FA Cup
It is the third round of the FA Cup this weekend and I think there is the potential for one or two shocks to happen. The Premier League teams have had a busy period and there is a full fixture of games again next Tuesday and Wednesday. I am certain that because of this the teams involved at the top and bottom ends of the table (given how close the league is, that's the majority) will have significantly weakened teams playing this weekend.
The weekend kicks off at St James Park where League Two side Exeter host Liverpool. Liverpool have a whole host of injuries at present and all four centre backs are missing for this match. I think they will field a predominantly under 21 line up with a few experienced players that have been on the fringes recently also getting a game. Tiago Ilori has returned from his loan spell at Aston Villa and looks sure to start, however his centre half partner is anyone's guess. Despite these problems Liverpool will still field a team that man for man will be far superior than their league two opponents and should win by a few goals even though it will be a tough pitch to play on.
Exeter haven't been playing well of late and have one of two injury problems of their own. I'm sure they will try and make it a scrappy affair and get right into Liverpool's faces, especially with a lot of their team being youngsters. These young players will have a lot to prove however, and If they can get an early goal it would completely dampen the atmosphere inside St James Park and they could win by a few.
14:25 Doncaster
Lovely Job for Fergal O'Brien finished second on his chasing debut, however the third in that race has since come out and won 11 lengths in the same class which gives the form a strong look to it. Lovely Job is a six year old that looks to have plenty of scope for improvement and will take all the beating here today.
Today's Selections
Exeter v Liverpool - Liverpool minus 2 - 2 points @ 7/2 (Paddy Power)
Liverpool minus 3 - 1 point @ 10/1 (Marathon Bet)
Doncaster 14:25 - Lovely Job - 3 points @ 6/4 (Most firms)