Oh, I do love the magic of FA Cup third round weekend. And I’d love nothing more than to bash the bookies with a few winning selections from this weekend’s action.
I’ve picked out three players to all find the target. Two of them come from the 3PM kick-offs, and the final comes courtesy of the evening fixture at Old Trafford.
Be lucky!
Newport County V Blackburn Rovers. 3PM
BET: Jordan Rhodes to score anytime @ 6/5 with SkyBet
Blackburn might not be enjoying the best of seasons but they should be well equipped to seal their place in round four with a win at Rodney Parade. And there’s no doubt where the Championship side’s biggest threat will come from.
The Scottish star has nine league goals to his name this term, and will be looking to bring that form to the cup to fire Rovers through against League Two opposition. The visitors are in desperate need of a pick me up following three successive 1-0 defeats, and Rhodes is the man to provide it.
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Newport have leaked 39 goals in their own division, so this step up in class should be far too much. Whatever happens, I’d be very surprised if they manage to keep a shutout. With that in mind, I have to fancy Rovers’ top marksman to score.
At odds of 6/5, it could be the Rhodes to profit.
West Ham United V Wolverhampton Wanderers. 3PM
BET: Dimitri Payet to score anytime @ 9/4 with SkyBet
I’d imagine the West Ham supporters were thrilled to see Dimitri Payet return to action with his cameo appearance against Liverpool, and the playmaker should be set for a starting role in this cup clash against Wolves. And I’m backing the Frenchman to cap it with a goal.
Payet was one of the best players in the country before getting injured. While it might take him a few games to get fully back into the swing of things, I can’t see any reason to think he’ll struggle for form against Championship opposition.
The playmaker has far more to his game than just goals, but he certainly knows where the target is. Payet already has five goals this term. If he performs to his potential, there’s every chance that he’ll be celebrating his first cup strike on Saturday.
I’m quite excited just to see his dazzling skills once more. Hopefully he’ll reward us with a goal.
Manchester United V Sheffield United. 5:30PM
BET: Memphis Depay to score anytime @ 11/8 with SkyBet
Manchester United finally ended their prolonged winless streak with a gritty 2-1 win over Swansea last weekend, and the Red Devils can use that result to kick on. They should be expected to continue their 100% start to 2016 against League One Sheffield United, and the Old Trafford crowd might finally get a chance to see some attacking football.
Louis van Gaal is likely to make some changes, and Memphis Depay is one of the players likely to get a chance to shine. The Dutchman has endured a turbulent first campaign, but he has shown glimpses of his ability, and I think he’ll steal the headlines in this cup clash.
The Red Devils are more than capable of scoring a few goals in this one and Depay’s natural confidence will stand him in good stead in spite of his poor first season.
With the other two matches taking place earlier in the afternoon, he could provide the perfect finish. Come on Memphis, show us what you’ve got!
In addition to the three singles, I’ll be playing the treble. For a £10 stake, the returns would be £170.20 at SkyBet on top of the three winning singles. That’s what I call the magic of the cup.
