BLUEBIRDS to come undone against defending champions

The live lunchtime game on BT SPORT is between Sunderland and Southampton from the Stadium of Light (12:45) and is one of four fifth round FA Cup ties on Satuday.

The Saints are the favourites for the game at 13/10 (GENERAL) as they likely will field a strong a side as possible as they sit comfortably in mid table with no risk of relegation and no real chance of a place in the Champions League. The Black Cats already beat Southampton in the League Cup and 23/10 (WINNER) the victory while the two Premier League meetings between the sides this season have ended drawn and an unwanted replay is priced at 12/5 (GENERAL).

Jose Fonte is worth an interest at 33/1 (GENERAL) to score the first goal or 12/1 (GENERAL) to net anytime. The Saints defender netted against Hull in the last game and also has a goal against Sunderland this season, in fact of the four goals Southampton have scored this season against the Black Cats three of them have come from defenders.

Another side going well in the FA Cup but struggling in the Premier League are Cardiff and they play host to Wigan on Saturday (15:00,NON LIVE). Bookmakers make the Welsh side the 6/5 (BETVICTOR) favourites for the game though they won just two of their last eight home games. Wigan have lost just two of their last 14 games and there could be some mileage in backing them with a 0.5 start on the Asian Handicap. This bet wil pay out on a Wigan win or a draw and is a best priced 824/1000 (ladbrokes).

One Championship side is guaranteed a place in the last eight of the FA Cup as Sheff Wed and Charlton do battle in Yorkshire. The Owls are the 11/10 (SKYBET) favourites as they sit five places higher than the Addicks in the league and have lost just one of their last 12 games and face a Charlton side with just three wins from their last 15. Those who fancy the London side can back them at 3/1 (betfred/BETVICTOR/SPREADEX) while the draw is a 12/5 (GENERAL) shot. Wednesday forward Chris Maguire has six goals in his last ten games including in four of the last five homes and is 5/2 (bet365/BETVICTOR) to net at anytime.

The live evening game should be a real treat for ITV viewers as league leaders Chelsea take on third placed Man City at the Etihad (17:15). It is the second time in just a few weeks that these sides have done battle in Manchester and it was the London team who won the first game coming out on top 1-0. The Blues have now gone 15 games unbeaten in all competitions and they are 5/2 (BETVICTOR) while the game to end all square is also a 5/2 (GENERAL) chance.

City will be rested following their midweek postponment of their game with Sunderland and the Citizens have won 13 of their last 14 home games although that defeat came against Chelsea. If you think the Manchester side can get revenge they are 23/20 (BETVICTOR). With a number of games to come including the Champions League in midweek (for City) then both sides might be tempted to rest players so it is hard to get involved in the match markets. Instead take the 23/20 (BETVICTOR) on the first goal to come after the 27th minute as it has done in both meetings between the sides this season.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Wigan +0.5 on Asian Handicap v Cardiff, 824/1000 (ladbrokes)
SILVER: Chris Maguire to score anytime v Charlton, 5/2 (bet365/BETVICTOR)
BRONZE: Time of first goal after 27th min Man C v Chelsea, 23/20 (BETVICTOR) VALUE: Jose Fonte to score v Sunderland, first 33/1, anytime 12/1 (GENERAL)

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15/02/2014     © Frixo 2026