FA Cup Third Round Tips
The third round of the FA Cup rarely disappoints as the Premier League big boys get involved in the action in the world's largest and most popular cup competition.
A whopping 64 teams will go to post this weekend, with a host of mouthwatering fixtures to get stuck into, as the minnows set off on a giant-killing mission to land hefty riches while etching their name into football folklore.
Liverpool versus Accrington Stanley, Morecambe heading to Chelsea, Tamworth hosting Tottenham and Bromley's trek to in-form Newcastle are just some of the standout ties in what promises to be a thrilling weekend of action.
Tip 1: Manchester City v Salford over 4.5 goals @ 5/4
Much has been made of Manchester City's struggles this season but they should have little trouble negotiating their way past near neighbours Salford this weekend.
The Premier League champions have had a miserable campaign by their standards, but they are on a three-match unbeaten streak which has seen them win their last two and slowly start to rebuild some of the lost confidence.
A 4-1 win over West Ham last time out owed as much to the Hammers' troubles as it did to City improving, but this clash with Salford has also come at the right time for Pep Guardiola's men, who should rack up a few more goals.
Salford, though, arrive in great nick and could play their part in a lively encounter.
The Ammies are third in League Two and well in the promotion mix following a run that has seen them win their last six league matches, keeping a clean sheet in each.
This test should prove beyond them but they could test their illustrious hosts in a mouthwatering cup tie.
Tip 2: Christopher Nkunku to score two or more for Chelsea v Morecambe @ 33/10
Morecambe are at the opposite end of League Two to Salford and they are on a hiding to nothing against Chelsea.
The Blues have been utilising a second-string team in cup competitions this season and they have risen to the occasion more often than not, handing out some hammerings to lesser sides both domestically and in Europe.
Barrow were battered 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup earlier this season, while Noah were thumped 8-0 in west London during their Conference League clash in November.
Christopher Nkunku bagged five goals across those two matches and he has 10 in nine outings in cup competitions this term.
The Frenchman will be desperate to prove his worth once more and he should be back to bag at least two goals this weekend.
Tip 3: Ola Aina to score for Nottingham Forest v Luton @ 13/1
Highflying Nottingham Forest continue to exceed expectations and they can book their place in the FA Cup fourth round with the minimum of fuss against Championship strugglers Luton.
Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to tweak his line-up for this clash but Ola Aina looks a likely starter and a juicy price to get on the scoresheet.
The right back has scored just twice this season but is given licence to get forward by Nuno and his rampaging runs could pay off against their beleaguered visitors, who have lost five of their last six matches.
Aina's most recent goal came in the 2-0 win at Brentford just before Christmas and he can make it a quickfire double this weekend.
Tip 4: Norwich or draw double chance v Brighton @ 11/8
Brighton are winless in eight matches and may be a touch vulnerable when they visit in-form Norwich.
The Championship side has won three of their last four and could at least avoid defeat against a Seagulls team that hasn't won since November 23rd, while drawing six of those last eight fixtures.
The two most recent meetings between these sides finished 0-0 and each of the last seven match-ups have seen one or both teams fail to score.