenger believes the current fixture pile-up could present the perfect opportunity for Julio Baptista - who netted a brace at White Hart Lane to make his mark in the side.

The 25-year-old Brazilian is only on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season, having arrived at the Emirates Stadium during the last transfer window as part of the deal which took winger Jose Antonio Reyes to Spain.

That move could yet be made permanent and Wenger said: ``What he is achieving will help to make my mind up.

``He scored four at Liverpool, two at Tottenham - you could do worse.

``It took him time to adapt, but it is amazing - suddenly 'boom' one goal is in.

``That is him. He has a little bit of the qualities which [Robert] Pires had, to turn up in the box - and always you need these kinds of players.''

Kevin Davies insists he never had any intention of leaving Bolton during the transfer window.

The striker's good form attracted the attention of a number of top teams, who have been impressed with the way he has re-ignited his career after being released by Southampton.

However Davies pledged his future to the club this month when he signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

And he believes Bolton can climb even higher in the coming seasons.

He said: ``This club has given me everything I have ever needed over the past few years, so I saw no reason to leave and play for anyone else.

``The club has been successful and I would like to think I have played a part in that.

``It has been a great time. We have finished in the top eight ever since I have been here.

``Not only that, Bolton have played in Europe for the first time and reached a cup final.

``I am looking forward to the next three-and-a-half years when, hopefully, we will make more strides.''

Bolton are hoping to bounce back at the Emirates Stadium after last weekend's 5-1 Barclays Premiership humiliation at Middlesbrough.

Davies said: ``We cannot play as badly again and are ready to put things right.

``The lads have responded well in training this week and are looking forward to the game.

``While some of the Arsenal senior players may be ready to play, we are confident of doing something.''

Bolton knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup last year and Davies added: ``Our record against them in recent years speaks for itself.

``Arsenal want to play a beautiful game but sometimes it does not work for them.

``We know what we have to do to win games. It has worked for us over the past three to four years.''

Striker El-Hadji Diouf is ruled out against the Gunners through suspension after his red card at the Riverside and he could be replaced by either Stelios Giannakopoulos or Ricardo Vaz Te, while defender Ricardo Gardner is also pushing for a recall.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=212508&cc=5739

There's the fact it's now down to feeling. You got one today?

[kompressaur]

looks like Swansea were up for this one Eggy-

Bookings:
Pratley 45
Robinson 55
Gueret 64
Williams 80
Britton 84
Duffy 90
Tate 80

Suppose it could have been just a daft ref. Reading up this thread we all never did that well did we?