As Delia would say. Actually Delia's outfit are going to be one of my three against the field in this year's FA Cup.
It may seem an unsound strategy to look beyond the traditional "big four" when trying to find the FA Cup winner. One of Man U, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea has won the FA Cup in 14 of the last 16 seasons. The exceptions are Man C last year and Portsmouth in 2008. It could be significant that these are recent victories. In addition Man U have drawn fellow table toppers Man C and could therefore be out of the competition in the first round.
My three selections will be backed each-way at big prices so that achieving a losing finalist would produce a significant overall profit. (Each-way 1/2 odds to reach final). In 11 of the 16 finals mentioned above the losing finalists have NOT been one of the traditional big four.
The three teams that I have chosen are all Premiership sides which:
1. Are unlikely to be contenders for a top four league position
2. Look to be safe from relegation
3. Are not involved in the Europa Cup
Norwich City - 100/1
Doing quite well in the top flight with 25pts from 20 matches. Have home fixture against Burnley.
I have had 1pt ew Norwich @ 100/1 with Paddy Power
Sunderland - 50/1
Martin O'Neill has done brilliantly in the short time he has been in charge. The team is playing with a new level of confidence. Will play away at Peterborough.
I have had 2pts ew Sunderland @ 50/1 with Coral
Newcastle - 40/1
Surprised many people (including me) with their solid performances to date. One negative will be the absence of our Premiership TGS selection Demba Ba, who will be missing for the African Nations Cup - but may only miss one fixture should Newcastle progress. First match at home to lowly Blackburn.
I have had 1.5pts ew Newcastle @ 40/1 with Coral
Total FA Cup investment nine points.
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