Off-colour Wanderers in line for third round exit

Jonno Turner aims to build on a value away winner yesterday with two more picks from the FA Cup.

 

Todays first selection takes us to the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland welcome out of sorts Bolton Wanderers to the North East in their FA Cup Third Round replay.

 

Martin O'Neill's side have won three of their last four on their own patch, and that will give them much confidence ahead of what promises to be one of the toughest clashes at this stage of the competition.

 

Eight goals scored in that time indicates that the Black Cats are more than capable of punishing their second tier opponents, and with their Premier League campaign not quite going to plan this year, the home side will be eyeing this cup as a real chance of silverware.

 

And the Sunderland boss has stated that he will put out a full strength side for this encounter - with his players wanting to prove a point following an underwhelming display in the original tie, which resulted in a last-gasp 2-2 draw.

 

Bolton travel to their hosts having won just one of their last half a dozen outings, and new boss Dougie Freedman will be desperate to correct that slide in such a high-profile tie.

 

Two losses from their last two away trips (and six goals shipped in that time) will have knocked confidence in the Wanderers camp, and that suggests that they may struggle away from the Reebok in this one.

 

The visitors have not beaten Sunderland in nine meetings, and I can't see that changing tonight.

 

Bet 1: Sunderland (HOME) @ 1.66

 

Focusing on the capital for our next pick, as Leyton Orient host Hull City at Brisbane Road, looking to secure just their second win in five outings.

 

The home side sit 15th in League One after a mixed start to the campaign, and boss Russell Slade will be desperate for his side to hold out their higher division opponents in this one.

 

But just one clean sheet from six games suggests that Orient have a tendency to falter at the back, and that could have a major impact on the outcome of this game as they welcome a Tigers side full of momentum, and unbeaten in five away from the KC Stadium.

 

The hosts will be wounded from the first leg, where a 94th minute equaliser by Hull prevented them from securing their place in the next round of the competition, and I that frustration could go one of two ways here.

 

Hull travel south knowing that they narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat in that tie, and boss Steve Bruce will be keen for his charges to make amends for that performance right from the off.

 

The Tigers will be looking to notch early and get a foot hold in this game, and I think that their quality will pay tonight.

 

The visitors are flying in the league, and sit second in the Championship after an excellent run of form - but a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend threatens to derail their season, and they will be keen to put an end to that slide before it really begins with an emphatic win here.

 

Bet 2: Hull City (AWAY) @ 2.22

 

Bet HERE

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