Get tips from our football betting experts on Wednesday as the FA Cup fifth round continues and much more…
“An early Liverpool goal could spark something of a goalfest with even Norwich likely to keep playing regardless of the scoreline.”
Luton 9.617/2 v Chelsea 1.42/5, the Draw 5.04/1
19:15
Live on BBC1
Chelsea aim to bounce back from losing the League Cup final when they travel to Luton in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Mark O’Haire says: “Luton 8.20 are top of the six-game Championship form table (W5-D1-L0) and have returned an exceptional W9-D2-L2 in league action since the beginning of December to charge into the play-off places. Nathan Jones’ outfit are unbeaten against top-half teams at Kenilworth Road and comfortably ousted Harrogate and Cambridge en-route to this stage.
“Chelsea 1.40 have suffered only two defeats in 90 minutes across all competitions since September and the Blues appear to be getting over their mid-season wobble. Thomas Tuchel’s team have conceded only five goals in their past 12 outings, although the capital club did leak when overcoming Plymouth and Chesterfield in earlier rounds of the cup.
“Chelsea’s impressive rearguard efforts, coupled with their own final-third flaws, has led to 10 consecutive Under 2.5 Goals winners. A repeat has been chalked up at 2.08 for Wednesday night’s encounter and could go close again considering Luton have shipped multiple goals in only three of their most recent 15 outings since November.”
Mark’s bet: Back Chelsea and Under 3.5 Goals @ 1.98
Southampton 2.47/5 v West Ham 3.1511/5, the Draw 3.55
19:30
Live on BBC Red Button and iPlayer
The Hammers look decent value for their trip to the south coast in the Cup according to our previewer.
Andrew Atherley says: “Southampton have a slight edge in several areas, not only with home advantage but also on head-to-head results in the Premier League this season (four points out of six) and current form (fifth over the last 10 league matches against West Ham’s seventh).
“The first win in Southampton’s elevated form was the 3-2 away victory at West Ham on Boxing Day when they were pegged back twice after taking the lead but eventually secured the three points with Jan Bednarek’s header from a James Ward-Prowse free-kick.
“That ended a long wait for a win since November 5 but Hasenhuttl’s side have kept the form going with a record of W5 D5 L1 in all competitions starting with the West Ham win.”
Andrew’s bet: Back West Ham on draw no bet @ 2.32
Paul Higham also looks at the match at St Mary’s as he recommends his bet of the day.
Paul says: “Jarrod Bowen is the focus of our Wednesday column as West Ham travel to Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
“This is serious now and although the Hammers are still going for the top four, David Moyes knows just what a trophy would do for his standing at the club.
“And especially the FA Cup, so expect him to field as strong a side as possible while also making some needed changes after only playing on Sunday.
“Bowen is a player that simply has to be included though. He’s had a fantastic season with 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions – he really should be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.”
Paul’s bet: Back Jarrod Bowen to score @ 3.85
Bochum 3.39/4 v Freiburg 2.427/5, the Draw 3.3512/5
19:45
Bochum are up against Freiburg in the DFB Pokal, and there’s a rare semi-final spot up for grabs one of the teams, as our German football expert explains.
Kevin Hatchard says: “Bochum are having a tremendous season. With 29 points on the board, last season’s Bundesliga 2. champions are only a few results away from securing their safety in the top flight ahead of next season. At home, they have been particularly good, losing just three times. Indeed, they smashed Bayern last month by four goals to one at the Ruhrstadion.
“Freiburg are doing even better. They are improbably still in the mix for Champions League qualification, and they now find themselves just two wins away from a showpiece final in Berlin. They are in terrific form, having won four of their last six competitive games, including a 4-1 victory at Hoffenheim in the previous round. Charismatic coach Christian Streich continues to work wonders.
“Both Teams To Score is trading at 1.86 here, and despite the enormity of the occasion, I think this could be quite a chaotic encounter.”
Kevin’s bet: Back Both Teams To Score @ 1.86
Liverpool 1.232/9 v Norwich 16.015/1, the Draw 7.613/2
20:15
Live on ITV 1
Fresh from winning the League Cup Liverpool are bidding to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup when they host Norwich.
Paul Higham says: “Norwich have been knocked out in the fifth round in four of the last five times they’ve reached this stage, and they’ll have their work cut out to try and spring the upset and progress this time around.
“At Liverpool are billed as sure things and when the main hope for outsiders Norwich is some tiredness in the legs for the hosts then you know they’re up against it.
“It is a free hit of sorts for the Canaries though so 2.4 on both teams to score may be a good way in to this game as Liverpool will likely win but could struggle for concentration for the full game.
“It’s 2.75 on a Liverpool win and both teams to score with Liverpool and over 3.5 goals priced up at 2.3.
“An early Liverpool goal could spark something of a goalfest with even Norwich likely to keep playing regardless of the scoreline.”
Paul’s bet: Liverpool & over 3.5 goals @ 2.3
Source: Betfair FA cup
