Well it’s been a mixed week here. “They” finally dropped into the bottom 3 and boy did I celebrate. I thought I had broken both wrists when I got up Sunday morning. Then we were robbed, truly robbed in the derby game. To make matters worse some git tells me that I have to predict all the 4th round Cup ties. What does he think I am ?? I now have to research teams I have never heard of. I mean, it’s not like I put out predictable bile that makes no sense is it ?? I leave that to other predictors ……Then I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had to go and see Don. I sneaked out of the house as Jug Ears would have soiled himself if he had known where I was going. Poor little blighter. Since Don moved to the village I’ve been through more Surf than an Aussie on Bondi Beach. So I get to Don’s and he invites me in and shouts at his wife, Recca, to put the kettle on  (honestly, that woman wears that much man made fibres she will electrocute someone with static). Very Civilised I thought. I had a really long spiel prepared to put him in his place and then I noticed his beautiful, genuine leather sofas. All I could think of was the outfits that could be made out of them. I lost my train of thought completely as I sat on them and rubbed my hands on them. I had to stand up as we have enough trouser style accidents in the house at the moment. Anyway I told him in no uncertain terms that Jug Ears’ bottom was off limits to him and the next time he wanted to sell his cheap tat he had to come through me first. I also mentioned he’d used all of my favourite lube - expensive stuff that. At this stage he went a funny colour, gave me a tenner and showed me to the door.
Looks like Don is hosting the next neighbourhood watch meeting. Should be interesting - though why does he want me to bring my wallet ?? Anyway here are your FA Cup predictions ……
Derby County v Nottingham Forest (Friday, KO 19:45)
Derby will be encouraged by their seconf half shoing at Old Trafford and with new nanager in tow will feel confident of progressing.
Forest also have a relatively new man at the helm and are the form side. Hard to pick a winner here so I’ll go fro a draw with Forest to winthe replay
Prediction : 1-1
Hartlepool United v West Ham United (KO 12:40)
Pools have found a new lease of life and the home tie will have them thinking they can repeat their upset of the 3rd round.
The Hammers however are made of sterner stuff these days and will see the FA Cup as their chance brighten up a drab season. Away win.
Prediction : 1-2
Chelsea v Ipswich Town
Chelsea’s title ambitions were saved late on last week and maybe that will finally galvanise Scolari’s men.
Ipswich are mid table in the Championship and may fancy a late push for the playoffs, however having been caught once I cannot see Ipswich repeating what Southend did.
Prediction : 2-0
Doncaster Rovers v Aston Villa
Rovers are another side who are showing a little bit of fight, and will be looking to capitalise on home advantage.
Villa are the form team at the moment, and are setting their sights on 3rd or even higher I the Premier. I cannot bet against them at the moment.
Prediction : 0-2
Hull City v Millwall
Hull are on a dreadful run at the moment and know they are still in a relegation battle despite their great start. Maybe a good cup run will give them some momentum back.
Millwall are having a good season and these two could e in the same league next season. I just cannot see the Londoners getting through here.
Prediction : 2-0
Kettering Town v Fulham
The non league side at home to a Premier side, all the romance of the FA Cup in this game, and believe me Kettering will fancy their chances in this one.
Fulham are having a better season than most predicted, however their opponents will have seen enough to feel they have half a chance. Fulham to go through after a replay.
Prediction : 1-1
Portsmouth v Swansea City
Pompey put up a spirited performance last week and although they are in the middle of the scramble at the bottom of the table will want to progress as the holders.
Swansea are just outside the play off places and may see the cup as a distraction to their ultimate goal of promotion. I fancy a shock here, albeit after a replay/
Prediction : 2-2
Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic
United are a powerful side this season, although how they will miss James Beattie remains to be seen. Another team who would probably scarifice this game for promotion.
Charlton are rock bottom of the Championship. The poor run they are in at the moment is usually turned around for the cup, but I cannot see them knocking United out.
Prediction : 2-1
Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland are another team in the relegation mix, although they did give Villa a game last time out.
Big Sam as made a great start at Rovers and despite the scrap they are in at the bottom will be desperate to progress. Draw here, Rovers to win the replay.
Prediction : 0-0
Torquay United v Coventry City
Torquay’s hopes of getting back into the league took a blow with their points deduction and will be looking to make up for that with a giant killing here.
Coventry are having an average season. They have been victims of a non league side before but I think they will get through here - only just.
Prediction : 0-1
Watford v Crystal Palace
Watford are struggling, which was surprising as I expected them to be challenging at the other end of the table.
Palace are having an OK season and are still in with an outside shout of the play offs. It is for this reason that I think they will go out here as their minds are on the league.
Prediction : 1-0
West Bromwich Albion v Burnley
The Baggies got a huge win last week against “them” and are in the middle of a good run at home. They will not see the cup as a distraction and will want to carry on their recent momentum.
Burnley were so close to Wembley during the week and I think we will see the reaction to that here. They are also only one place outside the play offs. I can only see a home win here.
Prediction : 2-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Middlesbrough
Wolves are top of the Championship and look to be heading back to the Premiership. Look at their opponents - they are heading to Round 5 of the cup too.
“They” just cannot win at the moment, and look Championship bound and I am loving it. At least they can concentrate on the league as they will be out of the Cup on Sunday night.
Prediction : 3-0
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur (KO 17:15)
A rehearsal for the Carling Cup Final. Manchester United are red hot at the moment and there is no way I can predict against them.
Spurs were fortunate to reach the final, maybe their name is on that cup ? Despite Harry’s good cup record against United I can only see a home win.
Prediction : 2-0
Cardiff City v Arsenal (Sunday, KO 13:30)
The bluebirds are in the play off places. However this is where their league form tailed off last season, probably helping them make the final.
Arsenal haven’t won a trophy in a long time for them and know this is their only chance this season. They will progress - I am going for an away win but it will be tight.
Prediction : 1-2
Liverpool v Everton (Sunday, KO 16:00)
A repeat of the game on Monday, where Liverpool were robbed blind. Rafa wants the treble this season and they will make no mistake here.
Everton were so lucky it’s untrue last week. Lightning won’t strike twice and the might reds will slay them at the Mecca.
Prediction : 3-0