Cup of magic

After another successful weekend for the blog this Saturday sees the return of the f.a cup and some intriguing fixtures that could well be hard fought contests.  The Saturday fixtures feature some of this years giant killers.

LUTON v MILWALL

The early kick off features non league Luton who have so far seen off Wolves & Norwich, against Championship Millwall who have beaten Bolton & Aston Villa.  Both of these teams come into the match with just one win in their last five matches.  Looking at Luton home record they have suffered just one defeat in their last five.  Whilst Millwall have lost three of their last five away.  Luton this season have averaged just over two goals per home match whilst Milwall have averaged just over one goal per away match.  It can be of little surprise that Millwall form has declined with the loss of top scorer Chris Wood and that is why I believe Luton can get a result in this match.

MK DONS v BARNSLEY

The MK Dons come into the match after disposing of Sheffield Wednesday & QPR and face a Barnsley team who have seen off fellow championship sides Burnley & Hull.  There is no doubt Barnsley are the team in form currently undefeated in their last five.  Whilst MK Dons have won just one of their last five.  Looking at their home form it reads similarly, with three defeats and one draw in the last five.  Barnsley in stark contrast have lost just one of their last five on the road.  These teams goal averages are almost identical with both averaging just over one and a half goals per match.  Overall my opinion for this match is that Barnsley should come away with something and we should see at least a couple of goals to.

ARSENAL v BLACKBURN

Arsenal come into this match knowing this is there most realistic chance of silverware this season.   They face a Blackburn team that have seen several managers and disorganisation in the background.  Both of these teams come into the match in good recent form both undefeated in their last five matches.  Blackburn have lost just one of their last five away from home and have averaged just over one and half goals per game.  This is obviously boosted by having Jordan Rhodes leading their attack.  Arsenal have won all their recent home matches with a solitary defeat against Manchester City.  They have averaged just under two goals per home match whilst conceding one goal per match.  In recent matches Blackburn have conceded seven and six goals at the Emirates.    My opinion for this match is unsurprisingly a home win and also a few goals.

OLDHAM v EVERTON

Oldham face Merseyside opposition again in this round of the cup after defeating Liverpool previously.   Against Liverpool they bullied them with their physical presence this in my opinion this is less likely to happen against the more physical Everton side.  Oldham have also recently changed manager due to their ongoing poor league form.  With just two wins in their last five they will be tested against an Everton team who's only defeat came last week at Old Trafford.   Oldham have averaged just over one goal per home match and they face an Everton team that have averaged a goal and a half per away game.  I expect Everton to field a strong eleven and believe they should have a enough to progress through to the next round.

Thanks for reading and good luck !!!