After three Premier League matchdays in quick succession, the FA Cup third round takes centre stage over the next few days.
There are five all-Premier League ties, with Manchester United and Everton kicking off proceedings tonight (Friday), and Sunday’s clash between Manchester City and Chelsea the stand-out fixture. Meanwhile, holders Liverpool begin the defence of their title at home to Wolves on Saturday.
With around 200 markets for all 32 third-round ties, you can get the best value, odds and markets in Nigeria at Bet9ja, especially as there always promises to be underdog victories in the FA Cup.
Here’s a look at the biggest matches in the third round:
Manchester United vs Everton
Friday 6th January, 21:00
After a troubled start, Manchester United seem to be firing under Erik ten Hag. Two defeats from the opening two Premier League matches is now a distant memory and United are fourth in the league and in a good position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Results speak for themselves and it can’t be any coincidence that ten Hag’s men have won all six matches since Cristiano Ronaldo last played for the club.
Now Ronaldo has left, players such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are playing with much more freedom. Rashford has been in excellent form of late, with four goals in his last four matches. Last season, United were stunned by Middlesbrough in the fourth round and the 12-times champions will be aiming for much better this year.
To say Everton are overdue a trophy would be an understatement. Stalwarts of the English game, the Toffees’ last trophy win came in 1995 when they beat Man United 1-0 in the FA Cup final; their fifth success in the competition. But these days, Premier League survival is the biggest aim for Frank Lampard’s side. Currently 18th and on a seven-match winless run in all competitions, the FA Cup provides Everton with a fresh opportunity away from the pressures of the league. While it looks less likely this year, the Toffees did reach the quarter-finals in last season’s competition, but it will take some turnaround to see off an in-form Red Devils who haven’t lost at Old Trafford since September.
Interestingly, the last three fixtures between the two sides at Old Trafford have finished all square, and you can get odds of 4.40 for another stalemate at Bet9ja. Of course, it’s hard to second guess selection in cup competitions, but even if United bring in the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga, they should have just about enough against Everton. It could be a narrow win for United, and we’ve priced up a 1-0 correct score at odds of 6.70 and a 2-1 home win at 8.50.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Man Utd win: 1.40, Draw: 4.55, Everton win: 8.00
Liverpool vs Wolves
Saturday 7th January, 21:00
After the highs of last season, it’s been a disappointing season for Liverpool so far. Currently sixth and still in the hunt for Champions League qualification, an expected title challenge has never materialised, and they were unable to defend their EFL Cup crown, while a clash with Real Madrid awaits in the last 16 of the Champions League.
That means the FA Cup presents Jurgen Klopp’s men with the best shot of silverware this season, discounting the Community Shield success at the start of the season. Defeat at Brentford on Monday came after four straight league wins, but poor defending with a high defensive line being exposed and Darwin Nunez continuing to miss big chances are both a worry for the Reds. Meanwhile, key man Virgil van Dijk is expected to miss an extended period with injury.
Similarly, it’s been a season of struggle for Wolves. With just two wins in their last 10, Wolves are in the midst of a relegation battle in 19th position. Former Spain and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has enough pedigree to save Wolves this season, but results will need to improve quickly.
What’s worse for Wolves is their recent record against Liverpool. The Reds have won the past seven meetings between the two teams. Also, new signing Cody Gakpo could make his Liverpool debut in this one. Meanwhile, looking at the goalscorer markets at Bet9ja, this tie presents to Nunez a great opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, and he is 2.20 to score anytime and 5.20 to be first goalscorer.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Liverpool win: 1.32, Draw: 5.30, Wolves win: 8.50
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Sunday 8th January, 17:30
The FA Cup third round clash on Sunday is the second match between the two sides in four days. It’s the third meeting of the season so far, after Manchester City won 2-0 in the EFL Cup third round in November and 1-0 in Thursday’s Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge. While City have scored 46 goals at home already this season, the last two Premier League matches at the Etihad have finished without a home win. Pep Guardiola’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in their last match of 2022, and were stunned 1-2 by Brentford before the World Cup break. However, they did secure a 3-2 home win in the EFL Cup fourth round against Liverpool in-between the two aforementioned results.
If the prolific Erling Haaland is rested after scoring a staggering 27 goals so far this season, then Julian Alvarez will be the focal point for City. The World Cup winner has scored seven goals for City this season and netted four times for Argentina during his country’s successful World Cup campaign.
Currently mid-table in the Premier League, Graham Potter is in need of some cheer after a poor period for his Chelsea side. Performances have been below par, but the FA Cup is usually a competition Chelsea excel in. The Blues have won the cup eight times and finished runners-up on eight occasions, including each of the last three seasons.
Man City have won the past two meetings between the two at the Etihad, including in the EFL Cup earlier this season, and the past four in total. City are strong favourites at Bet9ja to progress to the fourth round at odds of just 1.46. Alvarez is 5.40 to score first and 2.40 to net anytime.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Man City win: 1.38, Draw: 4.85, Chelsea win: 7.50
Crystal Palace vs Southampton
Saturday 7th January, 13:30
Rock bottom of the Premier League with six defeats in a row, it’s only the cup competitions that have given Southampton some respite so far this season. With an EFL Cup quarter-final tie to come, albeit against Manchester City, the FA Cup could provide an upturn in fortunes for the Saints. Last season’s semi-finalists Crystal Palace already have a victory over Southampton this season, but have been disappointing of late with three defeats in four. Southampton manager Nathan Jones’ luck has to change at some point, and the FA Cup could provide that opportunity. Priced at 4.15 with Bet9ja at the time of writing, we can see an away win in this one.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Crystal Palace win: 1.86, Draw: 3.55, Southampton win: 4.15
Brentford vs West Ham
Saturday 7th January, 18:30
Brentford were victorious when these two last met in the final match of 2022. The Bees are flying after their 3-1 win against Liverpool, sitting in the top half of the Premier League unbeaten in six in the league. West Ham are struggling, with no wins in six, and they are currently 17th in the Premier League. One of the form teams in England’s top flight, Brentford have never gone past the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. We have priced them up at 61.00 to win the cup this season. Could that be worth a punt as an outsider?
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Brentford win: 2.48, Draw: 3.25, West Ham win: 2.86
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