Football betting tips

 Let's all do the Bart Man

 Gerry McDonnell

 FA Cup Betting

 Will Round Three Throw Up Any Shocks?

This weekend sees a break from the Premiership title race, and the focus instead turns to the magic of the FA Cup. Though it is probably the most famous club knockout competition in the world, the FA Cup is losing some of its glory due to the domination by the big boys. Over the last twelve years Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea have been the only winners. West Ham came within seconds of breaking their grip in 2006, and maybe there’ll be some big shocks this weekend. For up to 60% better FA Cup betting odds go to PinnacleSports.com.

Fergie Guaranteed an Electric FA Cup Atmosphere at Villa Park

Alex Ferguson was bemoaning the ‘funerial’ atmosphere at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day, despite a crowd of over 75,000 fans, as United laboured to a 1-0 win over Birmingham. Fergie was watching from the stands serving a touchline ban, but will back in the dugout for the visit to Villa Park, where he should be guaranteed the buzz he craves, though almost all of it will be in favour of the home side. The Villans have been revitalised under Martin O’Neill, occupying sixth position in the Premiership, with the scalp of Chelsea under their belt. However, they were beaten 4-1 by the Red Devils at Villa Park back in October, their twelfth consecutive defeat by Man United, including three FA Cup ties.

Villa’s last victory over the current Premiership champions was a League Cup win, back in 1999, so O’Neill will really have to pull something out of the bag to upset the odds here. They ran United close in last season’s FA Cup, losing to a 90th minutes goal at Old Trafford, and the Midlanders will be encouraged by United’s recent capitulation at Upton Park, throwing away a comfortable 1-0 lead, to eventually lose 2-1. Fergie may also decide to ring the changes after a hectic Christmas period. PinnacleSports.com have Aston Villa as underdogs 1.952 (+0.5) with Man United 1.971 (-0.5) – a market priced to less than 102%!

Big Sam’s Neck on the Block as Newcastle Visit Stoke

Sam Allardyce has struggled to make a good impression since taking over as manager of Newcastle United in the summer. The Magpies are regarded as one of the sleeping giants of English football, but a succession of managers have failed to take control of an unruly dressing room. Big Sam hasn’t been helped by injuries, but the risky of signing Joey ‘Badboy’ Barton has backfired dramatically, with the midfielder arrested over the Christmas period, and likely to have his contract terminated. Alongside these off-field distractions, Allardyce’s biggest issue is the lack of entertainment on the pitch, which is normally a trademark of Newcastle sides, win or lose.

The suggestion is that failure in the FA Cup, the only remaining possible silverware left to aim for, would lead Allardyce to get the boot, even though it may cost £20million to buy him out of his contract. The ex-Bolton boss’s career could therefore be ended by Stoke, who host Newcastle on Sunday evening. The Potters are flying high, fourth placed in the Championship, and unbeaten in their last twelve games. City have a breadth of experience in their side, with several ex-Premiership players, such as Rory Delap, Dominic Matteo and Ricardo Fuller. This game has the potential for goals with Stoke’s last five outings averaging over 4 goals. PinnacleSports.com price the Overs total at 2.130 for more than 2.5 goals, while in their Asian Handicap Newcastle are marginal favourites 1.926 (0/scratch & -0.5) with Stoke City 2.00 (0/scratch & +0.5).