In what will be overshadowed by the Sunday game between Chelsea and Manchester City is the tie between Wigan and Millwall.

They want to win this:

Best match odds:

• Wigan – 17/20 William Hill
• Draw – 29/10 bookies
• Millwall – 19/5 BetVictor

Millwall will be able to treat this more like a home game, having to travel to the other side of London. Wigan had not sold all their ticket allocation, suggesting a few extra Millwall fans potentially getting in.

Millwall are no strangers to Wembley having been in the 2004 final as beaten finalists to Manchester United. They have a similar tough task to lift the silverware and am sure their fans are enjoying every moment of this. Wigan have relegation issues, which could pose as a distraction, and were lucky to nick a draw off QPR last weekend. We were watching the game, and Wigan were not the best during this game playing against ten men QPR for much of the game.

Opta facts going into this game courtesy of optasports.com

 

• Wigan have reached the last four of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
• The Latics are the 78th different team to reach the semi-final stage of the FA Cup.
• Millwall were last in the semi-finals in 2004 when they made it to the final before losing to Manchester United.
• The one and only meeting between Millwall and Wigan in the FA Cup was back in 1935. Millwall won a third round tie 4-1.
• Wigan are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Millwall in all competitions, without conceding a goal (W2 D1).
• The Lions have won just one of their last 13 clashes with top flight opposition in the FA Cup (D4 L8). However, that victory came in this year’s competition when they eliminated Aston Villa.
• Wigan have failed to score just once in their last 11 FA Cup matches against opponents from lower divisions.
• Of those 11 matches, Wigan have lost just two, winning five and drawing four.
• Millwall have won four and lost just one of their last six FA Cup matches played at a neutral venue.
• This will be Wigan’s first game at Wembley since 2000 when they lost 3-2 to Gillingham in the then Football League Second Division Play-Off.
• Millwall have conceded just one goal in their five FA Cup matches so far this season.
• Jordi Gomez has scored three goals and assisted two more in the FA Cup this season. The Spaniard played a part in two of their three goals against Everton in the quarter-final.

 

Both teams come into this, with just one defeat in six games each. Millwall’s season is effectively over, so they can concentrate all their energies for this game. Both teams will attack, but expect it to take a while to break the deadlock, so could anticipate a few corners in the game.

We will expect a low scoring affair from the game, as both teams play with pride, with bookies hedging around 5/6 on this outcome, especially at Boylesports. I do not expect this game to be settled in 90 minutes and am inclined to not ignore the 21/20 on offer from bookies, that Millwall will win or draw the game, in the double chance market.

 

Recommended betting:

• Time of first goal – after 27 minutes – 1/1 Betfred
• Under 2.5 goals and over 10 corners – 11/5 Paddy Power
• Millwall or draw – 21/20 bookies

We have two games today in the FA cup and two on Sunday. Previewing each game starts with Everton who entertain Wigan at Goodison Park.

Everton must really fancy themselves to win the FA cup, seeing Manchester united or Chelsea will be eliminated this weekend. Everton are overdue since last lifting the trophy in 1995, when they beat Manchester United 1-0!

Best match odds:

• Everton – 5/11 Bwin
• Draw – 42/11 Pinnacle
• Wigan – 15/2 bookies

 

Some facts between the two sides, courtesty of Optasports.com

 

Everton v Wigan Athletic

• This is only the second time these North West rivals have been drawn together in the FA Cup; in round four of the 1980 competition, Everton defeated the Latics 3-0 at Goodison Park.
• The Toffees have both scored and conceded in 13 of their last 17 FA Cup games.
• Wigan have only won two of their last 12 FA Cup games against top-flight sides (D2 L8).
• On the road, the Latics have only ever won once in the FA Cup against a side from the top tier (3-0 at Sunderland in January 2008).
• Everton have only lost two of their last 12 FA Cup games on home soil (W8 D2).
• Wigan have won three consecutive away games in the FA Cup (all this season); already their best ever run of wins on the road in the competition.
• This is only the second time Wigan have made the sixth round of the FA Cup; in 1986/87, they lost 2-0 to Leeds United.
• In contrast, this will be Everton’s 28th appearance in the FA Cup sixth round (only four teams have made more); they have progressed through 17 of the previous 27.
• Arouna Kone has already scored in both league meetings with Everton this season.
• The Latics have not won at Goodison Park since their first ever trip there in September 2005 (1-0); since then, they have lost five and drawn two.

 

What do we reckon?

• Everton to win by 2 or more (-1) – 13/10 Stan James
• Highest scoring half – second – 15/13 Bwin

Manchester City face Barnsley in which, City must attempt to win the FA Cup as a consolation, if the league is out of reach, which it appears to be now!

Best match odds:

• Manchester City – 1/7 Coral
• Draw – 87/10 Pinnacle
• Barnsley – 22/1 Betfred

 

Opta facts:

Manchester City v Barnsley

• The Citizens have won both previous FA Cup meetings with Barnsley (both on home soil), winning 2-1 in 1947/48 (round three) and 2-0 in 1992/93 (round five).
• Barnsley have only won two of their last 11 FA Cup games against Premier League sides, though those victories did come in successive games v Liverpool and Chelsea in 2007/08.
• The Tykes have not won three straight away games on the road in the FA Cup proper since January 1957.
• City have failed to score in only one of their last 18 FA Cup games on home soil, netting 39 goals in total in that run.
• Roberto Mancini’s side are unbeaten in nine games against lower ranked sides in the FA Cup, winning their last four in a row without conceding (13 goals scored).
• Carlos Tevez has scored in three successive games in all competitions.
• The Citizens have lost four of their last five FA Cup quarter-finals, though they did win their last one in 2011 (1-0 v Reading).
• This is Barnsley’s seventh appearance in round six of the competition; they were knocked out in the first five before eliminating Chelsea in 2007/08.
• City have won their last three against Barnsley in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and conceding just two.
• The Citizens have kept six clean sheets in their last seven games in all competitions at the Etihad.

 

What do we think?

• Barnsley +3 8/11 Paddy Power
• Over 11 corners – 4/5 888sport

 

We move to Sunday, and kick off with the all championship tie between Millwall and Blackburn.

Best match odds:

• Millwall – 6/4 BetVictor
• Draw – 37/15 Pinnacle
• Blackburn – 85/40 Stan James

 

Some opta facts on the match:

 

Millwall v Blackburn Rovers

• This is the first FA Cup quarter-final not to feature a Premier League side since 2008, when West Brom thumped Bristol Rovers 5-1.
• Rovers have won both previous FA Cup meetings with Millwall; they won 2-1 in Round Three of the 1978/79 competition and 1-0 in Round Four back in 2001/02.
• The Lions have not won four successive FA Cup games outright On home soil, Millwall have lost just two of their last 18 FA Cup games (W11 D5).
• since January 1957.
• Rovers are one of only two teams (with Man City) yet to concede a goal in the FA Cup proper this season.
• This is will be Millwall’s sixth appearance in round six of the FA Cup; they have progressed through two of the previous five, including the last one (2003/04 v Tranmere).
• Rovers, meanwhile, are appearing at this stage for the sixteenth time; they have progressed through eight of the previous 15, including the last two.
• Blackburn have only lost one of their last six trips to Millwall in all competitions (W4 D1), though they did lose at home to the Lions earlier this season.
• Colin Kazim-Richards has scored the opening goal in each of Rovers’ last two FA Cup games.
• Millwall have only failed to score in one of their last 15 FA Cup games at the New Den.

 

What do we think?

• Both teams to score – 3/4 BetVictor

 

Our last game will be a cracker, between Manchester United and Chelsea. Manchester United have just been knocked out in emotional fashion, from the champions league, whereas Chelsea have a 1 goal deficit to claw back in their Europa league second leg next Thursday.

Best match odds:

• Manchester United – 5/6 Coral
• Draw – 124/41 Pinnacle
• Chelsea – 19/5 Will Hill

Opta facts

Manchester United v Chelsea

• This will be the eleventh FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Chelsea; The Red Devils lead the head-to-head record by eight wins to two, although Chelsea did win the last meeting (the 2007 final).
• The only previous sixth round meeting between United and Chelsea in the FA Cup is also the only previous tie between the sides to go to a replay; After a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, the Red Devils won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to progress in their treble winning season (1998/99).
• Chelsea have never won in five previous FA Cup games at Old Trafford, losing four, drawing one and scoring just one goal in total.
• The last six meetings between these sides in all competitions have seen 30 goals scored, with 14 netted in just two meetings so far this term.
• Javier Hernandez has netted in five of his last six games against the Blues in all competitions.
• Chelsea have only lost one of their last 38 FA Cup games outright, winning 31 and drawing six.
• Indeed, the Blues are now unbeaten in 27 cup games (excluding penalty shootouts), the longest ever run without defeat by a single side.
• The Red Devils have only lost two of their last 18 FA Cup away games, with both of those defeats coming at Anfield against Liverpool.
• Juan Mata has scored five goals and assisted seven in just 10 appearances in the FA Cup.
• This will be Manchester United’s 34th appearance in the FA Cup sixth round; only Arsenal (36) have made this round more often.

What do we think?

• Both teams to score – 7/10 Ladbrokes
• Manchester United – 5/6 Coral

FA Cup – Third Round.

The early kick off of the FA Cup third round takes us to the home of Brighton and Hove Albion as they face Premiership side Newcastle United.
The Seagulls are on 37 points in the Championship and are and come into this game on a high after a convincing 0-3 away win at Ipswich on New Years Day. Another positive that stand The Albion in good stead for this match is the boost of winger Will Buckley signing a new four year deal.
On the other hand Newcastle have been struggling of late, the Magpies find themselves just two points above the relegation zone and have failed to win any of their last three games including a 2-1 home defeat to Everton on Wednesday.
Aldershot are currently 20th in the league take on Rotherham in a battle between the two league two sides. The Shots have already lost 3-0 to the Millers this season.
Rotherham have won four of their last five games and have the further boost of Liverpool stoker Adam Morgan joining them on loan. The loan move is consequence of Liverpool signing Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.
Aston Villa will be hoping to continue the form they found against Swansea on New Years Day as they host Ipswich Town. A young and inexperienced Villa side conceded 15 goals in three matches over the Christmas period without scoring themselves.
Just one point above the drop zone in the Premier league Villa will hope a good cup run will bring them a run of form in 2013.
Similarly Ipswich are struggling in the relegation zone of the Championship. Despite winning two of their last three Ipswich still find themselves 19th in the league.
Mick McCarthy will be hoping that duo Aaron Mclean and David McGoldrick will be cleared for tomorrows game. Mclean is on loan from Hull and McGoldrick from Nottingham Forrest will stay at Portman Road for the rest of the season.
Barnsley take on Burnley at the Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley are bottom of the Championship with 21 points and have only won one match in their last five. Burnley who is currently 12th drew to the Tykes earlier in the season.
In another all Championship clash tomorrow Blackburn are at home to Bristol City. Bristol City find themselves just above Barnsley while Blackburn are 13th in the league.
The former Premier league club showed their dominance when the two clubs met at the start of the season with Rovers thumping five past City in a 3-5 away win.
One point separates Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town in the Championship and there was nothing to part them earlier in the season as they drew 1-1 at the Valley.
On paper this looks set to be a very close match as Charlton have picked up four points from a possible 15 and Huddersfield have picked up three from the same amount.
Charlton, now in 15th, however started 2013 with a 3-4 away victory over Watford while Huddersfield, in 17th, received a harsh lesson loosing 6-1 to Leicester.
Bolton take on Sunderland, Bolton come off the back of a defeat to Leeds on New Years Day and have only won two out of their last five fixtures. Sunderland appear to have the upper hand in this fixture claiming four out of six points last season in the Premier league.
Sunderland beat the defending Premier league champions 1-0 but failed to continue their momentum and have lost both games since.
Reading faces a short away trip down the M25 and M4 to the Broadfield Stadium to face Crawley. Crawley are in 8th in league one picked up the name giant killers in this competition and will hope to continue their cup form against premier league Reading.
Crystal Palace take on Stoke City after winning 3-1 against Wolves while Stoke are going into this game on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Tranmere Rovers are flying high at the top of league one and will be hoping to go on a good cup run as they are the visitors to Derby County. Rovers have picked up ten points from their last fifteen with Derby picking up seven.
Blackpool drew to Hull in their first game of 2013 travel down to Fulham who were victorious on New Years Day against West Bromwich Albion. Hull host league one side Leyton Orient, Hull fill the second automatic promotion place while Orient are sitting comfortably in 15th position.
Leeds United are at home to Birmingham City earlier in the season Birmingham were victorious at Elland Road. Burton Albion face a tough away day at Leicester City, the league two side are currently sitting in 8th place but the fifth placed Championship side have already been beaten by Albion in the Capital One Cup.
Conference Premier Side Luton Town are hosting Championship side Wolves tomorrow at Kenilworth Road. Luton have won three of their last five games where as Wolves confidence is diminished after loosing four out of five and only scoring two goals in those five games.
Another Conference Premier side set with a big game ahead of them is tenth place Macclesfield as they face Championship leaders Cardiff City.
However the toughest game of the day looks to go to Hastings United. The Ryman League Premier Division side are heading to Middlesbrough. Hastings are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions. Boro have won three of their last five games.
Millwall face Preston tomorrow while Nottingham Forrest takes on Oldham. Oxford United is hosting league one side Sheffield United who are second in the league table.
The U’s were victorious on New Years Day beating Cheltenham 1-0 while Sheffield United drew 2-2 away to Doncaster Rovers on New Years Day.
Sheffield Wednesday are at home to league one side MK Dons, this looks set to be a lose match with The Dons currently in 6th as well as winning their last game away to Notts County 2-1. Wednesday are in the relegation zone of the Championship while loosing 2-0 against Barnsley on New Years Day.
Southend take on Brentford. The league two side lost 1-0 at home to Gillingham while Brentford drew 0-0 to Bournemouth on New Years Day who away to Wigan.
Tottenham face Coventry at White Hart Lane, a replay of the 1987 final where the Sky Blues were the cup winners. Though Coventry are going though trouble going on off the pitch their performances picked up drastically as they went on a 10 game unbeaten run in all competitions. However Shrewsbury put an end to the form with a victory at the Ricoh Arena 1-0 on New Years Day.
Tottenham are heading into tomorrows game with three successive wins and are unbeaten in five games.
Four all Premier League ties are to take place tomorrow. QPR host West Bromwich Albion for the second time in nine days. West Brom won 2-1 on the 26th of December however they have since been hit with a string of injuries to key members of the team.
QPR’s confidence will be brimming as they are on the back of a fantastic away win against the European Champions earlier this week while the Baggies were beaten at home.
Southampton are facing the cup holders Chelsea, just goal difference is keeping them above the relegation zone.
West Ham are taking on Manchester United at Upton Park. United are at the top of the table with a seven point lead over second place Manchester City. West Ham has lost three of their last five games and also lost to United 1-0 earlier this season.
The two remaining games that are to take place on Sunday see Swansea take on Arsenal and Mansfield face Liverpool.
Mansfield manager Paul Cox will be hoping to make it a triple celebration on Sunday following his wedding today (Friday) and his 41st birthday on Sunday. Liverpool have won three of their last four games in the premier league propelling them up to eighth in the league