College Football Playoff Picks 2026- Semi Final Games (Thursday 8th January-Friday 9th January)

Those who have liked the consistency and tradition of some of the biggest schools in College Football may feel the final four of the 2025 season is one that should be treated with disdain, but welcome to the world of the NIL.

They may be considered upstarts rather than 'Blue Bloods', but there is no taking away from the successes these four teams have had and they all deserve their shot to win a National Championship.

It is the Semi Final between two Big Ten rivals meeting for a second time this season that will provide the favourite to win the Championship, but the Miami Hurricanes have shown they have deserved their spot in the Playoff Bracket, while the Mississippi Rebels are overcoming off-field drama and actually using that to fuel their own run.

With just three games left in the College Football season, it does feel that there is still some significant drama that has to be played out before the Championship can be raised.

Both Semi Final games look very intriguing and my thoughts can be read below.

Mississippi Rebels vs Miami Hurricanes Pick: There will be some serious questions asked about the current format of the College Football Playoff after the lower Seed won three of the four Quarter Final games played. That follows the opening season when all four Quarter Final games were won by First Round winners and there is a real feeling that those higher Seeded teams are being hindered by having a Bye and competing against teams who have not had a significant layoff between the end of the regular season and those Quarter Final games.

Expansion is surely going to be coming up again and that would mean all teams likely to be involved in First Round action, but for now we have a final four and all will feel they are capable of winning the National Championship later this month.

First up on Thursday is the Number 6 Seed Mississippi Rebels playing the Number 10 Miami Hurricanes, although it is the latter who have been set as favourites.

This could be down to the fact that the Hurricanes have had two impressive wins in their run to the Semi Final against the Texas A&M Aggies and Ohio State Buckeyes, but the Rebels will point to the win over SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs in the Quarter Final as a reason to believe.

Prior to that, the Rebels had blown out an overmatched Tulane Green Wave at home, while a few more Coaches have now headed off to join former Head Coach Lane Kiffin.

The decision made by Kiffin has not gone down very well with the Mississippi upper management and the fans, but it is telling that the players have used the departure as motivation. Some have voiced their irritation about the former Head Coach and antics they feel are trying to overshadow what the Rebels continue to achieve and that certainly has been fuelling the desire to keep this season going.

Mississippi showed there is so much to like about them in the upset over the Georgia Bulldogs and they will believe they have the Offensive unit to give the Miami Hurricanes plenty to think about. Of course there will be a huge amount of respect for the Hurricanes who have restricted the Aggies to 3 points and the Buckeyes to 14 points in earning back to back upset wins, although this time the Miami Hurricanes will be set as the favourites and that can change some of the mentality around a team.

So much is going to be decided by what happens when the Rebels have the ball.

For all of the impressiveness around the Miami victories, it is clear the Defensive unit have been dominant and the Offense has been doing just enough so the key here is whether the Mississippi Rebels can find enough time to give Quarter Back Trinidad Chambliss a chance to move the chains.

An 'easy' way would be to establish the run and the Rebels have had success doing that, but they have not yet tried to run on this Hurricanes Defensive Line. This has been a strength of the Miami team and they are big winners if they can force an opponent to throw the ball out of third and long spots.

Over the course of the season, the Miami pass rush has been impressive, but players have dialled it up several notches in the post-season and they are creating havoc up front.

Trinidad Chambliss has been given time by his Offensive Line when he has stepped back to throw the ball and that has allowed the Quarter Back to put together a couple of very strong showings. This battle at the Line of Scrimmage is going to be hugely decisive to the final outcome, especially as there have been some holes in the Miami Secondary that have been exposed when Quarter Backs had had just enough time to make their plays down the field.

It is certainly something Chambliss is going to believe he can do and this is also a Quarter Back capable of moving the pocket with his legs and escaping pressure. This is also very important for the underdog and the Rebels will be looking for Trinidad Chambliss to continue what has been a really impressive first season at this level of College Football.

Much like the other side of the ball, the Hurricanes have to know that running the ball is essential to any success they are going to have in this game.

However, the difference here is that the Miami Offensive Line has shown it can open up significant holes up front and the Mississippi Defensive Line has had a season-long struggle against the run. They have been a little better in the Playoffs, but the Rebels had one of those games against a Power 5 Conference Champion at home and the Hurricanes are going to pose significant challenges for them.

If they can put Carson Beck in third and manageable spots, Miami will be very confident that they can move the chains with some consistency and it is yet another key battle ground at the Line of Scrimmage.

However, there has been some inconsistency in the passing game for the Hurricanes and they are facing a Rebels team that have been able to get some pressure up front to rattle Quarter Backs. That has aided the Secondary and Carson Beck will need plenty of support to keep things going in this one, although the Hurricanes have rightly been set as favourites.

The expectation is that this is going to be a close and competitive game, but one where the Miami Hurricanes perhaps have the stronger success at the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the ball. That should ultimately see Miami pass the Mississippi Rebels, but Trinidad Chambliss is unlikely to roll over without a fight and that makes having the hook over a key number most appealing.

If it is going to end in a big win, the Hurricanes perhaps have the power to do that, but Chambliss and the Rebels are playing with real motivation right now and they can make sure this competitive for the full sixty minutes and perhaps even pull yet another upset.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Oregon Ducks Pick: The Big Ten has taken over from the SEC as the Conference with the most likely contenders to win the National Championship and this is a Semi Final involving two of those teams.

The winner is going to be the favourite in the National Championship Game later this month and the question is whether it will be repeat or revenge when the Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) face the Oregon Ducks (13-1) in Atlanta?

The Hoosiers put together an unbeaten season, which included winning a road game in Oregon, and Indiana have crushed the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Quarter Final. Some were wondering if this upstart could even beat a blue blood school at a big moment, but the Hoosiers are the only team in two seasons who have been the higher Seed to win the Quarter Final game played.

There is no doubting how good this Indiana team are, but they are facing an Oregon team that have beaten everyone other than the Hoosiers. A comfortable win over James Madison Dukes at home in the First Round would not have concerned too many, but shutting out the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Quarter Final and avoiding going out at the same stage for a second year in a row will have some taking notice.

Of course beating the Big Ten Champion is a very different task than beating the Big 12 Champion and this looks like it is another Semi Final that could go down to the wire.

Unlike the NFL, it is rare to play the same team twice in a season when it comes to College Football, although it does happen.

This year it has happened nine times, but the team that have won the first game have only repeated twice and that is something that the Indiana Hoosiers will have to be wary of in this Semi Final. The Hoosiers won by 10 points on the road and were pretty dominant on both sides of the ball, but Oregon will take plenty of heart from the way rematches have trended this season and the Ducks are much better than what they were able to show in that regular season defeat.

The two teams that have repeated regular season wins in the second time round both won by at least 22 point margins the first time around and were 20 plus point winners again.

However, none of the other seven games had been decided by more than 17 points and six were by single digit margins, which suggests this game is going to be another close one and a Semi Final Oregon can enter with some confidence.

In saying that, Oregon will be well aware that they need to be better across the board if they are going to knock off the Number 1 Seed and Conference Champion.

For starters they have to find a way to run the ball with some productivity to at least keep Quarter Back Dante Moore in third and manageable positions. Third Down conversion is going to be absolutely massive to the final outcome of this game and a Quarter Back expected to go very quickly in the NFL Draft in April has to be better than he was the first time around against this Defensive unit.

Dante Moore can take encouragement from the recent numbers the Indiana Secondary have allowed, although running the ball against this Hoosiers Defensive Line is going to be incredibly challenging. If the Ducks Offensive Line are not able to win at the Line of Scrimmage as far as the run game goes, they must be able to stand up to the Indiana pass rush and at least offer the star Quarter Back time to throw the ball down the field.

Two Interceptions were thrown in the regular season and that is something the Ducks will not be able to afford if they are going to upset the odds.

Avoiding those and learning from what they have seen already in the regular seaosn should give Dante Moore a better plan from which to attack, but the Quarter Back cannot take too many risks in what is going to be a battle.

The same will apply to Indiana, but they will be confident with the way they approached the first game and only mistake by Fernando Mendoza in the Fourth Quarter almost flipped the momentum. The game was tied up he threw a Pick Six, but Indiana were the better team and ultimately ran out pretty clear winners, even if they are expecting different looks in this Semi Final.

Indiana were well balanced in the regular season game, and they did not shy away from pounding the rock.

They only managed 3 yards per carry, but had two scores on the ground and the Hoosiers Offensive Line have been in powering mood down the stretch. They will also have noted some of the successes teams have had moving the ball against this Oregon Defensive Line in recent games and putting this team in third and manageable spots could be the key to repeat, rather than revenge.

Some even see this as a fight between two Quarter Backs that may go First and Second in the next NFL Draft and third and manageable would certainly give Fernando Mendoza to produce stronger numbers than Dante Moore.

He had over 200 passing yards in the road win over the Ducks and would have more time in the pocket if the team are able to move the ball a little bit more efficiently on the ground. The Hoosiers had kept Mendoza well protected in that regular season win and doing the same here would certainly mean the Number 1 Seed can come out on top.

As mentioned a few times, beating a team twice in the same season is not easy in College Football.

The Ducks need to be given a lot of respect for the season they have put together and they are going to have a plan to turn around that home defeat to Indiana.

However, the Hoosiers have continued to pound out the wins and they will feel they can win the battle of the Third Down conversions, which ultimately will be a key to the final outcome. As long as the turnover battle is level at the least, the Hoosiers can find a way to come out on top and earn the opportunity to win a National Championship later this month.

MY PICKS: Mississippi Rebels + 3.5 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)

Indiana Hoosiers - 3.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Quarter Final: 2-2, - 0.26 Units (4 Units Staked, - 6.50% Yield)

First Round Playoff: 3-1, + 1.67 Units (4 Units Staked, + 41.75% Yield)

Week 15: 2-2, - 0.29 Units (4 Units Staked, - 7.25% Yield)

Week 14: 5-2-1, + 2.44 Units (8 Units Staked, + 30.50% Yield)

Week 13: 3-3, - 0.35 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.83% Yield

Week 12: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 11: 1-5, - 4.09 Units (6 Units Staked, - 68.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 9: 3-3, - 0.19 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.17% Yield)

Week 8: 2-3, - 1.18 Units (5 Units Staked, - 23.60% Yield)

Week 7: 4-1, + 2.62 Units (5 Units Staked, + 52.40% Yield)

Week 6: 2-4, - 2.22 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37% Yield)

Week 5: 1-5, - 4.20 Units (6 Units Staked, - 70% Yield)

Week 4: 2-4, - 2.14 Units (6 Units Staked, - 35.67% Yield)

Week 3: 4-4, - 0.36 (8 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 1: 1-4, - 3.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 62.80% Yield)

Week 0: 2-1, + 0.75 Units (3 Units Staked, + 25% Yield)

Boxing Picks 2025- Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika (Wednesday 8th January)

2024 was a really strong year for Boxing fans with some big fights put together by the Saudi authorities and there were a number of Undisputed Champions produced thanks to the influence of Riyadh Season.

More of the same is expected over the coming twelve months and there is already a big night set in the calendar for Saturday 22nd February with a deep, impressive card that has a number of bouts that could have headlined events on their own.

Further announcements are expected to be made, while the UK based promoters that have really embraced working with Saudi Arabia have made it clear that they do want to put together stronger nights for the home fans.

David Benavidez vs David Morrell is set so the headline fights are not only being made by those associated with Saudi Arabia and this has to be a positive for the fans.

We are still going to be a little greedy and want a bit more- it would be good if Terence Crawford and some of the other top American names were more active, while it should not be too long before Canelo Alvarez announces his next fight.

The financial boost offered by the Saudi authorities have also helped create a year-long feel around Boxing, which in previous years might have had quieter months.

In January this year we have the return of Jai Opetaia and Naoya Inoue and both are hoping to win and then move onto bigger and better opportunities in the next several months.

Other decent fight nights have been put together with all the roads leading to the huge David Benavidez vs David Morrell fight on February 1st, which will open another good looking month of action.

After a disappointing 2023 for the Boxing Picks, it was a bounce back year in 2024 with a solid return all things considered.

In saying that, there is always room for improvement and that is where the focus will be over the next twelve months.

The easy number to point to is the 36% winning rate for the selections, but the fact that it did not prevent the Picks ending with a positive return underlines the difficulty of the markets.

For example, picking someone like Canelo Alvarez to beat Edgar Berlanga is not going to offer much of a payout and finding other angles to approach a fight like that offers much greater returns even if it is that much harder to string the winners together.

Ultmately it is about returning a number that ends in the black and not the red, although the ambition is to improve that hit rate in 2025.

Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika

The first big name heading out to the ring in 2025 is Jai Opetaia, arguably the top Cruiserweight in the sport.

Fans are hoping that the Australian will soon be heading into a bout with Gilberto Ramirez to really determine the top fighter in the Division, but it would be a mistake to look too far ahead.

A replacement was required after Huseyin Cinkara was forced to withdraw and many feel that David Nyika has helped stimulate a lot more interest in Jai Opetaia's homecoming.

Australia vs New Zealand will always do that and David Nyika is an experienced amateur, although has perhaps not has the exposure as a professional to really warrant this opportunity right now. That amateur experience is going to be important, but the pro game is different and this a huge challenge for The Nice Guy Nyika.

He has called for a firefight, although Jai Opetaia is not convinced that will be the case.

Instead the Champion believes David Nyika will try and box from the outside, but his lack of experience could see Jai Opetaia go through the gears pretty quickly with body work opening things up.

David Nyika Stopped Tommy Karpency in his last bout back in September, a fighter that has been in with plenty of big names. However, those have been at Light Heavyweight in the main and Karpency has clearly been worn down by plenty of other Stoppage defeats in his professional career and facing Jai Opetaia is a significant step up in opponent.

Mairis Breidis was able to take Jai Opetaia the distance in both fights between the pair in July 2022 and May 2024, but the Champion has been dominant against less stellar competition around those contests.

You know David Nyika is going to want to display his toughness, but that may actually work against him with him likely to be easy to find as far as Jai Opetaia is concerned.

Fighters from this part of the world are able to stand up to more punishment than you may expect, but this is a huge punching and dangerous Jai Opetaia and he is expected to make his superior level count. There is still a chance for David Nyika to come again, but the fight feels too early for the New Zealander and the likelihood is that we see that on display in another relatively early finish for the Champion.

Matchroom are one of the co-promoters of the event and they have placed a couple of their Heavyweights on the undercard who are hoping to follow Jai Opetaia's lead by building strong local support.

One of those is Justis Huni who has been spoken about as a potential opponent for Moses Itauma.

That does feel like a big step up for Huni considering he needed the cards to get the better of Andrew Tabiti and Kevin Lerena, two Cruiserweights coming into the Heavyweight Division.

The win over Lerena was on a card held in Riyadh, but Justis Huni has headed back to Australia for his last two fights and this is another showcase kind of bout for him.

Shaun Potgieter is next up for the home fighter and he has not been in with anyone like Justis Huni before, and that step up is expected to be evident before the bell to signal the Sixth Round is needed.

No one has lasted more than two Rounds with Teremoana Jr so far in his very young career and that is unlikely to have changed after his bout with Osasu Otobo. The latter's only previous defeat was in a Second Round Stoppage and Teremoana Jr can back up his first appearance under the Matchroom banner with another early night work having been out last month in Monaco.

MY PICKS: Jai Opetaia to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.87 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Justis Huni to Win Between 1-5 @ 1.61 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Boxing 2024: 36-64, + 9.46 Units (126 Units Staked, + 7.51% Yield)

College Football National Championship Game Pick- Alabama vs Georgia (January 8th)

National Championship Game- Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs

The SEC is going to provide yet another National Champion, but it will be interesting to see if the Conference Champion Georgia Bulldogs can knock off an annual National Championship contender in the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide didn't even win their Division this season, but they have been credited for their body of work by being allowed into the College Football Play Off and they are favoured to win the National Championship.

The Crimson Tide dominated the defending National Champions Clemson Tigers in their 'Semi Final', while the Georgia Bulldogs came from a huge deficit to knock off the Oklahoma Sooners. The more convincing performance definitely came from Alabama, but injuries continue to decimate the team and the Georgia Bulldogs are good enough to take advantage.

Much of the game will be decided on the line of scrimmage as the Bulldogs look for their strong Running Back duo to try and get the better of an Alabama Defensive Line which have been stout all season. If the Bulldogs can open some holes, Sonny Michel and Nick Chubb will feel they are able to gain big yards when hitting the second line of Defense as Alabama are down to second and third string Linebackers.

Alabama will try and control things up front and prevent those holes being developed, but I do like Georgia being able to make some big plays. Much could also depend on Jake Fromm at Quarter Back who has to make the Crimson Tide Defensive unit respect his ability to make plays through the air, but I do think the Bulldogs will have success in this one.

The same can be said for Alabama from an Offensive point of view, especially as they should be able to run the ball effectively in this one. The Georgia Defensive Line have had some problems stopping the run in recent games and Jalen Hurts is also a Quarter Back who is able to make plays with his legs which could cause problems for the Bulldogs.

The Georgia Secondary have played well and they do get some pressure up front, but they may not be able to rattle Hurts who is capable of making plays while looking after the ball. Hurts takes criticism but he isn't someone who will lose the game for Alabama and that could be all important in this National Championship Game.

An 'X factor' in this game could be Head Coach Kirby Smart who spent a long time on the staff under Nick Saban including at Alabama prior to becoming the Head Coach for the Georgia Bulldogs. There has to be some familiarity of the systems which can be passed onto his players and Smart should know the best way to slow down the Crimson Tide Offensive unit, although it will be a tough task for Georgia anyway.

At the moment all the money is also on the Crimson Tide to win another National Championship under Nick Saban. The public are also behind them, but I think the Georgia Bulldogs can be backed with the start on the handicap here.

I think the Defensive injuries for the Crimson Tide could give Georgia the chance to make some big Offensive plays. The two Running Backs should be able to give the Bulldogs a chance to win what could be a low scoring game as the teams chew up the clock behind their Offensive Lines.


It should be a close game and Georgia may just earn the upset to take home an unexpected title.

MY PICKS: Georgia Bulldogs + 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)

NFL Wild Card Round Play Off Picks 2017 (January 7-8)

After a tough Week 16, the NFL Picks bounced back in Week 17 and that gives me some positive momentum to take into the Wild Card Round of the Play Offs which are played over this weekend.

We have one AFC and one NFC Wild Card game on both Saturday and Sunday and I think I speak for most people when I say the NFL Play Offs are the best post-season set of games in any sport.

The games usually get better and better at this point with the Super Bowl arguably an anti-climax to some of the games we will see on the road to the Super Bowl over the next three weeks. I will admit that the Wild Card Round is not as exciting as it may have been if all of the teams were coming into this weekend fully healthy, but if the teams I expect move through to the Divisional Round I would say at least three of the four games should be a lot of fun to watch.

It seems the fashionable thing is to pick a Super Bowl winner at this time of the season and there are plenty putting their brackets out there. The easiest selection is going with the New England Patriots taking on the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl as the two top Seeds in the AFC and NFC have looked very strong through the season and both come in with some momentum behind them.

While I think it is going to be very difficult to knock them off, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a repeat of a Super Bowl that was actually played just five years ago. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers look like they have the tools to win tough road games at the Patriots and Cowboys at some point over the next couple of weeks and both have have looked like they are getting hot at the right time and have plenty of experience of the post-season to head to Houston on Sunday 5th February.


Last season saw all four road teams win in the Wild Card Round to improve those teams to 8-4 over the last three seasons, but I think we will see a reversal from last season. In my opinion the four home teams have every chance of sweeping the Wild Card Round for the first time since 2012 but all will be revealed by Sunday evening when the Divisional Round has been set.


Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans Pick: The problems the Houston Texans have had at the Quarter Back position have been well documented through the 2016 season and an injury to Tom Savage means they will be going back to Brock Osweiler to open the Play Offs. Motivation has to be high for the Texans knowing the Super Bowl will be held in their home Stadium and they go into this one as the favourites thanks to a brutal injury suffered by the Oakland Raiders in Week 16.

Derek Carr had led the Oakland Raiders into a position to at least finish with a Wild Card Round bye before breaking his leg in the win over the Indianapolis Colts which has effectively ended his season. This game would have had a ready made storyline if Carr was available as he would be playing a Play Off game against the team his big brother was the Quarter Back in the early part of his century, but Oakland have suffered a huge blow with his injury.

The Raiders are actually down to their third string Quarter Back after Matt McGloin went down with an injury in Week 17. That means Connor Cook will get the call for Oakland and will become the first Quarter Back to make his first start in the post-season during the Super Bowl era.

With the problems at Quarter Back it is no surprise this is making the news in Oakland this week as they return to the Play Offs since reaching the Super Bowl in 2002 and really felt they could do something with Derek Carr. However one piece of news that can't be ignored is the injury to Left Tackle Donald Penn which rules him out of this game and that means Cook is going to have to be very careful.

Being hit from the blind side is always trouble for the Quarter Back and Cook is going to struggle to keep the Houston pass rush off him in obvious passing situations with their Defenders well rested in Week 17. Cook is also throwing into the Houston Secondary which is one of the better ones in the NFL after struggling with the Denver Broncos and that means leaning on the running game and hoping that can keep the Raiders in third and manageable spots for much of the afternoon.

Oakland have been able to run the ball but the injury to Penn hurts them in that department too and the Offensive Line looks like it is going to be banged up heading into the Wild Card Round. It has to be noted how good the Texans Defensive Line have been in shutting down the run and that means it could be a long day in the office for the Oakland Offense who will likely need some big plays from their own Defensive unit to try and stay with the Houston Texans and set up strong field position.

With the Oakland Raiders likely to struggle Offensively, Cook and company have to at least look after the ball and put pressure on the Texans with the field position battle. They have to know how much Brock Osweiler has struggled at Quarter Back, even if one of his best performances of the season came against the Texans in Mexico City.

Osweiler has been guilty of being something of a turnover machine this season and has to be careful throwing the ball with the likes of Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin trying to make plays up front. To be fair to the Houston Offensive Line, they have protected the Quarter Back who can be guilty of staring down Receivers and throwing right to the mark where Defenders can make a play on the ball.

It might be down to Osweiler to make some big plays for the Houston Texans despite the return of Lamar Miller at Running Back. Miller has proved to be a big weapon for Osweiler, but Houston have struggled to run the ball and this Raiders Defensive Line have been able to shut down the run which could leave Osweiler in third and long spots.

Turnovers and Special Teams are going to be massive in this game and could prove to be a difference maker. I think Houston have an edge on the Offense solely because of the experience Osweiler has over Cook and I think the Texans Defense is likely to be able to do more in shutting down what their opponents are trying to do.

I might hate myself for saying this, but I do like the Houston Texans in this game and I think they cover the spread. Scoring 17 points might be enough to do that and Osweiler has tended to play better at home for the most part, while also having some confidence of seeing this Oakland Raiders Defense previously in Mexico City. I simply don't know how Oakland are going to score enough points to stay with Houston outside of turnovers and Special Teams winning the game for them and ultimately I think the Derek Carr injury is going to be pointed as the moment this team was let down.

Cook is also likely to throw a ball or two that is either picked or close to being picked and I think Houston win this one by around a Touchdown in a low scoring game. The Texans Defensive unit can make a late play on Cook against the banged up Offensive Line to seal the deal and I will take the home favourite in this one.


Detroit Lions @ Seattle Seahawks Pick: The Week 17 tilt between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions was flexed into Sunday Night Football with the belief that the winner would get into the Play Offs and the losing team would be heading home. A Washington Redskins loss earlier in the day meant the game was going to decide who hosted the New York Giants and which team would have to visit the Seattle Seahawks on Wild Card Weekend and it was the Lions who have drawn the tougher assignment.

Playing Seattle in Seattle in the Play Offs has proved to be a big challenge for teams in recent seasons and the Seahawks are definitely a team that have the experience and the Quarter Back to go deep in the Play Offs.

However it has to be said that the Seahawks have not quite come into the Play Offs as they have in previous seasons with a number of wins behind them. Instead they have been erratic and injuries to players like Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor have exposed a Defensive unit that prides itself on shutting teams down.

The Seahawks might have caught a break this week in facing a Detroit team led by Matt Stafford who has definitely not been as effective since hurting his finger on his throwing hand. His supporting cast is not as strong as some of the other teams in the Play Offs, but Stafford is a warrior and will believe he can make some plays downfield to give Seattle some issues.

The issues for Stafford may be if he is in third and long spots during the game as the Seattle pass rush has come alive and the Lions Offensive Line had issues blocking Green Bay last week. Now they face Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril up front with the likes of Frank Clark also able to create a push and that may take away some of the time Stafford needs if the Lions are not able to get in front of the chains.

Golden Tate, Eric Ebron and Marvin Jones can have some success catching the ball and moving the chains, even when Stafford is under pressure, but the key player could be Zach Zenner at Running Back. Zenner has been praised by the Seahawks this week but running the ball against this Defensive Line is a much bigger test than doing that against the Green Bay Packers and it looks like Detroit will be inconsistent on the Offensive side of the ball.

That means Stafford and company will be hoping their Defensive unit can at least help out by limiting what the Seahawks can do and I do think they have some chance to do that. Seattle have struggled to run the ball all season without Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson being a little gimpy, although the latter is going to perhaps take off the knee brace to offer more mobility this weekend.

Even with that in mind, I am not sure Thomas Rawls or Alex Collins can get on track having had issues on the ground even when facing those teams that have struggled to stop the run like San Francisco last week. The Lions have not been the strongest up front and that was exposed by Green Bay last week, but this one looks like it will be down to their Quarter Back Russell Wilson to take any yards the Defense gives him and rely on his arm for the majority of the time.

Wilson's Offensive Line have not been very good in protection, but Detroit have just struggled for an effective pass rush up front and I am not sure they are the team to take advantage. I don't doubt we will see Wilson having to scramble from pressure at times because the Offensive Line has been that bad, but he is very dangerous on the run and still has some decent targets in the passing game even with Tyler Lockett's injury.

Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham are players that will keep running their routes even when Wilson is scrambling knowing how good his arm is on the run. Darius Slay was back for the Detroit Lions in the Secondary last week and he can at least give Detroit a chance to make some plays back there, but I do think Seattle will be able to move the chains in this game and it will be up to the Lions to keep up.

This is another home team I like this weekend and I do think Seattle can make a few plays on the Defensive side to pull away from the Detroit Lions who would have lost by double digits in three straight weeks if not for a Hail Mary at the end of the Week 17 game against Green Bay which ended in a 7 point loss. The Wild Card Round favourites of 7.5 points or higher are also 7-2 against the spread since 2005.

Add in how strong Seattle have been as a home favourite and Detroit are 0-3 against the spread and straight up outside this season and I think the Seahawks will be too good. The Seahawks lost their last home game, but the previous three had all been won by double digits and I think they win this one and cover the spread.


Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers Pick: This is another Wild Card Play Off Game that was played in the regular season, although this time the Pittsburgh Steelers will be hosting the Miami Dolphins. After a really poor start to the season, the Dolphins beat the Steelers at home in the regular season to move to 2-4 and that sparked the turn in form that saw them finish with a solid record that was good enough to end as the Number 6 Seed in the AFC.

It is clear there isn't a lot of belief in the Dolphins, who will be starting back up Quarter Back Matt Moore in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill, when you note they have been given as many points as they have in this one. The double digit favourites in the Play Offs since 2009 have gone 5-1 against the spread, but historically this has been a difficult situation in which they can cover.

Miami will be looking to control the clock and keep the Pittsburgh Offense off the field for as long as possible when they have the ball and that is by leaning on Jay Ajayi at Running Back. Ajayi had one of this three 200 yard rushing days against the Pittsburgh Steelers which should mean the latter are well aware of what he can do, but I don't think Miami should move too far from the game plan and make sure they try to establish the Running Back in this one.

Ajayi has a chance to do that because the Pittsburgh Defensive Line have had a few issues containing the run all season and struggled down the stretch. While the Dolphins Offensive Line is not at full strength, Ajayi should be able to produce a solid outing which at least keeps the Dolphins in third and manageable spots for Matt Moore at Quarter Back.

Moore hasn't played badly in relief of Tannehill and he has made some solid throws, but the one concern has to be the turnovers that have either been taken from him or barely been missed. The veteran has to be smart with the Pittsburgh Secondary capable of Interceptions but Moore should have time and Miami being able to run the ball means it could open things up down the field with some speedy and tricky Receivers on the roster.

The Dolphins didn't rest their starters in Week 17, but Pittsburgh Steelers had the luxury to do that with the Number 3 Seed in the AFC locked up in Week 16. A more recognisable team will be playing than the one that barely beat the Cleveland Browns last week and you have to think the Steelers will come out with some revenge on the mind after being beaten so easily in Miami as a big favourite in the regular season.

Le'Veon Bell has been a star for the Steelers down the stretch in a contract season and you have to think he will have a much better game than when first going up against the Dolphins earlier this season. Bell has had some big games for the Steelers as both a Running Back and a Receiver coming out of the backfield and the conditions in this Wild Card Game suggests Bell is going to have a big impact on Sunday.

Despite the star power on the Miami Defensive Line, the Dolphins have not been very good at stopping the run this season and so Bell should have a better outing than in the first game. That came off the back of a suspension to open the season and Bell is motoring now so expect the Steelers to be able to run the ball effectively.

That will make life all the easier for Ben Roethlisberger at Quarter Back who has the Play Off experience of being a two time Super Bowl winner. There might be some pressure up front from the likes of Suh and Wake, but Roethlisberger is a hard man to bring down and he will be able to make his throws downfield to the likes of Antonio Brown if the Dolphins are being forced to send men closer to the line of scrimmage to defend the run. Roethlisberger should have a big game in this one as well as Bell and you can understand why the Steelers are the favourites to win this game.

Even so, this feels like a big number for the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover. They are just 11-17 against the spread as a double digit favourite with Ben Roethlisberger while Matt Moore has been solid against the spread as the starting Quarter Back through his career. If Miami can run the ball as effectively as they in the second half of the season, I think they can keep this close and I will take the Dolphins with the points despite how well recent double digit Play Off favourites have played.


New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers Pick: When you looked at the four Wild Card Games this weekend, the one that most would have picked an upset from has to be the final one from Lambeau Field. Twice in recent years the New York Giants have upset the Green Bay Packers on this hallowed turf and both times they have gone on to win the Super Bowl so I am not surprised a lot of bettors are picking the Giants with the points.

There are some similarities with those recent Play Off games between these teams and the one going into this weekend. The Giants have looked a little inconsistent on the Offensive side of the ball and they have a Defense that will feel can lock down any team they face having beaten the Dallas Cowboys twice in the regular season.

Also in both of those Play Off upsets here, Green Bay had beaten the New York Giants in the regular season and they have done that again this season.

It has to be a worry for the home team, but I think Aaron Rodgers has been playing at a very high level and I am fully behind Green Bay as a team that can it all together and reach the Super Bowl in Houston. Finding an effective running game behind Ty Montgomery to balance out the Offense has been huge for the Green Bay Packers, but running the ball against this New York Defensive Line has been far from easy so it might be down to Rodgers being able to throw the ball against the NYPD (New York Pass Defense).

I am not sure I am any more impressed with that nickname than the Green Bay Receivers seemed to be earlier this week because this Giants team is one that has a couple of holes in the Secondary that a Quarter Back like Rodgers can expose. His Receivers have begun to win their battles on the outside and the return of Randall Cobb will give Green Bay another option, although Rodgers has to be wary of the likes of Landon Collins who have turned the ball over with the Giants capable of doing that.

Rodgers has looked a little more mobile down the stretch so even the pressure up front might not a be a concern for him and he is capable of taking off and running for First Downs where necessary. The Packers have looked very good on the Offensive side of the ball and should be able to move the chains and will look for the Defensive unit to step up and make some plays for them to win this game.

The Packers have to be concerned that Eli Manning tends to become a really strong Quarter Back at this time of the season despite some inconsistent play during the regular season. The Giants Offense have found a little more balance down the stretch with Paul Perkins showing he is the strongest Running Back they have on the roster and he should be able to establish the run and give Manning some support in this one.

Keeping New York in third and manageable spots will open things up for Manning while also easing the Green Bay pass rush and the Quarter Back should be able to hit the likes of Odell Beckham Jr for some big gains against this Green Bay Secondary which have struggled. There are enough pass catching Receivers here to make the Giants dangerous and not simply an option to keep OBJ quiet having seen the Receiver go off being lined up in different spots on the field.

I have said I do think the Green Bay Packers will come through this tough Wild Card Game, but this might be too many points for them to cover. You can't ignore the fact that the Packers are 2-6 against the spread in their last 8 home Play Off games when they have been set as the favourite, nor the fact that the Giants are 8-0 against the spread as the underdog in the Play Offs since Manning took over as Quarter Back.

The Giants have matched up well with the Green Bay Packers and I think the Offense will play better and more consistently at this time of the season as their past successes have shown. It should be a really fun game to watch and I will take the points with the Giants in this one as I look for the underdogs to show some bite on Sunday after two favourites complied on Saturday.

MY PICKS: Houston Texans - 3.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Seattle Seahawks - 8 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Miami Dolphins + 11.5 Points @ 2.05 William Hill (2 Units)
New York Giants + 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (2 Units)

Weekend Football Picks 2017 (January 6-9)

It has lost some of the shine of yesteryear, but I still love the FA Cup Third Round draw and then the first weekend of January which is reserved for that Round to be played. It might have something to do with my time growing up when the FA Cup not only meant something to most people, but was the one competition in which Manchester United actually used to have something approaching regular success when the League always seemed beyond their reach.

That has meant the Cup has imprinted on me and some of my favourite memories and goals for Manchester United have come in the FA Cup over the years. Winning last season after waiting so long was easily the best moment of the Louis Van Gaal era and the defence of the trophy begins on Saturday.

However it is clear that the FA Cup has gone down the list of priorities for many clubs in recent years with other competitions and avoiding relegation/earning promotion/finishing in the top four (delete as applicable) meant managers would rest players in this famous old Cup. The Third Round being played over the weekend following a hectic festive period hasn't helped, but I still think most fans love being in the Cup and having a chance to go all the way to Wembley Stadium in May.


The opening picks in January stunk to say the least and I am looking for much better for the rest of the month. This weekend is all about the FA Cup Third Round while I will then have a thread for the English Football League Cup Semi Final First Legs to be played next week.

Then we are back into the Premier League with some big games set for next weekend in a month where a number of the top six clubs will play one another. Hopefully this weekend can give us the start of the recovery from the opening picks and get this month back on track after a poor end to December too.


Manchester United v Reading Pick: The FA Cup might not have the same prestige as it did when I was growing up, but the fans still enjoy these Cup runs and most Manchester United fans will have appreciated winning the famous old competition last season.

That has something to do with how long it has been since Manchester United won the FA Cup and Jose Mourinho has shown that he wants to win everything they have entered this season. I still anticipate some changes to be made to the starting eleven with big games against Hull City and Liverpool to come later in the week and especially off the three games in a week they have just played.

However Jose Mourinho has also shown he is willing to play his best players in as many games as possible this season and Manchester United have won all 5 Cup games played at Old Trafford. Some of those have come by wide margins with four goals scored against Fenerbahce, Feyenoord and West Ham United and Reading have to be a little wary having conceded at least two goals in their last 4 away games.

Jaap Stam certainly has Reading playing with some confidence, but I also anticipate changes in the away side who have also had a busy week of football and have big League games to come. Stam made changes in the English Football League Cup loss at Arsenal earlier in the season and the League game coming up on Thursday has to be the bigger priority for the manager.

It should still be a decent Cup game with the changes in the home side expected to have an impact too. However I do think the home momentum will give Manchester United the edge and I will back them to win with a clean sheet as both Fulham and Leeds United have beaten Reading in recent games on their travels. Arsenal did the same in the League Cup and it looks a decent pick at almost odds against.


Blackpool v Barnsley Pick: Bloomfield Road could be a real equaliser with this pitch always on the verge of cutting up and that might be the best chance Blackpool have in upsetting Championship side Barnsley who have been impressing this season. It isn't that long ago that these clubs were operating at a similar level, but Blackpool have taken a step back while Barnsley look to have improved.

There are likely to be some changes made by both teams after a tough December, while some may think Barnsley being on the brink of the Play Offs in the Championship will influence their decision making in terms of the FA Cup.

I am not buying that so much with Lee Johnson likely to want to build some momentum and being upset by a League Two club is not the way to do that. Barnsley have plenty of goals in the side and will play an attacking brand of football, while they have won 3 of their last 4 away games which suggests they can do the same here.

It has been a little more difficult for Blackpool of late who have lost their last 2 games at Bloomfield Road and are in mid-table in League Two. I expect Barnsley are able to show the difference in level of quality both clubs have and can move through with a win without the need for a replay at odds against.


Bolton Wanderers v Crystal Palace Pick: I don't think it would surprise anyone to hear that this competition might not be a big deal for Crystal Palace and Sam Allardyce this season with the Premier League position precariously close to the bottom three. The Cup run to the Final last season will have given the fans a lot of joy, but Allardyce has been drafted in as manager to prevent relegation and won't be worried about the FA Cup as a distraction to his most immediate goal.

The one factor that has to be considered is that Allardyce won't want his squad of players to have their confidence dented any more than necessary by losing to League One level of opponents. I don't think that will influence his team selection with some key players already absent, but this becomes a very dangerous game for Crystal Palace against a confident and in-form Bolton Wanderers team.

Bolton Wanderers have won 10 in a row at home which means they will believe the upset is on here and the layers have given them a shot at producing one. They have been scoring goals at home, but Bolton Wanderers have been far from watertight and even a changed Crystal Palace team will feel they can create opportunities to score goals.

While the layers have got it right with the drift on the Crystal Palace to win price, I do think they are underestimating the chance of seeing at least three goals. I believe both teams will score at least once in this one and The Macron Stadium has a good playing surface which should mean there is a chance for the attacking football to shine here.

At odds against, I will back at least three goals to be shared out.


Brentford v Eastleigh Pick: A Championship side hosting a non-League side has made Brentford obvious favourites to see off Eastleigh, but they will have to be careful. Last season Eastleigh pushed then Championship club Bolton Wanderers all the way to a replay and were barely outclassed over the two games.

However that should also mean Brentford are more focused as they look to book their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup this weekend. Being at home gives Brentford a considerable advantage compared with Bolton Wanderers who had to play the initial tie at Eastleigh this time last year, while the latter were also in arguably better form twelve months ago heading into the Third Round.

Wins at Swindon Town and Halifax Town have been solid results for Eastleigh who have a taste for a Cup shock, but they have lost 3 of their last 5 away games and will need to produce something special over ninety minutes to stay with Brentford. The home team have goals in them at Griffin Park and I do think it will be tough for Eastleigh to contain them throughout this one.

The question is can Brentford grind down Eastleigh and win by a comfortable margin? I think as long as Eastleigh don't score early, Brentford's superior fitness will tell at home and they can wear down this opponent. Brentford were upset by Walsall at home this time last season, but Walsall were considerably stronger than the Eastleigh team they will see this weekend and I think Brentford win by at least two goals in front of their own fans.


Brighton v MK Dons Pick: It has been confirmed by Chris Hughton that he is going to make changes to his squad with the Championship the priority for the season rather than a long FA Cup run. Of course he was always going to say he wants Brighton to go through to the next Round, but I don't think Hughton would be overly concern if they were to lose this game.

In saying that, I don't think Brighton will lose to the MK Dons who have been struggling and taking some heavy losses away from home. They will also be looking to the League and trying to avoid relegation to League Two having been playing in the Championship last season and I do think the focus might not be on this game which is not one of the more appealing Third Round ties the MK Dons could have got.

Despite the changes, I think Brighton are going to play their football in the manner they like to and I think they will create chances and score goals. They have beaten the MK Dons the last 2 times they have hosted them and I expect the home side to be too strong on the day.

The Asian Handicap will return half the stake if Brighton do only manage to win by the one goal, but I think they can make things a little more comfortable at The Amex Stadium and I will back them to win by a couple.


Everton v Leicester City Pick: On first glance Everton look a short price at odds on to win this game but I do think the press conferences led by Ronald Koeman and Claudio Ranieri have played a part in the prices. While Koeman has talked up the FA Cup, Ranieri has made it clear he is contemplating changes with Leicester City's Premier League survival in the balance at this moment in time.

Out of the two teams I would expect Everton to have the stronger starting eleven with this Cup being the best avenue for a successful season.

At least Leicester City still have the Champions League to play next month and I am not sure Ranieri's comments won't filter down to the players. That should mean Everton have more motivation and being at home should give them another edge even if they have not played Leicester City that well at home in recent games.

Ultimately I think Everton have a much more recognisable eleven starting and showed they can bully Leicester City if they are missing players like Robert Huth when they won 0-2 at The King Power Stadium on Boxing Day. With the likelihood of Leicester City making changes very high, I think Everton can be backed to win this FA Cup Third Round tie this weekend.


Huddersfield Town v Port Vale Pick: You have to say that Huddersfield Town continue to surprise in the Championship with some impressive results behind them which means they are up to 4th in the League table. With a chance of earning promotion to the Premier League, the FA Cup might be a distraction to David Wagner's side although the fans are looking forward to perhaps having a decent run in the competition.

The biggest tie Huddersfield Town fans have enjoyed in recent years was a Fourth Round one at The Emirates Stadium against Arsenal in 2011 and they have to look at this fixture as a chance to reach that stage again. Huddersfield Town hit the buffers a bit, but they look to be back on form and a team that can create plenty of chances should have too much for Port Vale who are having a difficult season in League One.

There is nothing to lose for Port Vale in this game, but they have taken some heavy losses of late and I am not sure they have enough to challenge Huddersfield Town. The 4-0 loss at Wimbledon would be particularly worrying as Port Vale have struggled for goals and even the expected changes should not slow down The Terriers too much.

The Third Round of the FA Cup can be difficult to get a read on the manager's but I think Wagner will understand the importance of Huddersfield Town keeping some momentum behind them and I like the home team to win. It will be tough at times, but I think Huddersfield Town wear down Port Vale and become the latest side to beat them by a couple of goals on their travels.


Millwall v Bournemouth Pick: There are a few Premier League clubs playing against teams from the lower Leagues this weekend in the FA Cup Third Round and there are a couple that people might have focused on and perhaps be expecting an upset.

The performances that Millwall have had at The New Den in recent weeks will have given them confidence when they get ready to take on Bournemouth. However I do think they are going to be playing a strong enough Bournemouth team who are doing well enough in the Premier League for Eddie Howe to perhaps focus on the FA Cup and so a good Cup run will only add to a growing CV.

Howe has been linked with the England job in the past and touted as a future Arsenal manager so adding silverware to a stellar job done at The Vitality Stadium will only increase his chances of taking a bigger job. I expect Bournemouth will play a team that is strong enough to win this game and they did win two away ties at lower League clubs in the FA Cup last season.

On both occasions Bournemouth came from behind to win those ties and I do think they will be too strong for Millwall on the day with decent weather likely to leave a good playing surface for the Premier League club to exploit. The price is just attractive enough on the Bournemouth win to back them here and I will take them to get the job done without the need for a replay.


Rotherham United v Oxford United Pick: This has all the makings of a potential upset as Rotherham United continue to struggle in the Championship and play a team from League One who will fancy their chances. Oxford United are not one of the leading contenders in League One, but they play good football and will have more confidence than Rotherham United which makes this a dangerous test for the home team.

One of the issues Oxford United do have is scoring enough goals and that might be a problem for them despite how badly Rotherham United have seemingly played all season. The home side concede too many goals and so you have to think Oxford United will have opportunities, but I also think Rotherham United can have success going forward.

The 4-5 loss to Morecambe at this Stadium in the League Cup shows what can happen in Rotherham United home games and goals have been flowing at both ends for a number of weeks. Oxford United have had some very good away results in the League and they have scored in four of their last five away games and I do think they can play more than their part here.

With Rotherham United scoring and conceding in 4 of their last 5 home games and the fact that they will be urged to push forward, I do think both teams score in this one. I will back a third goal to be shared out too as they have been in recent Rotherham United games and that looks a decent price if Oxford United have brought their shooting boots with them to Yorkshire.


Sutton United v Wimbledon Pick: This might not be the glamour tie that either of these clubs would have wanted, but both will think it presents a big chance to move into the Fourth Round of the FA Cup. For Wimbledon it would be the first time since their newly formed club has moved into that Round after the old Wimbledon magically won the Cup in 1988, and they return to the ground where this current Wimbledon played their first game fourteen years ago.

The magic of the Cup is still in the Wimbledon bones having recovered from large deficits in the last two Rounds to move into the Third Round. They are the favourites to win this tie, but Sutton United have to be encouraged by the fact that Wimbledon trailed Curzon Ashton 3-0 in the Second Round.

Of course less encouragement is the fact that Wimbledon scored four times in the last ten minutes to win that game 3-4, but it does show Sutton United could have success if they challenge them. 4 home wins in a row will give Sutton United further belief, but their run of 3 consecutive clean sheets here will be put to the test against this Wimbledon team.

However Wimbledon have not scored in 3 away games since putting four past Curzon Ashton and so there is hope for an upset in this one. I don't think Sutton United will be able to keep Wimbledon at bay, but I also think they will score and there is every chance this is a game filled with attacking football and chances at both ends.

That is what I am expecting and I am looking for the teams to find a way to share out three goals in this Third Round tie.


West Brom v Derby County Pick: Trying to work out what managers are going to do in the Cup competitions can be a big task on its own and that is the only issue clouding my judgement in this game. I would be surprised if Derby County were not making changes, but I am expecting Tony Pulis to pick a strong West Brom side with the FA Cup a genuine competition they can have a go at.

The Premier League looks to be well in hand for Pulis but obviously staying in the top flight is the priority for West Brom in August. Now they have 29 points on the board you have to think the FA Cup can increase in importance and West Brom will have a week before they are due to play again.

It certainly feels like West Brom will be keener on this Third Round tie than Derby County and The Baggies have been bouncing at home in recent weeks. They have won 4 of their last 5 at home and West Brom have scored at least three goals in all of those wins which should fill them with confidence.

I expect West Brom to be too good on the day and I think they can get the better of a Derby County team that perhaps is more focused on other things. The home team are odds on to win, but I think they can be backed to do that.


Preston North End v Arsenal Pick: In something of a surprise, Arsene Wenger has told the press that he is going to play a strong a team as possible in this FA Cup Third Round tie at Deepdale. I believe that tells us a lot about the pressure the manager feels under at The Emirates Stadium with another title challenge being derailed in the last month and winning silverware might be the only way to appease the growing support against him.

Going out in the Third Round to a Preston North End team who are mid-table in the Championship would be a huge blow to Wenger's chances of extending his stay as Arsenal manager beyond the end of this season. While he is resting Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny and Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal should have enough quality on the field to beat this Preston North End.

The home side have been tough to beat at Deepdale this season although they have recently been crushed by Leeds United and Preston North End will give Arsenal something to think about here. I very much think they can play their part in the game, but Arsenal should have too much even without the likes of Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the line up.

They beat Nottingham Forest 0-4 in the League Cup with a much changed line up, but I expect this Arsenal team to be stronger than the one that started that day. Nottingham Forest are of a similar level to Preston North End and I think Arsenal can snap a 3 game run without a win away from home with an impressive showing in the late Saturday offering.


Liverpool v Plymouth Argyle Pick: This is all about the team that Liverpool use in the FA Cup Third Round as to how comfortable, or not, the afternoon will be at Anfield. I do think Jurgen Klopp will make a number of changes to his first team, but there should be enough quality coming into the side to see the home side through with some comfort against League Two opposition.

These games can be difficult for Premier League teams as they are not used to the style of their opponents and fresh off a tough festive period. Changes made to the starting elevens can also have an impact on the rhythm of a team and that can make life difficult for the Premier League club if they can't get in control of the game early.

Liverpool have made fast starts under Klopp at Anfield and that style won't change in this one and it is up to Plymouth Argyle to stay in contention for as long as possible. This is a good chance for the Plymouth Argyle players to have an enjoyable afternoon in a big Stadium but it is likely to be a long afternoon for the League Two promotion chasers.

I expect enough notable names to start for Liverpool even with the League Cup Semi Final next on deck and a League game at Old Trafford to come next Sunday. That should give them the edge on the Asian Handicap to perhaps match the 3-0 win over Exeter City from last season in the FA Cup and I will back the home team to cover the number.


Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pick: Last season the FA Cup exit to Crystal Palace sparked a really poor run of form for Tottenham Hotspur and they won't want to snap the positive momentum they have built up right now. The FA Cup is arguably the third priority for Mauricio Pochettino, but he has a few days to ensure his squad is ready to take part in this Third Round tie and I do think a decent Tottenham Hotspur team will start.

Having a home game against lower League opposition should make for a good start for Tottenham Hotspur especially as this game likely means even less for Aston Villa than it does to the hosts. Winning a Cup is still missing from the Pochettino CV so I am expecting Tottenham Hotspur to give this a go with the home draw a benefit to them.

Tottenham Hotspur have been in good enough recent form to think they can win this one with some comfort and they did beat Aston Villa fairly comfortably at White Hart Lane when they played in the Premier League last season. Aston Villa have just hit a bad patch of form of late and have lost 3 of their last 4 away games in the League and I am not sure Steve Bruce will be as keen for a Cup run as he was with Hull City last season considering the difference in League position for the clubs.

There will be some tight moments in this one as Aston Villa push forward, but I think Tottenham Hotspur will ultimately prove too strong and book their place in the FA Cup Fourth Round draw which will take place on Monday evening.

MY PICKS: Manchester United Win to Nil @ 1.95 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Barnsley @ 2.20 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Bolton Wanderers- Crystal Palace Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Brentford - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Brighton - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.02 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Everton @ 1.85 Bet365 (2 Units)
Huddersfield Town - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.93 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Bournemouth @ 1.85 Bet365 (2 Units)
Rotherham United-Oxford United Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Bet365 (2 Units)
Sutton United-Wimbledon Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 Bet Victor (2 Units)
West Brom @ 1.85 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Arsenal - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.03 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Liverpool - 2 Asian Handicap @ 1.84 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Ladbrokes (2 Units)

January Update: 0-5, - 10 Units (10 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

December Final: 38-40, - 7.93 Units (153 Units Staked, - 5.18% Yield)

November Final: 40-38-3, + 5.76 Units (159 Units Staked, + 3.62% Yield)
October Final: 29-41-2, - 21.23 Units (139 Units Staked, - 15.27% Yield)

September Final: 43-28-1, + 35.17 Units (133 Units Staked, + 26.44% Yield)

August Final: 31-38-2, - 9 Units (124 Units Staked, - 7.26% Yield)

Season 2016/17: 180-185-8, + 2.77 Units (708 Units Staked, + 0% Yield)

Season 2015/16: 133-174-2, + 0.89 Units (669 Units Staked, + 0% Yield)

Season 2014/15: 159-208-5, - 20.22 Units (647 Units Staked, - 3.13% Yield)

Season 2013/14: 164-185-3, + 15.84 Units (577 Units Staked, + 2.75% Yield

Season 2012/13: + 4.42 Units (415 Units Staked, + 1.07% Yield)