FA Cup

Best bets for this weekend’s FA Cup encounters

After their shocker in the San Siro, Arsenal head back to the Stadium of Light knowing that another defeat will have disastrous consequences for their season.

The Gunners can consider themselves unlucky to have been drawn in the only all-Premier League fixture and there’s no doubt that they will face a Sunderland side out for revenge after Thierry Henry’s late winner last weekend.

Arsenal are the bookies’ favourites for the tie, at 6/4 with Blue Square, but Arsene Wenger won’t be able to call on Henry’s services after the Frenchman returned to New York.

Sunderland are tempting at 9/5 with Blue Square, but I feel that both sides might have to settle for a draw, at 9/4, with that so close to being the result last Saturday.

Their cause aided after they were pulled out of the hat alongside Stevenage, Tottenham are the 10/3 favourites to lift this season’s FA Cup.

Although Stevenage are going well in both League One, where they occupy a play-off spot, and in this competition, having got this far without conceding a goal, they should be no match for Spurs.

Tottenham’s class was there for all to see against Newcastle and even if Harry Redknapp shuffles his pack a little, his side shouldn’t be embarrassed at Broadhall Way.

We’ve successfully backed Tottenham to win to nil in the third and fourth rounds and that looks a good strategy again, at 4/5, with the visitors as short as 1/4 to win Sunday’s game.

Chelsea are second in the outright betting, just behind Spurs, at 7/2 with Blue Square, and despite their recent bother, should progress to the quarter-finals at Birmingham’s expense.

Chris Hughton is once again showing what a good manager he is, with Birmingham still very much in the picture for an automatic return to the top flight.

His side haven’t got a terrible record against the Blues in recent contests, but they do struggle at Stamford Bridge, and their focus is on getting out of the Championship.

Furthermore, I don’t see Andre Villas-Boas allowing his side to slip up at the start of what is a hugely important week, with Napoli awaiting in the Champions League.

I fancy a bet on Chelsea to win 2-1 at 8/1 with Blue Square.

There is no way that Bolton will be looking forward to their trip to the Den. With Wanderers having a torrid time of it this season, they will be nervous and there is every chance of an upset.

The Lions appeal more, at 15/8, than Bolton, at 11/8.

BETS OF THE WEEK AT BLUE SQUARE:

Sunderland v Arsenal draw at 9/4

Spurs to win to nil at 4/5

Chelsea 2-1 Birmingham at 8/1

Millwall at 15/8

§ Blue Square Bet is also offering all London 24 readers up to £25 in free matched bets. To claim, visit www.bluesq.com