The FA Cup 4th round rolls into Saturday with three big games on the tellybox. First up, we have Leyton Orient hosting Man City just after noon, followed by Birmingham entertaining Newcastle at 5:45pm, with Brighton taking on Chelsea at 8pm.
Paddy Power ambassador Joe Cole joined us during the week to discuss whether we’ll see any upsets in the cup.
Saturday’s FA Cup tips
12:15pm Leyton Orient v Man City
Leyton Orient to win
Darren Pratley to be carded
5:45pm: Birmingham v Newcastle
Newcastle -1
Anthony Gordon to score or assist
8pm: Brighton v Chelsea
Draw
Both teams to score, yes
Pedro Neto to score or assist
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
12:15pm: Leyton Orient v Man City
TV: BBC One
The coaching staff at Leyton Orient are doing a brilliant job. Richie Wellens, Alan McCormack, and Paul Terry have done incredibly well to get them to sixth in League One and are developing them into a sleeping potential giant. However, they did lose their last home game to Stockport County.
This is Man City’s best chance at a trophy this season. Of course, they could still win the Champions League, but they have made it difficult for themselves. They usually make short work of teams at this stage of the FA Cup and progress with no problems.
But I will follow my heart on this one because my boys are going. They have season tickets at Brisbane Road and are really excited about this. I’m going for Leyton Orient to win in one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.
My other shout is that Darren Pratley will be booked. He has been great in Orient’s midfield this season, but he’s 39 years old now and could really struggle against the quality of Man City.
5:45pm: Birmingham v Newcastle
TV: BBC One
Birmingham are unbeaten in their last 18 games, winning four of their last five, while Newcastle have just reached the League Cup final. So, they may rotate. That’s something for punters to consider.
However, Newcastle will still get the job done comfortably, so I’m backing Newcastle -1. If Anthony Gordon is playing, then he is a good bet for a goal or assist.
8pm: Brighton v Chelsea
TV: ITV4
Now for two of the most unpredictable clubs this season. I was at the Forest game at the weekend and Brighton were atrocious. Deservedly dismantled 7-0. In contrast, Chelsea can be equally incredible or off the boil.
Chelsea have won the last five meetings, and Brighton have lost their last two games without scoring. Despite that, I am backing a draw for this one.
With the way both teams defend, Brighton’s high line and Chelsea’s errors, I will back both teams to score.
Finally, Pedro Neto is growing in confidence and looked much improved on Monday, so I’ll go with him to score or assist.
Saturday’s FA Cup betting tips
12:15pm Leyton Orient v Man City
Leyton Orient to win
Darren Pratley to be carded
5:45pm: Birmingham v Newcastle
Newcastle -1
Anthony Gordon to score or assist
8pm: Brighton v Chelsea
Draw
Both teams to score, yes
Pedro Neto to score or assist
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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