Sports

The Scout: FA Cup 4th Round Preview

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Brighton v Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp can’t really be looking forward to this one, even though it gives him a chance of revenge. Despite Liverpool’s poor form this season, their 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium just 11 days ago was unexpected.

Goalless at half-time, Brighton went through the gears after the break and two goals from Solly March and a third from Danny Welbeck inflicted a sixth defeat of the season on Liverpool. Klopp, who has been without the injured Virgil van Dijk, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, bluntly conceded he could not remember a worse game.

The signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven has given them additional attacking threat to accompany Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, but they are a long way from rekindling the form of last season.

If Liverpool are in a rare slump, Brighton continue to enjoy heady days under Roberto De Zerbi. The departure to Chelsea of Graham Potter, who was seen as a Brighton mastermind in taking them to ninth place last season and up to fourth before he left, concerned fans of the south coast club.

But they need not have worried. De Zerbi’s first game in charge was a 3-3 draw with Liverpool. And although Brighton suffered some early defeats under the Italian, they have lost just one of their last six games in all competitions.

Brighton have little trouble scoring goals – often of the spectacular kind – with the likes of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma and Pascal Gross all adding to the highlights reel this season.

Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ $2.28*

Manchester City v Arsenal

It’s the sort of fixture that feels like it should be reserved for the latter rounds of the FA Cup. But with 32 teams still left in the competition, England’s best two teams will lock horns at this relatively early stage.

Since Mikel Arteta performed some sort of magic by transforming Arsenal this season, he has not gone head-to-head with his mate, mentor and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Arsenal have seen off Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United without yet facing the defending Premier League champions.

This fixture represents a real opportunity for Arteta’s side to confirm what many of their opponents already suspect – that they are the real deal this season. A five-point lead over Manchester City, and with a game in hand, is testament to the work the manager and players have done so far.

The question really is whether Arteta is bold enough to go for a statement win, or if he considers keeping his powder dry in pursuit of a first Premier League title as manager.

As the saying goes, anything can happen in cup football, and there is likely to be fireworks in this one. Both sides can score goals with Erling Haaland (31 in all competitions) leading the City charge, and Eddie Nketiah (9), Bukayo Saka (8) and Martin Odegaard (8) sharing the load at Arsenal.

But the battle in midfield is where the real action will take place. Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have set new standards for the Gunners, while City can roll through various combinations that may include the likes of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Kalvin Phillips and Bernardo Silva, to name only some.

Suggested Bet: City to win + Over 2.5 goals (Same Game Multi) @ 2.40*

Wrexham v Sheffield United

How long can Wrexham’s Hollywood script keep them alive in the FA Cup? How soon before their American actor owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hold a teary post-match interview?

How about this weekend?

Kicking around in the fifth tier of English football has been treating the Hollywood pair well since they bought the non-league club in 2021.

The Welsh side, currently second in England’s National League, advanced to round four with a thrilling 4-3 win over English Championship side Coventry City and now have their sights set on Sheffield United.

The problem is a matter of levels. While Coventry, who returned to England’s second tier in 2020, can expect to finish the season in the middle rungs of the Championship, Sheffield United are pressing to return to the Premier League.

Currently second, five points behind English Championship leaders Burnley, Sheffield United have lost only one of their past 13 league games. With his focus on getting the team back into England’s top tier, manager Paul Heckingbottom might be tempted to play a weakened side.

But even with a player or two rested, the Blades should be far too sharp for Wrexham, who are 72 rungs below Heckingbottom’s side in England’s football pyramid.

Sheffield United’s goals have invariably come from front men Iliman Ndiaye and Oli McBurnie, although the latter has featured infrequently because of injury since scoring twice in a win over Burnley in November.

Wrexham have lost only twice this season – to Chesterfield and Notts County – and they won’t mind stepping on to the big stage and into the spotlight for this one.

And if they get a chance, don’t be surprised to see Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer or even defender Aaron Hayden get on the scoresheet.

Suggested Bet: Sheffield United to win + Over 2.5 goals (Same Game Multi) @ $2.85*

*Odds correct as at 10am, 25th January 2023.

Market Market



Recent Articles