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Brentford can shine on a tricky day

January 6th, 2018 | Ian Carnaby's Sports News

I admit right from the outset that I am not a big fan of betting on the FA Cup, the main problem being the commitment (or lack of it) where some clubs are concerned.

Having watched the Southampton v Crystal Palace game on Tuesday, I’d say that the hosts should now focus entirely on Premier League survival, whereas Palace, improving steadily under Roy Hodgson, could give the FA Cup a proper go. The supporters of both clubs will make sure there is no slacking in the game at Brighton, because there is no love lost, but it’s a mighty difficult one to call.

I assume Southampton will field a mixed bag of a team at Fulham, who are finally getting it together and may yet make the play-offs in the Championship. Under these circumstances, both teams to score could be a sensible move.

Bristol City find themselves in a very tricky position now, the splendid result against Man Utd in the old League Cup balanced to a degree by the 5-0 thrashing at a rapidly-improving Aston Villa. City, who play Man City on Tuesday, don’t need the FA Cup and must be vulnerable at WATFORD, who are not playing as well as they were early on but have ground advantage and may well avenge a defeat in the other cup a while back.

WEST HAM defended well against Tottenham on Thursday. How they nearly nicked a win remains a mystery but I like the spirit in the team now and it’s important to keep a good run going. Even if David Moyes rests a few he can call upon Andy Carroll, who came on late on Thursday and still resembles a human battering ram. Shrewsbury have caused the odd shock over the years but this looks hard.

Looking for some value, BRENTFORD can account for Notts County, who are flying high in League Two but take on opposition a couple of divisions higher. Dean Smith has done a good job at Griffin Park and no one should be too downhearted by the 3-0 defeat at Wolves, who look different class in the Championship. The Bees are bang in mid-table and may make an impression in the competition this time around.

Overall, I think value is very, very hard to locate and there will be much stronger bets next week. Still, here are some modest suggestions:

 

BRENTFORD 25 units at 1 to 2 to beat Notts Co

WATFORD 15 units at 1 to 2 to beat Bristol City

WEST HAM 20 units at 8/15 (prices vary considerably) to beat Shrewsbury

Fulham v Southampton 10 units Both Teams To Score at best available odds