The FA Cup third round is one of the most magical days in the English footballing calendar and this year promises to be just as exciting with a number of non-league sides pitting their wits against Premier League opposition including West Bromwich Albion versus Gateshead and Dover against Crystal Palace.
There are also a number of cup final re-runs including Sunderland versus Leeds (1973), AFC Wimbledon versus Liverpool (1988) and Arsenal versus Hull (2014). With so many fixtures taking place there are going to be lots of goals and we’ve highlighted the best seven BTTS tips to help you turn a healthy profit.
Saturday 3rd January 2015
- Blyth Spartans v Birmingham City (21/20 with Ladbrokes) – The North East side knocked out Hartlepool in the last round and they will be complete underdogs in Saturday’s clash. Birmingham have by far and away the better side, but Blyth are famous for giant killing exploits and another one could potentially be on the cards here.
- Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic (4/6 with Bet365) – It’s safe to say that these two sides aren’t the best of friends and they will both bet relishing having the opportunity to get one over on their rivals. Both teams have scored in the last five meetings between the two sides and we’d certainly back that run to continue as these Lancashire sides collide.
- Preston North End v Norwich City (4/5 with Bet365) – Preston are flying high and find themselves in the upper reaches of League One and they could potentially cause an upset when they meet a Norwich side who have been underwhelming in the Championship so far this season. Joe Garner has been in impressive form for the hosts and Norwich will have to keep an eye on former Leeds and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford, who knows all about cup upsets as he featured in the Leeds team that beat Manchester United in the FA Cup third round back in 2010.
- West Bromwich Albion v Gateshead (23/20 with BetVictor) – Take a Premier League team who are struggling for form and confidence and pit them against a non-league side who sit just a few points outside of the play-offs and you have a recipe for an upset. Gateshead won’t be expecting to win, but if they can reach half time at 0-0 the Baggies may get jittery.
Sunday 4th January 2015
- Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United (4/5 with Ladbrokes) – Having impressed in the FA Cup last season, Sheffield United have made it to the League Cup semi finals this season, knocking out Southampton on the way. With Charlie Austin in the side, the home side will be confident of scoring, but the Blades are certainly capable of pulling off another upset.
- Arsenal v Hull City (11/10 with Ladbrokes) – With a threadbare squad already Arsene Wenger may choose to rest a number of players for this FA Cup clash, giving Hull the potential to capitalise and bag a few goals. They certainly made life difficult for the Gunners in last season’s final and they may well do again, making both to score look an attractive bet.
Monday 5th January 2015
- Burnley v Tottenham (3/4 with Ladbrokes) – The home side have been in reasonable goalscoring form of late and with Spurs conceding regularly on the road, this is definitely another match which could end up with both teams hitting the back of the net.