FA CUP fourth round weekend hasn’t disappointed.
We’re now well into a packed schedule and it was Oxford United who pulled off the biggest shock on Saturday, drawing 0-0 at Premier League Newcastle to set up a replay at the Kassam.
There’s two games to go in this round and we’ve got betting tips for both, starting with Liverpool’s tough visit to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury vs Liverpool, Sunday 5pm
YOU can’t win anything with kids.
Someone tell this band of Liverpool lads, because they didn’t half put in a shift against Everton.
Jurgen Klopp is set to reward them with another first team outing against League One opposition in a very different environment.
As a result, you can’t really look at this as ‘world champions’ Liverpool.
The home team here can’t be discounted – especially when you consider what Aston Villa did to a similar looking XI in the Carabao Cup.
Shrewsbury saw off Bristol City here in the third round after a replay – which is a heck of a result against the Championship high-flyers.
The bookies are ready and waiting for another shock, with the Shrews priced up at just 6/1.
To be fair, that is a terrific price considering how Villa dealt with the Liverpool kids.
As good as some of these lads are, the Meadow is a tough place to go at the best of times – just as Bristol discovered.
Even if they don’t win the game, there’s plenty of value to be found on the League One side.
Shrewsbury aren’t a team that score many – but they don’t concede often either.
Of their 25 league games this term, just EIGHT have resulted in three goals or more, which is the fewest of any team in League One.
They will look to keep this tight and earn what could be a lucrative replay at Anfield.
Under 2.5 goals is a belting price at 5/4.
While we won’t steer you away from the draw, which is a superb 7/2.
Roared on by a capacity crowd, this hard-working Shrews side can extend their FA Cup adventure against Liverpool’s youngsters.
If you want to play it safe, the +2 handicap on the home team is great value and covers anything up to a one-goal defeat for the underdogs.
SunSport’s best bets
Shrewsbury to earn a replay against Liverpool’s kids: 7/2
Under 2.5 goals: 5/4
League One side given two goal head start (+2 handicap): 4/6
Bournemouth vs Arsenal, Monday 8pm
ARE the real Bournemouth back?
Eddie Howe‘s side looked like their old selves on Tuesday night as they tore Brighton apart with some clinical, one-touch attacking football.
It’s the sort of thing that’s been lacking at the Vitality this season and might kick-start a move away from the relegation zone.
Howe put out a strong team against Luton and will likely do so again – although it’s hard to trust a forward line led by Dominic Solanke.
Arsenal are showing signs of real fight under Mikel Arteta and they showed they were up for a scrap in the 1-0 win over Leeds.
This is silverware and Arteta knows it’s important – expect him to make changes but still put out a strong side for this trip to the South Coast.
Gabriel Martinelli is proving to be a hit with fans after bagging his tenth of the season in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea and looks sure to feature again.
If you need a goalscorer bet, he’s the boy to be on.
David Luiz will be suspended for this one, which might be a blessing in disguise with the Gunners defence looking far more assured with him sat watching in the dressing room.
Both teams have scored in the last four H2H’s on this ground, including the 1-1 draw here on Boxing Day.
The Gunners have drawn their last five away games in all competitions – but here we’re backing them to see of a Cherries side whose number one priority is avoiding relegation.
5/6 on Arsenal is short, so go for them to win but concede at 12/5 instead – they’ve just one clean sheet in 13 games and that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
We’re expecting an open game, with the shackles off for both sides.
There’s value on the goals to be had and over 2.5 at 8/11 is the way to play.
SunSport’s best bets
Arsenal to win but both teams to score: 12/5
Over 2.5 goals: 8/11
Gabriel Martinelli to continue scoring streak: 21/10
*All odds correct at time of publication
