Ben’s Bookie Bashers: Brum to brush past Blades

It’s FA Cup weekend and, like any other cup weekend, this is the chance for the lowly underdog to have their moment in the limelight if they are able to cause a ‘Cupset’.

Unfortunately, I don’t see many surprises taking place this weekend but of course that doesn’t mean there isn’t potential. For my bet of the weekend, I will take a couple of value cup bets and two wagers from Leagues 1 and 2.

Hughton can guide Birmingham to victory.

My first recommendation comes in the game at Bramall Lane where Sheffield United entertain Birmingham. It would come as a surprise to many that Sheffield United are the underdog in this game, as they were in the Premier League only five seasons ago. The tides have turned, unfortunately for the Blades, and they play a Chris Hughton side that has hit form in recent weeks, and they should be fancied for the win if they come into the game with the professional attitude required for games like this. For Brum to win, Paddy Power are best price at 13/8.

The second Cup tip has us dropping down the league ladder to an all-League One clash at Broadhall Way, where Stevenage play hosts to Notts County. The home side are in electric form, carrying on the good work that previous manager Graham Westley had done and are good value for their current play-off place. Martin Allen’s side, on the other hand, are badly in need of a win as they haven’t tasted victory in eight league games, and their last win came in this competition in a shock success against Championship strugglers Doncaster. I think that their cup run will come to an end this weekend, as Stevenage come off an eye-opening 4-2 win against fellow play-off rivals MK Dons. The Boro’ are 21/20 with William Hill to reach the 5th Round of the cup for the first time in their history.

Now for my League One suggestion and that team is Bury who are playing at local rivals Rochdale. In a game that should have plenty of goals, Bury will want to make it a bad start for new Rochdale manager John Coleman. They can do it as they face a Dale side that struggle to keep clean sheets, and are coming off a 3-0 defeat away at fellow relegation candidates Wycombe last week that may have been the final straw for caretaker boss Chris Beech. A good bet last weekend, the Shakers came out of their clash with Yeovil with a 3-2 score-line. If they carry on this form, a play-off place can never be discounted in this league. 15/8 from Bet365 represents really good value.

For my final selection this weekend, Torquay can overcome bottom-of-the-league Northampton at Plainmoor. The Gulls are hitting real form, having won both last weekend and on Tuesday night, and they come up against a Cobblers side that is really struggling, and their defence is the worst in the entire football league, conceding 56 goals in 27 games meaning they are leaking two strikes a game, which is a good way to lose 16 of their contests so far this campaign. 8/11 with Boylesports for the home win represents fair value.

Ben’s Bookie Bashers
Sheffield United v Birmingham @ 13/8 (Paddy Power)
Stevenage v Notts County @ 21/20 (William Hill)
Rochdale v Bury @ 15/8 (Bet365)
Torquay v Northampton @ 8/11 (Boylesports)

Accumulator: 26/1