FA Cup Fourth-Round Tips: Don’t expect a classic between Preston and Spurs

Football expert Greg Lea previews five FA Cup games that involve Premier League sides on Saturday, including an evening encounter between Preston North End and Tottenham Hotspur.

Accrington Stanley v Leeds United

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday 

Leeds needed a replay to get past Cardiff City in the third round, but they turned in a dominant display at Elland Road to win 5-2 in the second match. 

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Creating chances has not been a problem for Leeds of late, notwithstanding a 0-0 draw with Brentford last weekend. Jesse Marsch’s men should have little trouble negotiating this game against Accrington, who are currently mired in a League One relegation battle.

Prediction: Leeds to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.89 

Walsall v Leicester City

Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday

This has been a hugely disappointing season for Leicester so far, but an FA Cup run would lift the mood a little and buy manager Brendan Rodgers more time. The Foxes only squeezed past Gillingham in the last round, but they should get past League Two Walsall without too much trouble. 

Having said that, their opponents have lost only one of their last 13 matches and they are likely to create a few opportunities against Leicester’s unconvincing backline. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.04 

Southampton v Blackpool 

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

After posting three wins on the bounce earlier this month, Southampton have now lost back-to-back games. That includes a defeat against Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final earlier this week. 

A home match against Blackpool offers the Saints a chance to get back on track. The Tangerines, who recently appointed Mick McCarthy as their new manager, are in the Championship relegation zone so the FA Cup is not a priority right now. 

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Blackpool have failed to score in five of their last 10 league games and they could draw another blank on the south coast. 

Prediction: Southampton to win to nil @ 2.38 

Preston North End v Tottenham Hotspur 

Kick-off: 6pm Saturday

Tottenham weren’t at their best despite beating Fulham on Monday night, but their fans will hope that a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage kickstarts an upturn in form. Spurs have plenty to play for in the coming months as they compete for silverware in the FA Cup and Champions League, while striving to finish in the top four of the Premier League. 

Preston will look to frustrate their visitors in this game, so you shouldn’t expect a classic despite expecting Tottenham to come out on top. Take under 2.5 goals.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.3

Manchester United v Reading 

Kick-off: 8pm Saturday 

Fresh from taking a giant step towards the EFL Cup final, Manchester United will be confident of securing their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup in the late kick-off. 

Paul Ince’s Reading have been hugely inconsistent in the Championship this term. They head to Manchester on the back of a four-game winless streak in the second tier, and will struggle to keep a rejuvenated United quiet. Playing in front of their home fans, even a rotated United team should emerge triumphant by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Manchester United to win both halves @ 2.06

FA Cup Fourth-Round Tips

Accrington v Leeds: Leeds to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.89
Walsall v Leicester: Both teams to score @ 2.04
Southampton v Blackpool: Southampton to win to nil @ 2.38
Preston v Tottenham: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.3
Man Utd v Reading: Man Utd to win both halves @ 2.06