There seemed to be something missing from the third round of the FA Cup and it became obvious during media coverage. For the first time since 1951 there were no non-league teams in the draw. Last season Lincoln became the first club from outside the top four tiers to make the quarter-finals since 1914 but this season its just league clubs that are still competing and that takes something away from the concept. Stoke were the biggest losers at Coventry and Mark Hughes was sacked. RYAN GIGGS is the 6/1 favourite with Ladbrokes to take over but odds tend to fluctuate in these markets and things change daily.
There are four ties today and the one with the biggest potential for an upset is West Ham’s match at Shrewsbury. This fixture brings together a home side who are riding high in League One with the best home record in the division and opponents who can’t afford to be relegated to the Championship having moved lock, stock and barrel from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium. David Moyes has been employed to keep West Ham in the Premier League and could make changes today. It’s more or less a bet on his team selection but SHREWSBURY look a big price at 23/10 with Coral.
Racing is generally of poor quality in Britain on Sundays but Ireland stages many major races. There is a Grade 1 novice hurdle (1.45pm) at Naas but the next superstar, Samcro, was withdrawn earlier in the week. The horse has been backed for the novice hurdle races at the Cheltenham Festival but is absent today. Next Destination is the odds-on favourite but on Racing Post Ratings CRACKING SMART is the horse to back at 9/1 with William Hill.
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