HOME COMFORTS

Tonight sees the FA Cup replays continue but those who enjoy the romance of an upset are likely to be left disappointed.

Liverpool welcome Reading after an impressive display in the first tie from the Royals nearly saw them add further misery to Benitez's season.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will miss the third round replay as he serves the last of a four-match ban.

Defenders Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly and midfielders Albert Riera and Nabil El Zhar remain injured, but Yossi Benayoun could win a first-team recall.

But despite their injury concerns Liverpool should have too much on home soil and this is reflected with the best value at 2/9 (BetFred) for the home side to triumph.

Elsewhere Newcastle host strugglers Plymouth who won't appreciate the massive 819 miles round trip in midweek after the 0-0 draw at Home Park in the first tie.

Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith has recovered from an eye injury and may play, but Joey Barton remains injured.  Youngsters Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Nile Ranger, Ben Tozer and Ryan Donaldson could all feature for the Magpies.

Although new manager Paul Mariner has turned around Plymouth's form he may view the Cup as an unwelcome distraction and with Newcastle best priced at 1/2 (Various), a home win is firmly expected. 

Published 13-01-2010

< return to the home page