Opta Big Match Stats: Arsenal to take liberties in Wales

Arsenal have a proud record to protect in the FA Cup

Christian Crowther picks out three of the big televised FA Cup clashes and uses Opta's guidance to offer up three bets... 

Brighton v Newcastle (Saturday, 12:45, ITV1)

Brighton and Newcastle have met four times before in the FA Cup; the Magpies progressed in the first meeting in 1930, but the Seagulls have since won the last three ties, including in the fourth round last season
Newcastle's woes are mounting up like a bad debt at present. Their latest loss to Everton on Wednesday night was the Magpies' third straight in the Premier League and their fifth in six games over a disheartening festive period for Toon fans. To rub salt into the already weeping wound, Alan Pardew has now lost top scorer Demba Ba to Chelsea. The FA Cup draw has not offered any respite either as the Geordies kick off the third round with a hazardous looking tie at the Amex, the scene of their exit from this competition only last season. The Seagulls are practised advantage-takers of a home draw too, having only lost one of their last 12 FA Cup ties in front of their fans. 

West Ham v Man United (Saturday, 17:15, ITV1)

West Ham have won eight and lost just two of their last 13 home games in the FA Cup
Probably the juiciest looking tie of the third round takes place under the floodlights at the Boleyn Ground in a game which should see a second debut for returning West Ham protege Joe Cole. Visitors Manchester United narrowly overcame their hosts in the Premier League, but the Hammers can take great encouragement from the fact they represent the only team to have restricted the Red Devils to a single goal at Old Trafford in the top flight this season. West Ham arrested a festive slump with a home victory over Norwich in their last outing and, geed on by a vivacious crowd buzzing from Cole's return, they could make it very difficult for the Premier League leaders. 

Swansea v Arsenal (Sunday, 13:30, ESPN)

Arsenal haven't failed to make the fourth Round of the FA Cup since 1996
Since Swansea's famous triumph at the Emirates last month, Arsenal have used that disappointment as a springboard for resurgence in the Premier League, going on to record four straight wins and a draw. Now the two sides face off again, but this time at the Liberty Stadium, where Swansea's form has suffered of late. Michael Laudrup's team have not beaten top-flight opposition there in three matches, needing an injury-time strike just to earn a point against an Aston Villa side which had conceded 15 goals without reply over the festive period. Arsene Wenger is bound to play a full-strength team as this competition represents his most viable hope of a trophy, whereas Swansea could have half an eye on their midweek Capital One Cup semi-final.

Recommended Bets:
Back Brighton to beat Newcastle @ 2.568/5
Back West Ham and Man United to draw @ 4.03/1
Back Arsenal to win at Swansea @ 2.1211/10