FA CUP 3rd ROUND: The Striker previews the FA Cup third round games on Sunday between WEST HAM v LEEDS and NOTTINGHAM FOREST v ARSENAL both with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

WEST HAM V LEEDS

2pm We have another busy day on Sunday as the Third Round of the FA Cup continues on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. I’m happy to focus on two TV games in search of value, and we start the day with an all Premier League affair as West Ham hosting Leeds. We have plenty of action at 2pm with a host of games! It’s hard to know what kind of teams these two will name here, and I have to say that’s a little shame – sides tend to view the FA Cup poorly these days. It’s probably understandable for West Ham given they are in Europe this year, but for Leeds a Cup run could change their season. Despite having a very poor season, their 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend has moved them away from the danger of the relegation zone. They have a six point cushion now to 17th, and eight points to the bottom three. They were always “too good to go down” but a loss against Burnley would have really put the pressure on. They aren’t out of the woods yet looking at the games in hand, but they are in a relatively OK position and could actually focus on the Cup if they went on a decent run.

West Ham also had a good weekend last weekend. They managed to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in a very entertaining game, and they badly needed those wins against Watford and Palace after dropping a host of points recently. They have dramatically fallen out of the Top Four race pretty quickly, and they won’t enjoy the fact that Spurs and Manchester United have game(s) in hand on them too. It will be interesting to see what kind of side David Moyes names here given they have extra commitments this season, but to be honest they should be naming a full strength side, however that’s just my opinion. West Ham have been a much better side compared to Leeds this season, and the 1.85 is a tempting bet. West Ham were able to win 2-1 away from home when the sides met in the Premier League this season, however I see more value in the goals market here. Over 2.5 goals is trading 1.78 and that looks the value play here. Both sides have been involved in plenty of high scoring games, and they both like to play an open game too. West Ham have been conceding quite a few chances recently, and we also know how bad Leeds are at the back. This could be a crazy 3-2 game either way, but the 1.78 is my best bet.

The Striker Says:
Three points win Over 2.5 goals at 1.78 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.

You can view all markets here -> https://bit.ly/BDQWhuLee

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V ARSENAL

5.10pm We finish the day with Nottingham Forest hosting Arsenal, with the home side hoping for some “magic of the Cup” here! Even though Arsenal lost to Manchester City last weekend, they actually came out of the game with credit. City needed a stoppage time winner and they definitely looked in trouble when Arsenal lead 1-0 at the break. Obviously Manchester City are a fantastic side and to be honest it was pretty much expected they would beat Arsenal, but I think Arsenal did very well. They are definitely making progress, and you could see them taking that fourth spot this season – although Conte also has Spurs playing very well at the moment so it will be close. Arsenal have put a good run together beating average sides, and that has boosted their confidence. They have been in the goals too, prior to that Manchester City game, they had scored 19 goals in their last five games. Impressive stats and they have also recorded impressive xG figures. There’s always going to be pressure from their fans who do “over expect” based on the clubs history, but I feel they are heading in the right direction. Are they a top side? Not really. But they aren’t the laughing stock they were last season. They will be back in Europe next season, and if they could take that fourth spot that would be their first time in the Top Four since 2015/16.

Nottingham Forest are having an average season in the Championship. They sit in mid table in 9th, and while that is an improvement on last season when they finished 17th, they usually hang around mid table. They were unlucky to lose their last fixture against Huddersfield, losing 1-0 but creating an xG of 1.82. In their recent games, they have been creating a little more than usual. They will need to here, but to be honest this game screams an Arsenal win. They have been putting average sides to the sword recently – they have their confidence back and they are also scoring goals away from home. Nottingham Forest are a limited side, and Arsenal should outclass them. I felt the 1.7 on Arsenal was too big when I clicked into the market, and I’d have them around 1.6 to win here. Obviously I’m happy to keep stakes a little limited given team selection worries in the FA Cup but Arsenal can continue their good run here.

The Striker Says:
Three points win Arsenal to beat Nottingham Forest at 1.7 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.

You can view all markets here -> https://bit.ly/BDQNotArl

T