Coventry look to cause an upset away from the cameras

Previews of Tuesday and Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth round replays

Anyone who saw the initial West Ham/Middlesbrough game will be baffled by ITV’s decision to televise that replay over Blackburn’s potentially dangerous trip to Coventry. Even the clubs were caught off-guard by the decision to move the match for the public’s pleasure, judging by West Ham’s failure to warn fans the date could change and Middlesbrough’s decision to send tickets out saying the game was on Tuesday. Here are all the key statistics about the first three replays:

Coventry v Blackburn (Tuesday 7.45pm)
ITV’s decision to ignore this tie could prove wise however as only one goal has been scored over the course of Blackburn’s last four away games. Paddy Power and Ladbrokes offer 23/10 on the game requiring extra-time and that looks enticing. Sam Allardyce’s side have won just one of their last eight away games - and that was away to Blyth Spartans - but at the same time they unbeaten in four, with three of those finishing 0-0. Coventry have lost just one of their last nine home games and knocked Blackburn out of the FA Cup last season.

Fulham v Swansea (Tuesday, 8pm)

Posted: February 24th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Bad news for Blyth: Allardyce rarely suffers FA Cup shocks

Blyth Spartans/Blackburn, 8pm, Setanta S 1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Blyth Spartans beat League Two sides Shrewsbury and Bournemouth to earn their clash with Premier League opposition but despite their giantkilling past, the omens aren’t brilliant for the Blue Square North side.

Sam Allardyce has only been knocked out of the FA Cup once in nine seasons by lower league opposition and that was a loss against Tranmere in 2003-04 with Bolton which required a replay and then extra time. It is also worth noting that in that season Bolton had already reached the last four of the Carling Cup so were prioritising that.

Posted: January 5th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Everything you need to know about tonight’s cup matches

Fancy betting on the games at Blyth Spartans and Shrewsbury?

FA Cup Second Round Replay: Blyth Spartans v Bournemouth (Setanta, 7.45pm)
The Blue Square North side haven’t played a league game for over a month but will tonight be bidding to make the FA Cup third round for the fourth time in their history. The hosts haven’t won any of their last eight league games but during that run they conquered League Two high-fliers Shrewsbury so they will be confident of beating the side second bottom of the same division, who have won just twice on the road this season.
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Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Semi Final: Shrewsbury v Brighton (Sky Sports 1, 7.45pm)

Posted: December 16th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment