Non-league Hatters can make Lions mad
BLUE Square Bet Premier side Luton pulled off the shock of the FA Cup fourth round with a heroic win at Norwich and have been rewarded with a home tie against Millwall tomorrow.
The Hatters have been through relegation, points deductions and financial difficulties over the past few years, but this season’s FA Cup has been a bright spot.
Neither side is playing that well at the moment, yet Luton have home advantage and have also eliminated Championship outfit Wolves from the competition.
Paul Buckle’s men have flourished at Kenilworth Road this campaign, winning four of their past six. The atmosphere inside the ground will be electric and, at 3/1 with Star Sports, I am happy to back Luton to claim another scalp.
Barnsley are one of the hottest teams in the Football League and their resurgence has given hope that Championship survival is within reach.
The Tykes have picked themselves up after a torrid time to win six of their past seven and are now in a great position to beat MK Dons tomorrow.
The Dons are in freefall in League One; without a win in four outings during which they have scored only twice. All the momentum is with Barnsley and at 21/10 with Star Sports, they are value to reach the quarter-finals at the first time of asking.
Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat at Southampton all but ended their chances of retaining the league title and the FA Cup remains Roberto Mancini’s best chance of silverware. The 2011 winners welcome Leeds to the Etihad Stadium and Mancini is sure to demand a better performance from his players.
Neil Warnock’s men won at Birmingham in the previous round and I expect them to play for a replay. City are dominant at home, though, and their class should tell come the final whistle, so backing them in the draw/City double result at 7/2 with Blue Square Bet makes sense.
■ Pointers…
Luton at 3/1 with Star Sports
Barnsley at 9/5 with Coral
Draw/Manchester City at 7/2 with Blue Square Bet