FA Cup: Our tips for Forest v Arsenal & Shrewsbury v West Ham
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The FA Cup third round action continues with two potential giant-killings. So, will these games go the way of the favourites, or is there an upset or two on the cards?
Here are our tips for this pair of televised cup crackers – beginning with David Moyes’ return to his former club.
Shrewsbury Town v West Ham United
The Shrews have been League One’s surprise package this term. Currently second in the table, they’re unbeaten in eight games – winning six of those.
The visiting Irons will have a job breaking the hosts down. Former Salop player David Moyes has improved West Ham’s form, but they face a side who’ve conceded just three times in eight games.
Under 2.5 Goals looks a good bet at 4/5, while Both Teams to Score – No is also backable at 19/20.
If there’s value in the goalscorer markets, it likely lies with Shrewsbury’s Shaun Whalley. The 30-year-old has netted in five of their last eight games, and is an appealing 10/3 to Score Anytime.
Four of the hosts’ last six games have been goalless at the break, so there’s value in another tight first half. There’s 8/5 for this to be 0-0 at half-time.
In the match betting, the Shrews are 3/1 for victory, with the Irons 19/20 favourites and 12/5 for this one to reach a replay.
But we prefer the safe-looking Double Chance: Shrewsbury or Draw at 5/6.
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
While Salop could pull off a memorable result, the chances of Forest taking anything from their game against Prem opposition look extremely slim.
Gary Brazil’s men are winless in five games, and haven’t found the net in over 300 minutes of football.
The Gunners are unbeaten in nine, and have now won nine games this term by a multiple-goal margin. As for Forest, they’ve lost nine by two or more goals.
Arsenal to Win to Nil looks good at 9/5, though the Arsenal -2 handicap could prove a lively longshot at 7/2.
Alexis Sanchez has banged in six goals in 11 games. And the Chilean should have few problems breaking down a leaky Forest backline. He’s 21/20 to Score Anytime, while Sanchez to Score Twice or More is a 4/1 shot.
In the Match Betting, it’s hard to see past an Arsenal win at 8/15. The Draw is priced up at 16/5, with a shock victory for Forest 24/5.
Click here for the latest FA Cup odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
