The FA Cup has reached the fifth-round stage, so teams are starting to get a sniff of a possible trip to Wembley and three intriguing contests take place on Saturday.
Handily, the matches are spread across the whole day, so punters can feast on hours of FA Cup entertainment, with the action starting at Field Mill as League One Mansfield Town host Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners extended their league advantage on Wednesday night by winning 1-0 at Brighton, while their nearest pursuers Manchester City drew at home to Nottingham Forest.
The second FA Cup match on Saturday sees Chelsea visit Wales – the Blues have been handed a tricky trip to Wrexham, who are riding high in the Championship.
Wrexham fans have never had it so good and they will spend Saturday morning dreaming of an FA Cup giantkilling.
The final FA Cup game of the day is an all Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City, starting at 8pm.
City will be fuming to have dropped league points against Forest on Wednesday and should come out firing, while the Magpies warmed up for City by beating the other Manchester side – Michael Carrick’s United – by a 2-1 scoreline at St James’ Park.
We have put together a football betting treble for the Saturday FA Cup matches which pays around 15/8.
Selections
Arsenal to beat Mansfield @ 1/16
Chelsea to beat Wrexham @ 17/40
Manchester City to beat Newcastle @ 10/11
Treble @ 15/8
Gunners to prove far too strong for Stags
There is little point in chancing an upset at Mansfield. Only some rough weather could potentially unsettle Arsenal, but no rain or wind is forecast, so the gulf in class should quickly tell.
The Londoners have a vast squad from which to choose, with quality in all departments.
Mansfield failed to score at Rotherham United on Tuesday night and are 16th in the League One table, so the short odds about Arsenal reflect their vast superiority.
Leg 1: Arsenal to beat Mansfield @ 1/16
Buzzing Blues can put out Dragons’ fire
Chelsea can wipe the smile off the faces at Wrexham.
The Welsh side have enjoyed an incredible rise up the pyramid in recent years, financed by Hollywood stars, but they are yet to reach a level where they can challenge a Premier League colossus.
The Blues have won the FA Cup eight times and fresh from a glorious 4-1 Premier League victory at Aston Villa on Wednesday, they look ready to pass their Wrexham test with flying colours.
Leg 2: Chelsea to beat Wrexham @ 17/40
City can remain a thorn in Magpies’ side
Newcastle are getting sick of the sight of Manchester City, having lost three times to them this season and Pep Guardiola’s side can maintain that dominance by sending the Magpies out of the FA Cup.
City won this fixture 2-0 in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at St James’ Park in January, then thrashed Newcastle 3-1 in the return leg for a thumping aggregate success.
A 2-1 Premier League victory at the Etihad Stadium followed for City at the end of last month and there is every reason to expect more Magpies misery on Saturday evening.
Leg 3: Manchester City to beat Newcastle @ 10/11
