Big boys can be taken down

IT'S STILL early stages in this year's FA Cup. And around the pubs, where punters' opinions can vary depending on the number of beers downed, I've been hearing the usual 'Cup Talk'.
GOLIATHS: Even with top stars Peter Crouch and Kanu available, Portsmouth may still be felled by the Davids from Bristol City. --TNP PICTURE: AFP


The common one goes like this. 'What's so difficult? Preston against Liverpool? Just take Liverpool. And, out of curiosity, just where is Preston?'

Or this which was volunteered by an inebriated fan. 'Chelsea versus Southend. What Southend? Whose Southend? Southend of what? If the south end is like someone's rear end, then expect Chelsea to give it a hefty kick.'

Yes, the early rounds of the FA Cup brings out the hero in many punters.

They see familiar names, like Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Portsmouth, taking on strange teams like Petersbrough, Preston, Bristol and, of course, Southend, and they see flashes of lightning spelling out 'AOS' in bright neon.

Then, they throw caution to the wind and blow hard cash on bets they eventually live to regret.

Let's take Portsmouth. Now, we're all familiar with them. Fratton Park. Peter Crouch. Jermain Defoe.

They take on Bristol City. So, is this going to be all one-way traffic, with all roads leading to the port city at the south of England?

I say don't be too sure.

Fine, they're the Cup holders. But that was then. This is now. And Bristol City have been showing some muscle in the Championship, winning all their matches over Christmas.

One more thing, they seem to relish playing away from their home base so Fratton Park shouldn't hold any fear.

As for Portsmouth, they're hardly in rattling form. No, make that 'any form whatsoever', having lost their last three matches. So, yes, this is not a Premiership shoo-in. The Robins can upset. Be warned.

Then there's Liverpool against Preston in a match to be played at Deepdale, where the Championship side can be ferocious.

Sure, Liverpool are tops in the Premiership. But they have Chelsea, Man United and Aston Villa hot on their tails.

So, do you think they will field their best players and risk injury which could scuttle their league chances? Or will they fill their side with competent reserves and hope for the best?

I say they will live on hope - which makes the Northenders an exciting option on the 1/2 Goal where they're worth $1.55 at +1.5 Goals.

Extra leg

What about that other Premiership outfit, Fulham? They're in the 'safe' half of the table and they take on Sheffield Wednesday who, honestly, have seen better days.

But the thing is this.

Although they're 13th in the 24-team Championship, Sheffield seem to grow an extra leg when playing at Hillsbrough where they have lost just two of their 13 home games.

Fulham, on the other hand, have yet to score a win away from Craven Cottage. What makes you think they can do it now? If your answer is: Premiership must be better than Championship. Well, go bet at your own risk.

I won't bet on them winning. You see, Premiership is not always better than the Championship a level below - especially in a competition like the FA Cup.

Indeed, and as The Owls will say: 'Bring them on. We don't give a hoot.'