English FA CUP
2012-01-06 - Liverpool vs Oldham
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: FA Cup 3rd Round
Friday 6 January 2012 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV
Liverpool
Liverpool played very well in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City and could have earned something from that game if it was not for defensive mistakes that left them in a hole at half time. Getting into the Champions League is a priority for the club this season, but a lack of European participation means the club will take the cup competitions seriously this year.
The Reds record at Anfield is disappointing in the League this season, remaining unbeaten but drawing 6 of their 10 League games there. They have really struggled to score goals at home, scoring 14 in their 10 League games, although they did score 3 in their last home game against Newcastle United last Friday.
Liverpool have won 2 of their last 3 League games at Anfield after drawing 4 in a row there before that. The team have only kept 2 clean sheets in their 10 League games at home this season. The Reds have won all 4 cup games they have played this season, although this is their first home game since being beaten by Northampton in the Carling Cup on penalties last season.
It is expected that Liverpool will be making a number of changes to their team after a very busy Christmas period. Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates are both likely to come back into the side for the first time since the League Cup win at Chelsea, while Steven Gerrard may get a start after recently returning from injury. Luis Suarez is out through suspension, so Craig Bellamy may partner Andy Carroll up front.
Oldham
Oldham were part of the inaugural Premier League season but, after surviving a couple of seasons with late escapes, they have since fallen down the League ladder. Back in the early 1990s, Oldham reached the Semi Final of the FA Cup twice, and were twice denied reaching the Final by Manchester United in replays, the last of those coming with a Mark Hughes equaliser in the 119th minute.
Nowadays, the Latics spend their time in League One and they are in a position where a very strong second half of the season may give them the opportunity to enter the Play Offs at best. Oldham have a 3-5-4 away record in the League, scoring 16 goals and conceding 20.
The team come into this one in decent enough nick as they have lost just 2 of their last 12 games in all competitions. They are actually unbeaten in their last 7 games away from home in all competitions, although they have drawn the last 6 of those games. Oldham knocked out Southend United after a replay to get through to this money-spinning tie.
Shefki Kuqi should lead the line for Oldham, while Paul Dickov is hoping to tie up a few players on an extended loan to play in this game. James Wesolowski has recently returned from an injury and will be pushing for a starting berth.
Head to Head
These two teams last met in the 1993/94 Premier League season with Liverpool winning 0-3 at Boundary Park.
Liverpool have won their last 8 games at Anfield against Oldham stretching back to the 1920s.
Prediction
Kenny Dalglish made it clear when he returned to the hot-seat at Anfield that he wanted to restore the club to its previous stature and that meant they would not be taking any cup competition lightly.
Liverpool have proved it this season by reaching the Semi Final of the Carling Cup while they played Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in an early round at Exeter so I expect they will play some of their big players while making a few changes to the team.
Oldham will look to make things difficult for the home team and would love to earn a replay back at Boundary Park and they have drawn 6 of their last 7 games away from home. However, it could be asking a lot for them to do enough to grab a draw this time.
I feel the prices on a Liverpool win are very short, while the Over/Under markets have the same issues. However, I am going to take a small interest in Liverpool winning the game with at least 3 or 4 goals scored which is priced at 2.60 at Paddy Power.
I expect Dalglish will want to progress through to the next round with the minimum of fuss and with the likes of Steven Gerrard expected to take part, I think they will be too strong for Oldham.
The Pick :
Liverpool 3-0 Oldham
