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Our betting expert with tips for the Emirates, Tamworth against Tottenham, and the Newcastle and Southampton clashes PLUS a Serie A angle
Bet on a Gabracadabra moment at the Emirates on BBC1 this afternoon.
Arsenal welcome Manchester United (3pm, BBC) for newbie Ruben Amorim’s first taste of FA Cup magic.
No need to school the Portuguese import on why it matters – if he doesn’t want his contract sawn in half he probably better win a cup this term.
The Amorim feelgood factor vanished in a puff of smoke, though after a 2-2 at Anfield it magically reappeared like the lovely Debbie McGee. But has it got the legs?
The deck is certainly stacked more in United’s favour today than when they got turned over 2-0 here last month. Arsenal have lost an ace in Bukayo Saka, pulled another from behind Mikel Arteta’s ear in the shape of teenage wonder Ethan Nwaneri, then lost that one, too.
They offer less sleight of hand going forward, but United’s set-piece defending feels so fragile that it might not matter.
Two Arsenal goals from corners won the last meeting. Take corner-taker Declan Rice ‘anytime assist’ at 9/2 and key set-piece weapon Gabriel ‘scores a header’ at 12/1 (both Bet365).
Will it be sour grapes on the lunch menu for Ange Postecoglou when his Tottenham go to Tamworth (12.30pm, ITV)? The Spurs boss has looked rather like a bulldog chewing a wasp lately, with too many decisions and results going against him.
I doubt the spiciness of the Lamb Ground pitch, or Tamworth’s long-throw whoppers will turn that frown upside down. Pass the Tums!
But Jordan Cullinane-Liburd at 13/5 and Tom Tonks at 16/5 (both Paddy) look live shouts ‘to be shown a card’ in a game that might well run a few mph faster than they’re comfortable with.
There are a couple of other FA Cup games being shown live on the BBC iPlayer – both banana skins in theory.
Check starters, but Antony Gordon at 9/4 and Jacob Murphy at 7/4 (both Hills) are solid ‘anytime assist’ bets if they get the nod for Newcastle-Bromley (3pm).
Swansea’s free-kick maestro Liam Cullen is a fun worldie to ‘score from outside box’ at 22/1 (Bet365) for the trip to Southampton (4.30pm).
Over in Italy, back thriving Scott McTominay ‘anytime scorer’ at a fair 13/5 (Bet365) when Napoli host vulnerable Verona (7.45pm).
Last week: Winners at 5/6 and Evens