FA Replay offers chance to beat bookies

Punters can enjoy the magic of the FA Cup this week, providing they pay close attention to team selection and the pre-match comments of each team's manager. It's no secret that this competition simply isn't a priority for many teams, Sheffield United being a notable example when losing 3-0 at home to Swansea City a week last Saturday. Indeed, it is often the newly promoted Premiership teams who are happy to sacrifice a cup run for the sake of league survival and the TV treasure that it brings. Who could blame Reading for fielding their second-string against Burnley to ensure their best players enabled them to get a draw at Goodison Park in their next top-flight match? However, a Premiership team who aren't taking the FA Cup lightly are Manchester City and that's why William Hill's 1/2 quote for them to beat Sheffield Wednesday stands out as a value bet. City fielded their strongest possible team in the first leg when the sides drew 1-1 and the return of Joey Barton from suspension should ensure a safe passage to the next round and a home tie against Southampton. The fact that another Championship team await the winners of the tie will give Stuart Pearce's troops even more motivation to beat a Wednesday team fast improving under Brian Laws but with one eye on their domestic campaign and a potential charge up the table and a play-off place. Meanwhile, for City, the prospect of relegation is distant and success in the Cup might represent their best chance of getting into Europe. Stan James make Joey Barton a 9/1 shot to score first in Tuesday's televised clash which looks worth an interest. The midfielder has five goals to his name this year and will be getting forward on plenty of occasions. The lack of a prolific goalscorer in the City ranks make him an even more attractive prospect. Plus, if you're really quick, you might still be able to snap up some of Paddy Power's 13/10 on City to be winning at half time and full time.