Our betting expert with tips for all Cup clashes live on BBC and ITV, including Manchester United, with Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the league PLUS Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Punt Solly March for a Seaside Special today.
Gary Lineker is your BBC presenter for Grimsby at Brighton in the FA Cup (2:15pm, BBC1). For the sake of balance, Nigel Farage will be ‘pitchside’, blaming the French.
The last time these two clubs met was in 2004. By then, Lineker had already been ‘in the chips’ for a decade. He clearly has a very different metabolism than I do, or very different French fries.
Fat would seem to sum up the bookies’ opinion of Grimsby’s chance today. Brighton are just 1/66 to qualify, but I’d cringe to accept that kind of price – the League Two Marriners are far from hopeful, just ask Southampton.
That said, two Brighton stars have really shined since the World Cup, one that was and one that wasn’t, and each deserves some form of scoring clearance if they start.
March is flying with goals in six of his last 13. Japan’s Qatari star Kauro Mitoma matches that goal ratio. Both should enjoy some long-range pop here.
Take March ‘anytime’ on 10/23 (Paddy), ‘March score from outside box’ on 1/9 (Bet365) and ‘Mitoma score from outside box’ on 1/12 (Hills).
Fulham have kept a clean sheet in nine games against the Big Six, and leave for Manchester United (4:30 p.m., ITV, FA Cup) after scoring six goals in two games. Marcus Rashford ‘anytime’ at 21/20 (Bet365, 90 minutes) is a fair coin toss.
The lunchtime tie on ITV sees Sheffield United hosts Blackburn (12noon) and Blades great Anel Ahmedhodzic make for a fun ‘headbutting’ TV angle at 22/1 (Bet365).
The 1/4 all in which Arsenal beat visiting Crystal Palace at the Prem (2pm) looked far less shaky ahead of Thursday, when a penalty shootout from Europe put some tough miles on the clock and caused injuries to the defense of the Gunners.
The 14/1 (Skybet) ‘non-scorer’ is worth going in the Palace data. But for Arsenal angles, take Leandro Trossard’s ‘scores or assists’ for his bettor at 8/13 (Paddy), and ‘scores from outside the box’ at 10/1 (Hills). Check the entrees.
In Spain, Barcelona’s in-form Raphinha is a steal with 11/4 (Bet365) ‘anytime goalscorer’ when Real Madrid visit for the La Liga Clásico (8pm).
Last week: Winners on 9/4, 3/1 and 7/4