THERE'S a batch of FA Cup Second Round replays on Tuesday. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) has picked out two odds-against sides that he likes.
Chester v Barnsley | Tuesday 19:45 | BT Sport 1
The BT Sport cameras turn up at the Deva Stadium on Tuesday sensing an FA Cup shock. For what's it worth, I concur with that mindset.
League One Barnsley are the opponents, and it's been a rough ol' season for Danny Wilson's men since they suffered Championship relegation in May. The Tykes are down in 15th place in the division after losing nine of their 20 league matches.
After a nice little run in the first half of November, it's all gone wrong again for Barnsley. No wins in five, including a home defeat to Scunthorpe and an Oakwell draw against tonight's opponents doesn't bode well. The trip to Chester will be a nervy one for the League One side.
Mid-table Vanarama Premier side Chester have hit some good form recently with just one defeat in six, but it's their home form that should have Barnsley quaking in their boots. Steve Burr's team are unbeaten in eight at home and have won six of those matches in the league or FA Cup. It's an impressive record.
And when you're getting odds of 7/2 on this side doing the business at home again, you just have to jump in. Chester managed a draw at Barnsley nine days ago, so theoretically they should be in a much stronger position on Tuesday against the struggling Yorkshire side.
Luton v Bury | Tuesday 19:45
I'm a massive David Flitcroft fan. I felt he was harshly dismissed at Barnsley, admired the way he pushed Bury up the table last season when he took the reins and love his everyday qualities that remind me of a Coronation Street character. But, let's be honest guys, something stinks at Gigg Lane just now.
After a bright start to the campaign, when they sat top of League 2 in late September, their away form started to unravel. Five away losses in their last six games is deeply concerning. Initially they were balancing that with rampant home form, but the cancer has now spread to matches at Gigg Lane as well. Two home defeats in a row have pushed Bury down to 9th in the table.
On Tuesday they travel to Kenilworth Road to face a Luton side seven points and five positions above them in the League 2 table. This of course is an FA Cup match, and the initial fixture between the sides finished 1-1 at Bury 10 days ago.
I'm always wary of betting in the FA Cup but with Luton at 5/4 with Bet365 it's definitely worth an interest. Let's reel off some closing stats…Luton have won six in a row at home while Bury have lost five of their last six games and have just two away wins in their 11 road games this season (the last of them coming in mid-September).
Best Bets
Chester v Barnsley – Chester to win (7/2 Betfred)
Luton v Bury – Luton to win (5/4 Bet365)
