Luton fans could be set for a well-earned trip to Wembley

Luton/Brighton, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Chelsea fans who complain about how hard done by they are because they are fourth in the Premier League should spare a thought for Luton’s loyal supporters. Three-and-a-half years ago they were top of the Championship but this season, despite effectively being relegated before a ball was kicked courtesy of a ridiculous thirty-point deduction, they have averaged the second highest crowd in League Two.

It’s fitting therefore that those who have sat through a season of suffering, being forced to wait until January for the privilege of reaching the zero point mark, all the while knowing that they’d be nine points clear of the drop if it wasn’t for the handicaps inflicted on Rotherham, Bournemouth and themselves, will get a day out at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final if they beat Brighton at their Kenilworth Road home tonight.

Posted: February 17th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Five stats about Tottenham Reserves trip to Old Trafford

Man Utd/Tottenham, Sat 5.15pm, ITV1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Will Manchester United destroy Spurs’ season?  They can knock them out of the FA Cup this weekend, beat them in the league cup final and damage their chances of staying in the Premier League when they visit Old Trafford in April. chickendinner researcher Danny Harris has pulled out five stats to help you bet on this game:

1. Tottenham have a superior record against Manchester United in the cup (five wins to four) and manager Harry Redknapp has knocked them out of the FA Cup with Bournemouth, West Ham and Portsmouth.

2. However Spurs haven’t beaten Manchester United in their last 16 meetings in all competitions.

Posted: January 23rd, 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

Redknapp hunts FA Cup win number four against Man Utd

Five stats about this weekend’s football

1. While Tottenham were knocked out against Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round last season, they have a manager more than capable of causing an upset at Old Trafford. Harry Redknapp has won FA Cup games against the Red Devils with three of his four previous clubs. He won 2-0 at home to them with Bournemouth before enjoying 1-0 away wins while managing West Ham and Portsmouth.

2. If Chelsea see off Southend in their replay they will face Ipswich at home in the fourth round. This will be the ninth time in eleven third-to-fifth round draws that Chelsea have been given a home tie with a lower league club.

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.
Click here to subscribe with Setanta Sports to watch this game

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Semi Final: Shrewsbury v Brighton (Sky Sports 1, 7.45pm)

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