There is no rest for the wicked. Having just come through the physically demanding festive period, 18 sides have to play yet another match with the replays of the FA Cup third round. While most teams could do without another game to play, some will be delighted for another crack at more illustrious opponents. That sets the two days of fixtures up nicely and it’ll be nicer still if we can produce some winners with our three accumulators below.
Easy Winner – evens (BetVictor)
- Over 1.5 goals in Lincoln City v Ipswich Town (2/9) – Lincoln City came very close to beating Ipswich and although they had to put up with a draw, they’ll be confident about their chances in the replay. This could be the highest scoring game of all the replays.
- Under 3.5 goals in Burnley v Sunderland (4/11) – Burnley and Sunderland played out a very drab 0-0 first time around. Don’t expect things to be much different in the replay at Turf Moor as the teams focus on avoiding relegation.
- Liverpool to beat Plymouth (2/9) – Plymouth did ever so well to dig in and get a draw at Anfield. But surely Liverpool won’t fail to beat League Two opposition again? The Reds are overwhelming favourites and get the job done.
Medium Risk – 13/2 (Sky Bet)
- AFC Wimbledon to beat Sutton United (1/2) – AFC Wimbledon avoiding a banana skin in their third round tie. Not only was it a local derby but they had to play on Sutton’s artificial pitch. Back at home, Wimbledon should prove too much for their Non League opponents.
- Ipswich to beat Lincoln City (11/10) – Mick McCarthy is struggling a little for the first time at Ipswich. After seeing his team draw at home against Non League opposition, he’ll be making his players fully aware of their responsibilities.
- Liverpool to beat Plymouth and over 3.5 goals (11/8) – If Liverpool get an early goal at Home Park there is a real chance the floodgates could open. That said, Plymouth will be more forward thinking at home than they were at Anfield. Expect Liverpool to progress in an entertaining game in front of a full house.
Long Shot – 284/1 (Bet365)
- Bolton to beat Crystal Palace (19/4) – Sam Allardyce has form when it comes to prioritising Premier League survival over the FA Cup. If he was thinking along those lines ahead of the first game against Bolton, he’ll definitely be thinking that way after the draw paired the winner of this game with Man City. Bolton can take full advantage of a weakened Crystal Palace team.
- Burnley to beat Sunderland and under 2.5 goals (9/2) – As we’ve seen, this is highly unlikely to be an entertaining game. Burnley are a good side at home though so they should be able to progress with a low scoring win.
- Norwich to beat Southampton and both teams to score (8/1) – Southampton’s appetite for winning this replay against Norwich is sure to be dampened after being drawn against Arsenal in the next round. They won’t throw the game but Norwich can win an entertaining encounter at St Mary’s.