facupOur focus switches to the third round of the FA Cup for this weekend's treble and we focus on Sunday's matches between Burton and Northampton, Crewe v Barnsley and Middlesbrough v Spurs with the odds boosted by @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had no joy on Boxing Day with just 1 of the 3 legs arriving. Our record now stands at 3 successful trebles from 7 attempts and let's hope the switch from league action to the FA Cup brings about a return to the winners enclosure. We focus on 3 matches taking place on Sunday 5th January and the odds have been boosted to 8.90

 

Leg 1 Burton v Northampton

 

We start with the clash between League 1 side Burton and their visitors Northampton who ply their trade in League 2. Burton have already made it past 2 sides from League 2, beating Salford 4-1 in a first round replay at this venue and following up with a 1-0 win at Oldham. Going on League 1 form their isn't too much in terms of goals stats to recommend a high scoring match but they tend to raise their game in cup football and will be looking to progress and land a plum draw.

Northampton would have hoped for a more attractive third round tie having come through the earlier rounds with a 3-0 win at non league Chippenham and a 3-1 home win over Notts County. They are just above half way in League 2 and away form is nothing special but like Burton the opportunity to progress and potentially earn a crack at a big fish should see them competitive. We take our chances with a game of 3 goals or more in total.

 

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals

 

Leg 2 Crewe v Barnsley

 

We head to Crewe next where the League 2 promotion candidates bid to knock out Championship side Barnsley. The home side will view this as winnable but they needed a replay to see off non league Eastleigh in the previous round and they will need to step up on that effort.

Barnsley are among the sides struggling in the lower reaches of the Championship and one could argue their focus is on avoiding relegation rather than a cup run. After winning promotion last season they had a very difficult start to the campaign which led to a change in coach in November but they went through December unbeaten with 2 wins and 3 draws, they have tightened up defensively and should arrive in good spirits.

On this face of it this looks like a real banana skin for Barnsley but given their considerable recent improvement they get the vote as our match result pick.

 

Prediction: Match result, Barsnley to win

 

Leg 3 Middlesbrough v Spurs

 

Middlesbrough are another side who have recovered from a poor start to their season in the Championship. Boro have reeled off 4 straight home wins and also won away at promotion candidates West Brom recently to pull away from danger.

Jose Mourinho brings his Spurs side to the North East and his team selection will be interesting with Spurs having ground to make up in the race for a top 4 finish as well as fortchcoming involvement in the Champions League knockout rounds. Spurs crashed out of the League Cup at League 2 Colchester earlier in the season but much has changed since Mourinho's arrival although their lack of clean sheets would be a concern. Changes to the line up may well be made but Spurs should still field a side capable of finishing the job at the first time of asking.

Boro will be up for this and whilst it's a tall order for the home side they can at least contribute to the scoring. Both sides to find the net is the call here.

 

Prediction: Both teams to score

 

FA Cup Round 3 Treble, Sunday 5th January

 

Burton v Northampton, Over 2.5 goals

Crewe v Barnsley, Match result, Barsnley to win

Middlesbrough v Spurs, Both teams to score

 

Click here to bet on the treble at enhanced odds of 8.90 with @Olimp_SA

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R3,000 here

 

Remember a wide variety of fixed odds for all of this weekend's FA Cup matches are available here