FA Cup
Eight third round replays take place tonight and it includes two Premier League teams trying to avoid being knocked out by lower league opposition.
Aston Villa were held to a one all draw by Wycombe Wanderers who are a League Two team. Their fans showed their anger and disgust towards the players by yelling abuse at them as they boarded the team bus after the game, therefore Villa will be under serious pressure to put on a performance tonight and ensure they go through to round four. Their form has picked up a little in the league and they have taken four points from their past two matches, however they are still a long way adrift at the bottom and need to go on a winning run.
I would expect Villa to have too much for Wycombe at Villa Park even though they are likely to make some changes to give players a rest, and think they will win comfortably enough by at least a couple of goals.
West Brom were held to a two all draw by Championship side Bristol City and that was only after getting their equaliser in the ninety fifth minute. City are struggling in the Championship and currently occupy the final relegation place at the moment. I think they will fancy their chances against a West Brom team low confidence and feel they can progress to the next round with a good performance.
City are 3/1 for the win but I like them at best priced 7/4 in the 'draw no bet' market. We are then covered by receiving our stake back in the game does go into extra time.
14:35 Ayr
This is a two and a half mile handicap chase where I think Un Noble for Nicky Richards will take all the beating. He won very nicely last time out at Southwell in very similar conditions as today and has only been raised three pounds for that win. A mark of 116 still looks very workable for this improving six year old and although this race looks more of a competitive even than his Southwell win, I can't see anything being good enough to stop him winning if he runs to a similar level again.
Gold Opera looks to be about the best of the challengers having won in heavy conditions last time out. He has been raised seven pounds for that win though and races over a extra half a mile here which is sure to have an effect so I don't think he will be able to stay with our selection in the closing stages.
Today's Selections
Aston Villa v Wycombe - Villa minus one - 3 points @ 23/20 (Sportingbet)
Bristol City v West Brom - City draw no bet - 1 point @ 7/4 (Bet365, William Hill)
Ayr 14:35 - Un Noble - 2 points @ 9/4 (Betvictor)