Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Pompey are winless in their last 22 games against Arsenal in all competitions, a run that rolls all the way back to 1958.
However, I would not rate the high-flying Gunners as a steering job here.
Since winning the FA Cup in Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge in 2019/20, the Gooners have gone out of the competition in either the third round (x 3) or fourth round (x 2) in the last five campaigns.
Expect wholesale Arsenal rotation. The Premier League is the Holy Grail this season for Arteta, while they are also still involved at the business end of EFL Cup proceedings.
One of my favourite Roald Dahl quotes is: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
There are going to be FA Cup shocks this weekend, and don’t rule out a bit of FA Cup magic being sprinkled around Fratton Park on Sunday, January 11, where Portsmouth are available to back at 12s to produce a seismic shock.
Suggested bet: Portsmouth to win at 12/1 (General)
Manchester United vs Brighton
Brighton have won three of their last four visits to Old Trafford and might have been a play here had Amorim still been in charge.
Amorim had been given all the ingredients to make a gourmet meal, but all he ultimately delivered for Manchester United fans was a 3-4-3 Findus Crispy Pancakes and beans.
And the pancakes were a bit black and definitely overcooked. And the beans were welded to the pan.
Manchester United’s interim boss, Darren Fletcher, will be desperate for a win here, and I like the look of Matheus Cunha at 17/10 to find the net.
It is in the midst of disasters that bold men grow bolder, and despite some clown show performances from Man United this season, Cunha himself has looked sharp and consistent.
The Brazilian has scored in each of his last four FA Cup appearances and can continue that sequence against a Brighton side that are not the best defensively.
Suggested bet: Cunha to score anytime at 17/10 (Hills)
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