FA Cup third round tips
Football fans can enjoy early January with a feast of thrilling fixtures, now that the FA Cup third round proper is about to begin with a whopping 32 matches set to take place across four days from Friday to Monday.
As ever, Coral of course have punters covered with FA Cup third round tips for all TV games, including West Ham v Man City odds and Man Utd v Reading bets as Jaap Stam returns to Old Trafford.
While, England’s most prestigious cup competition is famous for its history of underdogs and giant-killings, so check out Coral’s feature on the best FA Cup third round shocks too.
Iheanacho to score and Man City beat Hammers
Live on BBC One at 19:55 GMT
Manchester City may have had their share of troubles this term, but Pep Guardiola’s guys still have a star-studded side with firepower capable of out-gunning almost any team in England.
The Sky Blues have already made light work of leaky West Ham in the Premier League this season and Guardiola has so far shown a tendency to play youth in cup games, which makes Iheanacho a promising punt to pounce anytime.
Mata to make the difference for Man Utd v Reading
Live on BT Sport 2 at 12:30 GMT
After his goal heroics sealed three points in the PL for Manchester United, silky Spaniard Juan Mata can be snapped up at
to score again and spoil Jaap Stam’s return to Old Trafford as Reading coach.
The Royals will surely attempt to keep things tight at the back but, as all but one of their defeats across all competitions this campaign have been on the road, Jose Mourinho’s in-form men should be confident of dispatching the Championship team.
Mata has proven a potent impact substitute in the past few matches but has surely earned more game time in this cup clash, so looks tasty to tuck one away, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co surely requiring a rest.
Arsenal to pip PNE in both halves
Live on BT Sport 2 at 17:30 GMT
After Arsenal’s comeback to draw at Bournemouth appeared to reveal frustrations within the London club’s camp, Preston North End may want to brace themselves for a reprisal.
The Gunners certainly have goals in them, whether it’s Alexis Sanchez or Alex Iwobi who line up, so back Arsene Wenger’s guys at 23/10 to win both halves against this mid-table Championship team that have recorded a loss and a draw across their last two home games.
Cardiff can force Fulham draw
Live on BBC Wales at 11:30 GMT
There are nine places separating these two Championship teams, but the last time Cardiff City welcomed Fulham to Wales there was nothing to split the two sides as they played out a 1-1 draw.
Even away at Craven Cottage the Bluebirds managed to bag a point on league duty this campaign, with three draws form their last five duels with the Cottagers. So, this third round fray to end evenly in 90 minutes is appealing at 12/5.
Origi to poach first in Liverpool win v Plymouth
Live on BT Sport 2 at 13:30 GMT
League Two Plymouth Argyle, who last faced Liverpool in the 1960s, have a mountain to climb as they make the long trek to Anfield, but it is an ideal chance for Jurgen Klopp to rest some Reds and give others a run-out.
Young Belgium goal-gobbler Divock Origi, who has struck seven in 19 outings this season, has fallen slightly out of favour since his purple patch came to an abrupt halt, but can get back on track with some game time here. If he does play, take the predator at 10/3 to open the scoring in a Liverpool victory across normal time.
Son first home scorer for Spurs
Live on BBC One at 16:00 GMT
After only coming off the bench as Tottenham triumphed over Chelsea in midweek, South Korea superstar Heung-Min Son should have his eye on Aston Villa’s scalp, should Mauricio Pochettino shuffle his pack as expected.
Steve Bruce brings his Birmingham boys to a daunting White Hart Lane, where Spurs have lost just twice this term, with both of those blemishes occurring in the Champions League.
Live on BT Sport 2 at 19:45 GMT
Last but not least, on Monday night Leeds United cap off four thrilling days as the Yorkshire club clash with Cambridge United.
Fresh from a 3-0 rout of rivals Rotherham United, Championship Manager of the Month nominee Garry Monk has a side flying high on confidence.
