UP FOR THE CUP?
TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL
Carling Cup Matches
19:45 Liverpool(1.85) Draw(3.66) Arsenal(5)
TEAM NEWS from www.bbc.co.uk/sport
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek will keep his place for his side's rearranged Carling Cup quarter-final.
Craig Bellamy could return up front while defenders Sami Hyypia and Fabio Aurelio are also pushing for a recall.
Arsenal welcome back Cesc Fabregas, who was suspended for Saturday's FA Cup win against Liverpool at Anfield, and Abou Diaby returns after eight months out.
They will be without William Gallas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Freddie Ljungberg who are close to returns after injury.
Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Gonzalez, Bellamy, Kuyt, Crouch, Fowler, Reina.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Poom, Lehmann, Eboue, Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Djourou, Diaby, Fabregas, Hleb, Gilberto Silva, Flamini, Rosicky, Henry, Walcott, Van Persie, Baptista.
STATS
SIX GAME FORM ARSENAL
Jan 6, 07 Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Jan 2, 07 Arsenal 4 - 0 Charlton (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Sheffield U 1 - 0 Arsenal (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Arsenal 6 - 2 Blackburn (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Arsenal 2 - 2 Portsmouth (Premiership)
SIX GAME FORM LIVERPOOL
Jan 6, 07 Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Jan 1, 07 Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Tottenham 0 - 1 Liverpool (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Blackburn 1 - 0 Liverpool (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Liverpool 2 - 0 Watford (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Charlton 0 - 3 Liverpool (Premiership)
PREVIOUS SEASON MEETINGS
FA CUP JAN 6 2007: LIVERPOOL 1 ARSENAL 3
PREM LEAGUE 12/11/2006: ARSENAL 3 LIVERPOOL 0
WHAT THEY SAY
THE TEAMS: Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt:
"We deserved more than we got on Saturday but Arsenal are one of the better teams in the Premier League so we know it will be tough," he said.
"I hope that first defeat gives us an extra boost.
"Players always want to win trophies. There are a few more to fight for and the Carling Cup is one of them."
Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky:
"In almost every game we have created so many chances and not taken them. Compare that to the game on Saturday when we were very productive.
"For example, I don't feel I played a good game even though I scored twice
"This is a very good team but we have to be smarter. We have to avoid mistakes and take our chances."
THE EXPERTS
ITV TELETEXT BETTING: TONY KELSHAW: Benitez will be desperate to keep his last realistic hope of a trophy alive, so dive in again.
MARK LANGDON, RACING POST:
This is now Liverpool’s best chance of a trophy, but those backing the Reds will have to pay a premium. Because of the added importance, Liverpool are odds-on across the board, while they were 11-10 before the quarter-final was postponed.
Consequently, it’s hard to find a value bet on the 90-minute market and the best value selection may be to go over 2.5 goals at 23-20.
Craig Bellamy’s return is likely to give Liverpool an added dimension to their forward line, while Arsenal will always commit players to attack.
WWW.Bettingzone.co.uk: Dave Tindall: Having gone out of one domestic Cup competition, Liverpool will surely be desperate to keep their hopes alive in this one.
Conversely, the Carling Cup is way down on Arsene Wenger's list of priorities now that they've advanced in the FA Cup and he won't lose any sleep if they exit on Tuesday night.
WHAT THE FORUMERS ARE SAYING
FOR ARSENAL:
I think that Arsenal have psychological andvantage against the "reds" this season! "Gunners" have already two winning results against Liverpool, and this, is a crucial part of every game... boilboy at bettingadvice.com.
FOR LIVERPOOL
After Saturdays loss, this game now means a lot more to Liverpool than it otherwise would have done. I cant see Rafa fielding a too weak side here as going out of the Carling Cup too would be disastrous.
Wenger has implied he will use some fringe players and whilst they have served Arsenal well in the past, Liverpool away will be the sternest test they will have had thus far. Scorpiored at www.punterslounge.co.uk.
OUR THOUGHTS ON THE GAME
We've said it this weekend and we'll say it again, in a game between two sides with little between them then the high odds on the away team is value. At the weekend Arsenal give Liverpool a footballing lesson and not for the first time this season, if you feel confident about wading into Liverpool at 1.8 then your deserve the title of muggins. Ignore that Arsenal might not be up for the cup, or they may rest players, Wengers youngsters are no mugs and the fringe players will have a point to prove. Liverpool don't intimidate Arsenal physically and can't live with them in terms of pure football, this game could run into many variables, but on no account is 1.8 anything but a horrendous price. If you must get involved Arsenal anytime goalscorer market could be where to get involved. The Gunners have already hit the reds net six times in the last two games and there is no reason to think they can't do it again, Arsenal forwards are currently trading for about 4.0 on the anytime market keep an eye on the team and maybe get involved there.
Coca-Cola League Two Matches
19:45 Grimsby(2.25) Draw(3.37) Chester(3.25)
TEAM NEWS courtesy of www.skysports.com
Alan Buckley could hand first starts to two new signings as Grimsby bid to end a run of three successive defeats at home to Chester on Tuesday.
The Mariners swooped to sign Carlisle central defender Simon Grand on Tuesday in an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.
Grand should bolster a defence that has leaked 10 goals in its last three matches and who will be missing the suspended Nick Fenton and the injured Justin Whittle (shoulder).
Nicky Rizzo should also make his debut for Town after joining from MK Dons on a one-month loan deal, while striker Gary Jones is available after a four-game suspension.
Chester, who would climb into the top ten in League Two with victory at Blundell Park, have no new injuries to report following their goalless draw with Ipswich in the FA Cup.
STATS
SIX GAME FORM GRIMSBY
Jan 1, 07 Grimsby 0 - 4 Rochdale (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Stockport 3 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Hartlepool 2 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 22, 06 Grimsby 2 - 0 Torquay (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Lincoln C 2 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 9, 06 Grimsby 2 - 1 Shrewsbury (League Two)
SIX GAME FORM CHESTER
Jan 6, 07 Chester 0 - 0 Ipswich (FA Cup)
Jan 1, 07 Notts County 1 - 2 Chester (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Chester 0 - 3 Milton Keynes (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Chester 0 - 3 Macclesfield (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Peterborough 0 - 2 Chester (League Two)
Dec 12, 06 Chester 1 - 3 Bury (FA Cup)
LAST TIME MEETING:Sep 16, 06 Chester 0 - 2 Grimsby (League Two)
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
ITV TELETEXT: Grimsby have a good record against Chester over the last couple of years and are fancied to maintain that in their League two clash. The Mariners won 2-0 at Saunders Honda Stadium in September to make it four straight in victories against City.
RACING POST: DAN CHILDS: GRIMSBY’S revival under AlanBuckley hit the buffers during the festive period and they could be there for the taking when Chester arrive at Blundell Park this evening.
Mark Wright’s men are four points off the top seven and City were 2-1 victors at Notts County on New Year’s Day.
And they were unfortunate to be held to a 0-0 draw in last Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Ipswich at the Saunders Honda Stadium.
WHAT THE FANS SAY
Grimsby rivals.net: Town 1-0 Chester
Chester Rivals.net: We could have a good chance in these two games, away at Grimsby where MW can play his defensive formation.
WHAT THE FORUMS SAY
Nothing can't find a single thing.
WHAT WE SAY
Grimsby are having an up and down season and boss Alan Buckley will hope his new signings will help tighten up the defence that has more leeks than a welsh theme pub. Chester for their part have not looked back since being allowed into the cup and will hope to push on for the playoffs.
That in mind the result seems hard to call, but the under 2.0 goals play might be worth looking at. at 3.0 with StanJames. With Chester struggling to find the net, Mark Wright's away tactics being defensive and Grimsby also looking to shore up that defence, the cover with exact 2.0 goals is also advised.
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY Matches
19:45 Bristol City(1.73) Draw(3.5) Brighton(5
19:45 Doncaster(1.62) Draw(3.83) Darlington(6)
19:45 Shrewsbury(2.25) Draw(3.4) Bristol Rovers(3.11)
ONE-LINERS: BRISTOL CITY V BRIGHTON: Game called off so that was an easy one.
DONCASTER V DARLINGTON: The odds are going down across the board as punters are keen on Donny and who can blame them with darlo's poor form, still consider that this is Dave Penney returning to his old club after a split that makes Brad and Jen seem amicable, worth staying clear of especially as this is a Johnstone's Painty trophy match.
SHREWSBURY V BRISTOL ROVERS: Ninth meets tenth, thirteenth meets fourteenth in the form league,one to avoid.
FA Cup Matches
19:45 Barnet(4.3) Draw(3.4) Colchester(1.85)
TEAM NEWS from www.bbc.com
Barnet defender Anthony Charles is banned after a suspension which would not have covered the postponed game's original date comes into force.
Lee Harrison and Dean Sinclair should return but Adam Gross (ankle) and Jason Norville (thigh) are sidelined.
Colchester captain Karl Duguid could play despite a chest injury, with Richard Garcia and Kevin McLeod set to fill in should he be unfit.
Otherwise, manager Geraint Williams is not expected to make changes.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
BARNET and Colchester make a second attempt to stage their third round clash after Saturday's game was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. The winners will entertain either Championship mid-table Plymouth Argyle or League Two play-off contenders Peterborough in the fourth round. Barnet qualified for the third round for the first time since 1993-94, and are meeting Colchester for only the second time in FA Cup history.
The League Two club are 55 places lower than their Essex opponents on the League ladder, but go into the tie on a run of four wins in five, including the last three at home.
The Bees have never been beyond the third round.
COLCHESTER UNITED are entering the FA Cup at the third round stage for the first time in their 70-year history, and are hoping to reach the fourth round for the fourth successive season. Indeed the Layer Road club have made the last 16 in two of the last three years.
In the season they met Barnet, Colchester enjoyed their best run ever in football's oldest Cup competition. Two rounds after ousting the Southern League side 1-0 in January 1971, the Fourth Division minnows were disposing of Don Revie's mighty Leeds United in the shock of shocks. That put them into the quarter-finals for the one and only time, when they succumbed to Everton.
Geraint Williams' men are revelling in their highest League position ever, aided by a magnificent run of 11 consecutive victories at home. On the road however, they've lost the last two.
STATS
SIX GAME MATCH FORM BARNET
Jan 1, 07 Boston 2 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Barnet 2 - 1 Bury (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Barnet 1 - 0 Peterborough (League Two)
Dec 22, 06 Shrewsbury 0 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Barnet 2 - 1 Mansfield (League Two)
Dec 9, 06 Wycombe 1 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
SIX GAME MATCH FORM COLCHESTER
Jan 1, 07 Queens PR 1 - 0 Colchester (Championship...)
Dec 30, 06 Colchester 2 - 1 Wolverhampton (Championship...)
Dec 26, 06 Colchester 4 - 1 Luton (Championship...)
Dec 23, 06 Preston 1 - 0 Colchester (Championship...)
Dec 16, 06 Colchester 3 - 0 Stoke (Championship...)
Dec 9, 06 Crystal Palace 1 - 3 Colchester (Championship...)
WHAT THEY SAY
THE COLCHESTER VIEW
ITV TELETEXT: Colchester have been the success story of the season in the Championship but manager Gerraint Williams will not rest on his laurels in the FACUP. The welshmen is keen to boost any potential transfer target kitty with a good run and can start by winning at Barnet. The Bees have been on a good run at home recently but League Two's better teams have not been visting Underhill and this could be a reality check.
THE BARNET VIEW
BARNET 3-2 COLCHESTER - Ah, go on! Believe. Barnet rivals fan site.
WHAT WE SAY
Tough one one to call, Barnet have good home form, Colchester are the Championship surprise side, but not as good away. The result seems too tough to call, however value could be hand on getting on the over, Barnet have scored in each of their last games, Colchester are the championship's highest scorers. The value could be on the over 2 goals at 2.0 with Stan James.
20:00 Reading(1.73) Draw(3.5) Burnley(5.7)
Reading manager Steve Coppell is set to send out a side similar to the one that would have started in Saturday's postponed match.
Goalkeeper Adam Federici should make his debut, Scott Golbourne is set for his first start and Brynjar Gunnarsson may return after a hamstring problem.
Burnley defender Frank Sinclair is struggling with a groin problem.
Ade Akinbiyi may start after rejoining from Sheffield United, with Kyle Lafferty dropping to the bench.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
READING and Burnley make a second attempt to stage their third round tie after Saturday's fixture suffered a late postponement, due to a waterlogged pitch. A trip to either Premiership mid-table Newcastle or Championship leaders Birmingham awaits the winners. The Royals have taken the Premiership by storm in their first ever season at the highest level. Now they have opportunity to show their superiority against Championship outfit Burnley, boosting by a 6-0 steamrollering of West Ham on New Year's Day - their first victory in seven outings.
The 1927 semi-finalists are looking for a place in the fourth round for the third season running. They've not been knocked out by lower League opposition for five years, since Division Three York City won a second round clash at Bootham Crescent in December 2001.
The Royals are 23 places higher on the League ladder than their Lancashire opponents, and are unbeaten in five League matches against them.
BURNLEY were beaten by Derby at this stage last year. It was their first third round exit in five seasons.
The 1914 winners, lead Reading 1-0 in the FA Cup head-to-head standings. They've not met in the competition since February 1965 when the Clarets won a fourth round replay 1-0 at Turf Moor. Scottish Under 23 International forward Andy Lochhead scored the goal.
Steve Cotterill's side have been in freefall of late, without a win in six, and without a goal in three. They've lost the last two, and only claimed one victory in 10 League outings (home to Leeds). The Championship club could really do with a morale boosting Cup victory. They've not won on Reading turf for over a quarter of a century, since prevailing in a third tier clash in April 1981.
FORM
LAST SIX GAMES READING
Jan 1, 07 Reading 6 - 0 West Ham (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Manchester U 3 - 2 Reading (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Chelsea 2 - 2 Reading (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Reading 0 - 2 Everton (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Reading 1 - 2 Blackburn (Premiership)
Dec 9, 06 Watford 0 - 0 Reading (Premiership)
LAST SIX GAMES BURNLEY
ec 30, 06 Hull 2 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 26, 06 Barnsley 1 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 23, 06 Burnley 0 - 0 Derby (Championship...)
Dec 16, 06 Burnley 2 - 2 Sunderland (Championship...)
Dec 9, 06 Coventry 1 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 2, 06 Ipswich 1 - 1 Burnley (Championship...)
WHAT THEY SAY
FOR READING:
As usual Steve Coppell takes the FA cup as an oppurtunity to rest some of the first team regulars, so the likes of Long, Oster and Sodje have a chance to prove they are good enough to play more regularly. This will be a tough game but one that we will win and I can see a similar score to last seasons home fixture with the Clarets, 2-1. www.rivals.net
FOR BURNLEY
The Clarets can force a replay as Steve Coppell has made no secret of his desire to rest players.
WHAT WE SAY
Reading's talk of player reserve players has meant Burnley's odds have dropped and there odds have slightly risen, still it's hard to get excited by the away side with their poor recent form. The value might lie in the anytime goalscorer market, a returning Akinbiyi may have a point to prove at 4.3, or shane long the reading forward at 3.0.
Conference North Matches
19:45 Kettering(1.57) Draw(4) Worksop(5)
Conference South Matches
19:45 Salisbury(1.62) Draw(3.75) Yeading(4.5)
FA Trophy Matches
19:45 Tamworth(2.38) Draw(3.4) Altrincham(2.88)
Southern Premier League Matches
19:45 Hemel Hempstead(2.38) Draw(3.6) Stamford(2.5)
19:45 Hitchin(1.73) Draw(3.6) Clevedon Town(4.3)
19:45 King s Lynn(1.62) Draw(3.75) Team Bath(4.6)
19:45 Mangotsfield(2.3) Draw(3.6) Bath City(2.5)
19:45 Wealdstone(2.5) Draw(3.6) Gloucester(2.38)
Ryman Matches
19:45 AFC Wimbledon(2.2) Draw(3.5) Chelmsford City(2.88)
19:45 Billericay Town(2) Draw(3.5) Heybridge Swifts(3.2)
19:45 Carshalton Ath(1.5) Draw(4) Slough Town(6.5)
19:45 East Thurrock(2.38) Draw(3.6) Tonbridge Angels(2.4)
Spanish Copa Del Rey Matches
21:00 Atletico de Madrid(2) Draw(3.25) Osasuna(4.5)
SEE YOU ALL TOMMORROW, UPDATED DAILY AT 18.00, email me at anothawriter@yahoo.co.uk, for free subscription with huge subscribers bonuses.
Carling Cup Matches
19:45 Liverpool(1.85) Draw(3.66) Arsenal(5)
TEAM NEWS from www.bbc.co.uk/sport
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek will keep his place for his side's rearranged Carling Cup quarter-final.
Craig Bellamy could return up front while defenders Sami Hyypia and Fabio Aurelio are also pushing for a recall.
Arsenal welcome back Cesc Fabregas, who was suspended for Saturday's FA Cup win against Liverpool at Anfield, and Abou Diaby returns after eight months out.
They will be without William Gallas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Freddie Ljungberg who are close to returns after injury.
Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Gonzalez, Bellamy, Kuyt, Crouch, Fowler, Reina.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Poom, Lehmann, Eboue, Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Djourou, Diaby, Fabregas, Hleb, Gilberto Silva, Flamini, Rosicky, Henry, Walcott, Van Persie, Baptista.
STATS
SIX GAME FORM ARSENAL
Jan 6, 07 Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Jan 2, 07 Arsenal 4 - 0 Charlton (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Sheffield U 1 - 0 Arsenal (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Arsenal 6 - 2 Blackburn (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Arsenal 2 - 2 Portsmouth (Premiership)
SIX GAME FORM LIVERPOOL
Jan 6, 07 Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Jan 1, 07 Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Tottenham 0 - 1 Liverpool (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Blackburn 1 - 0 Liverpool (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Liverpool 2 - 0 Watford (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Charlton 0 - 3 Liverpool (Premiership)
PREVIOUS SEASON MEETINGS
FA CUP JAN 6 2007: LIVERPOOL 1 ARSENAL 3
PREM LEAGUE 12/11/2006: ARSENAL 3 LIVERPOOL 0
WHAT THEY SAY
THE TEAMS: Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt:
"We deserved more than we got on Saturday but Arsenal are one of the better teams in the Premier League so we know it will be tough," he said.
"I hope that first defeat gives us an extra boost.
"Players always want to win trophies. There are a few more to fight for and the Carling Cup is one of them."
Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky:
"In almost every game we have created so many chances and not taken them. Compare that to the game on Saturday when we were very productive.
"For example, I don't feel I played a good game even though I scored twice
"This is a very good team but we have to be smarter. We have to avoid mistakes and take our chances."
THE EXPERTS
ITV TELETEXT BETTING: TONY KELSHAW: Benitez will be desperate to keep his last realistic hope of a trophy alive, so dive in again.
MARK LANGDON, RACING POST:
This is now Liverpool’s best chance of a trophy, but those backing the Reds will have to pay a premium. Because of the added importance, Liverpool are odds-on across the board, while they were 11-10 before the quarter-final was postponed.
Consequently, it’s hard to find a value bet on the 90-minute market and the best value selection may be to go over 2.5 goals at 23-20.
Craig Bellamy’s return is likely to give Liverpool an added dimension to their forward line, while Arsenal will always commit players to attack.
WWW.Bettingzone.co.uk: Dave Tindall: Having gone out of one domestic Cup competition, Liverpool will surely be desperate to keep their hopes alive in this one.
Conversely, the Carling Cup is way down on Arsene Wenger's list of priorities now that they've advanced in the FA Cup and he won't lose any sleep if they exit on Tuesday night.
WHAT THE FORUMERS ARE SAYING
FOR ARSENAL:
I think that Arsenal have psychological andvantage against the "reds" this season! "Gunners" have already two winning results against Liverpool, and this, is a crucial part of every game... boilboy at bettingadvice.com.
FOR LIVERPOOL
After Saturdays loss, this game now means a lot more to Liverpool than it otherwise would have done. I cant see Rafa fielding a too weak side here as going out of the Carling Cup too would be disastrous.
Wenger has implied he will use some fringe players and whilst they have served Arsenal well in the past, Liverpool away will be the sternest test they will have had thus far. Scorpiored at www.punterslounge.co.uk.
OUR THOUGHTS ON THE GAME
We've said it this weekend and we'll say it again, in a game between two sides with little between them then the high odds on the away team is value. At the weekend Arsenal give Liverpool a footballing lesson and not for the first time this season, if you feel confident about wading into Liverpool at 1.8 then your deserve the title of muggins. Ignore that Arsenal might not be up for the cup, or they may rest players, Wengers youngsters are no mugs and the fringe players will have a point to prove. Liverpool don't intimidate Arsenal physically and can't live with them in terms of pure football, this game could run into many variables, but on no account is 1.8 anything but a horrendous price. If you must get involved Arsenal anytime goalscorer market could be where to get involved. The Gunners have already hit the reds net six times in the last two games and there is no reason to think they can't do it again, Arsenal forwards are currently trading for about 4.0 on the anytime market keep an eye on the team and maybe get involved there.
Coca-Cola League Two Matches
19:45 Grimsby(2.25) Draw(3.37) Chester(3.25)
TEAM NEWS courtesy of www.skysports.com
Alan Buckley could hand first starts to two new signings as Grimsby bid to end a run of three successive defeats at home to Chester on Tuesday.
The Mariners swooped to sign Carlisle central defender Simon Grand on Tuesday in an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.
Grand should bolster a defence that has leaked 10 goals in its last three matches and who will be missing the suspended Nick Fenton and the injured Justin Whittle (shoulder).
Nicky Rizzo should also make his debut for Town after joining from MK Dons on a one-month loan deal, while striker Gary Jones is available after a four-game suspension.
Chester, who would climb into the top ten in League Two with victory at Blundell Park, have no new injuries to report following their goalless draw with Ipswich in the FA Cup.
STATS
SIX GAME FORM GRIMSBY
Jan 1, 07 Grimsby 0 - 4 Rochdale (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Stockport 3 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Hartlepool 2 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 22, 06 Grimsby 2 - 0 Torquay (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Lincoln C 2 - 0 Grimsby (League Two)
Dec 9, 06 Grimsby 2 - 1 Shrewsbury (League Two)
SIX GAME FORM CHESTER
Jan 6, 07 Chester 0 - 0 Ipswich (FA Cup)
Jan 1, 07 Notts County 1 - 2 Chester (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Chester 0 - 3 Milton Keynes (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Chester 0 - 3 Macclesfield (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Peterborough 0 - 2 Chester (League Two)
Dec 12, 06 Chester 1 - 3 Bury (FA Cup)
LAST TIME MEETING:Sep 16, 06 Chester 0 - 2 Grimsby (League Two)
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
ITV TELETEXT: Grimsby have a good record against Chester over the last couple of years and are fancied to maintain that in their League two clash. The Mariners won 2-0 at Saunders Honda Stadium in September to make it four straight in victories against City.
RACING POST: DAN CHILDS: GRIMSBY’S revival under AlanBuckley hit the buffers during the festive period and they could be there for the taking when Chester arrive at Blundell Park this evening.
Mark Wright’s men are four points off the top seven and City were 2-1 victors at Notts County on New Year’s Day.
And they were unfortunate to be held to a 0-0 draw in last Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Ipswich at the Saunders Honda Stadium.
WHAT THE FANS SAY
Grimsby rivals.net: Town 1-0 Chester
Chester Rivals.net: We could have a good chance in these two games, away at Grimsby where MW can play his defensive formation.
WHAT THE FORUMS SAY
Nothing can't find a single thing.
WHAT WE SAY
Grimsby are having an up and down season and boss Alan Buckley will hope his new signings will help tighten up the defence that has more leeks than a welsh theme pub. Chester for their part have not looked back since being allowed into the cup and will hope to push on for the playoffs.
That in mind the result seems hard to call, but the under 2.0 goals play might be worth looking at. at 3.0 with StanJames. With Chester struggling to find the net, Mark Wright's away tactics being defensive and Grimsby also looking to shore up that defence, the cover with exact 2.0 goals is also advised.
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY Matches
19:45 Bristol City(1.73) Draw(3.5) Brighton(5
19:45 Doncaster(1.62) Draw(3.83) Darlington(6)
19:45 Shrewsbury(2.25) Draw(3.4) Bristol Rovers(3.11)
ONE-LINERS: BRISTOL CITY V BRIGHTON: Game called off so that was an easy one.
DONCASTER V DARLINGTON: The odds are going down across the board as punters are keen on Donny and who can blame them with darlo's poor form, still consider that this is Dave Penney returning to his old club after a split that makes Brad and Jen seem amicable, worth staying clear of especially as this is a Johnstone's Painty trophy match.
SHREWSBURY V BRISTOL ROVERS: Ninth meets tenth, thirteenth meets fourteenth in the form league,one to avoid.
FA Cup Matches
19:45 Barnet(4.3) Draw(3.4) Colchester(1.85)
TEAM NEWS from www.bbc.com
Barnet defender Anthony Charles is banned after a suspension which would not have covered the postponed game's original date comes into force.
Lee Harrison and Dean Sinclair should return but Adam Gross (ankle) and Jason Norville (thigh) are sidelined.
Colchester captain Karl Duguid could play despite a chest injury, with Richard Garcia and Kevin McLeod set to fill in should he be unfit.
Otherwise, manager Geraint Williams is not expected to make changes.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
BARNET and Colchester make a second attempt to stage their third round clash after Saturday's game was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. The winners will entertain either Championship mid-table Plymouth Argyle or League Two play-off contenders Peterborough in the fourth round. Barnet qualified for the third round for the first time since 1993-94, and are meeting Colchester for only the second time in FA Cup history.
The League Two club are 55 places lower than their Essex opponents on the League ladder, but go into the tie on a run of four wins in five, including the last three at home.
The Bees have never been beyond the third round.
COLCHESTER UNITED are entering the FA Cup at the third round stage for the first time in their 70-year history, and are hoping to reach the fourth round for the fourth successive season. Indeed the Layer Road club have made the last 16 in two of the last three years.
In the season they met Barnet, Colchester enjoyed their best run ever in football's oldest Cup competition. Two rounds after ousting the Southern League side 1-0 in January 1971, the Fourth Division minnows were disposing of Don Revie's mighty Leeds United in the shock of shocks. That put them into the quarter-finals for the one and only time, when they succumbed to Everton.
Geraint Williams' men are revelling in their highest League position ever, aided by a magnificent run of 11 consecutive victories at home. On the road however, they've lost the last two.
STATS
SIX GAME MATCH FORM BARNET
Jan 1, 07 Boston 2 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
Dec 30, 06 Barnet 2 - 1 Bury (League Two)
Dec 26, 06 Barnet 1 - 0 Peterborough (League Two)
Dec 22, 06 Shrewsbury 0 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
Dec 16, 06 Barnet 2 - 1 Mansfield (League Two)
Dec 9, 06 Wycombe 1 - 1 Barnet (League Two)
SIX GAME MATCH FORM COLCHESTER
Jan 1, 07 Queens PR 1 - 0 Colchester (Championship...)
Dec 30, 06 Colchester 2 - 1 Wolverhampton (Championship...)
Dec 26, 06 Colchester 4 - 1 Luton (Championship...)
Dec 23, 06 Preston 1 - 0 Colchester (Championship...)
Dec 16, 06 Colchester 3 - 0 Stoke (Championship...)
Dec 9, 06 Crystal Palace 1 - 3 Colchester (Championship...)
WHAT THEY SAY
THE COLCHESTER VIEW
ITV TELETEXT: Colchester have been the success story of the season in the Championship but manager Gerraint Williams will not rest on his laurels in the FACUP. The welshmen is keen to boost any potential transfer target kitty with a good run and can start by winning at Barnet. The Bees have been on a good run at home recently but League Two's better teams have not been visting Underhill and this could be a reality check.
THE BARNET VIEW
BARNET 3-2 COLCHESTER - Ah, go on! Believe. Barnet rivals fan site.
WHAT WE SAY
Tough one one to call, Barnet have good home form, Colchester are the Championship surprise side, but not as good away. The result seems too tough to call, however value could be hand on getting on the over, Barnet have scored in each of their last games, Colchester are the championship's highest scorers. The value could be on the over 2 goals at 2.0 with Stan James.
20:00 Reading(1.73) Draw(3.5) Burnley(5.7)
Reading manager Steve Coppell is set to send out a side similar to the one that would have started in Saturday's postponed match.
Goalkeeper Adam Federici should make his debut, Scott Golbourne is set for his first start and Brynjar Gunnarsson may return after a hamstring problem.
Burnley defender Frank Sinclair is struggling with a groin problem.
Ade Akinbiyi may start after rejoining from Sheffield United, with Kyle Lafferty dropping to the bench.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
READING and Burnley make a second attempt to stage their third round tie after Saturday's fixture suffered a late postponement, due to a waterlogged pitch. A trip to either Premiership mid-table Newcastle or Championship leaders Birmingham awaits the winners. The Royals have taken the Premiership by storm in their first ever season at the highest level. Now they have opportunity to show their superiority against Championship outfit Burnley, boosting by a 6-0 steamrollering of West Ham on New Year's Day - their first victory in seven outings.
The 1927 semi-finalists are looking for a place in the fourth round for the third season running. They've not been knocked out by lower League opposition for five years, since Division Three York City won a second round clash at Bootham Crescent in December 2001.
The Royals are 23 places higher on the League ladder than their Lancashire opponents, and are unbeaten in five League matches against them.
BURNLEY were beaten by Derby at this stage last year. It was their first third round exit in five seasons.
The 1914 winners, lead Reading 1-0 in the FA Cup head-to-head standings. They've not met in the competition since February 1965 when the Clarets won a fourth round replay 1-0 at Turf Moor. Scottish Under 23 International forward Andy Lochhead scored the goal.
Steve Cotterill's side have been in freefall of late, without a win in six, and without a goal in three. They've lost the last two, and only claimed one victory in 10 League outings (home to Leeds). The Championship club could really do with a morale boosting Cup victory. They've not won on Reading turf for over a quarter of a century, since prevailing in a third tier clash in April 1981.
FORM
LAST SIX GAMES READING
Jan 1, 07 Reading 6 - 0 West Ham (Premiership)
Dec 30, 06 Manchester U 3 - 2 Reading (Premiership)
Dec 26, 06 Chelsea 2 - 2 Reading (Premiership)
Dec 23, 06 Reading 0 - 2 Everton (Premiership)
Dec 16, 06 Reading 1 - 2 Blackburn (Premiership)
Dec 9, 06 Watford 0 - 0 Reading (Premiership)
LAST SIX GAMES BURNLEY
ec 30, 06 Hull 2 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 26, 06 Barnsley 1 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 23, 06 Burnley 0 - 0 Derby (Championship...)
Dec 16, 06 Burnley 2 - 2 Sunderland (Championship...)
Dec 9, 06 Coventry 1 - 0 Burnley (Championship...)
Dec 2, 06 Ipswich 1 - 1 Burnley (Championship...)
WHAT THEY SAY
FOR READING:
As usual Steve Coppell takes the FA cup as an oppurtunity to rest some of the first team regulars, so the likes of Long, Oster and Sodje have a chance to prove they are good enough to play more regularly. This will be a tough game but one that we will win and I can see a similar score to last seasons home fixture with the Clarets, 2-1. www.rivals.net
FOR BURNLEY
The Clarets can force a replay as Steve Coppell has made no secret of his desire to rest players.
WHAT WE SAY
Reading's talk of player reserve players has meant Burnley's odds have dropped and there odds have slightly risen, still it's hard to get excited by the away side with their poor recent form. The value might lie in the anytime goalscorer market, a returning Akinbiyi may have a point to prove at 4.3, or shane long the reading forward at 3.0.
Conference North Matches
19:45 Kettering(1.57) Draw(4) Worksop(5)
Conference South Matches
19:45 Salisbury(1.62) Draw(3.75) Yeading(4.5)
FA Trophy Matches
19:45 Tamworth(2.38) Draw(3.4) Altrincham(2.88)
Southern Premier League Matches
19:45 Hemel Hempstead(2.38) Draw(3.6) Stamford(2.5)
19:45 Hitchin(1.73) Draw(3.6) Clevedon Town(4.3)
19:45 King s Lynn(1.62) Draw(3.75) Team Bath(4.6)
19:45 Mangotsfield(2.3) Draw(3.6) Bath City(2.5)
19:45 Wealdstone(2.5) Draw(3.6) Gloucester(2.38)
Ryman Matches
19:45 AFC Wimbledon(2.2) Draw(3.5) Chelmsford City(2.88)
19:45 Billericay Town(2) Draw(3.5) Heybridge Swifts(3.2)
19:45 Carshalton Ath(1.5) Draw(4) Slough Town(6.5)
19:45 East Thurrock(2.38) Draw(3.6) Tonbridge Angels(2.4)
Spanish Copa Del Rey Matches
21:00 Atletico de Madrid(2) Draw(3.25) Osasuna(4.5)
SEE YOU ALL TOMMORROW, UPDATED DAILY AT 18.00, email me at anothawriter@yahoo.co.uk, for free subscription with huge subscribers bonuses.
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posted by richard mctiernan at 7:14 AM
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