Saints have little chance of causing an upset against Chelsea

The third round of the FA Cup is one of the most eagerly-awaited weekends in the sporting calendar.

Holders Chelsea are 6/1 to retain the trophy with Manchester City – without any European distractions – 5/1 favourites with United also 6s and Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool on 10s and 12/1 bar.

We bet 2/5 that one of the six above team lift the trophy and 7/4 any other club wins what is still one of the most coveted cup competitions in the world.

We also bet 25/1 that a non-Premier League side are successful at Wembley in March.

Chelsea travel to Southampton on Saturday looking to put their midweek loss behind them, and Demba Ba is in the squad following his move from Newcastle.

Fernando Torres has looked ordinary at best in recent weeks, and although Ba is hardly world class, he will be a welcome acquisition to Rafa Benitez’s squad.

We bet 10/11 that Ba scores more goals for Chelsea than Torres in the Premier League from the start of the year until the end of the season, with the Spanish international also 10/11 and the tie 8s.

The Blues are 4/6 to win in 90 minutes with the Saints 4s and the draw at 3/1.

Chelsea have a proud record in the FA Cup in recent years and I can’t see there being a shock.

However, Chelsea are out to 16/1 with BetVictor for the title after their 1-0 loss on Wednesday evening – a result that gives renewed hope to QPR fans that their side can maintain their top-flight status.

We bet 9/4 that the win at the Bridge leads to Premier League survival and 1/3 they are relegated.

Reading (1/7) look doomed and if the R’s are to survive then two of Saints (5/4), Wigan (13/8) and Villa (2/1) are likely to join the Royals in the Championship next season.

QPR face West Brom this weekend and although the FA Cup is hardly a priority for Harry Redknapp, he will be looking for more of the same from his side – especially after their surrender against Liverpool last weekend.

The R’s are 8/5 favourites against the Baggies (15/8) with the draw 12/5.

Redknapp has already lifted the cup with Portsmouth and the Hoops are 66/1 for a repeat.

Fulham are 40/1 to win the FA Cup and they entertain Championship side Blackpool.

Martin Jol will have been delighted by the win at The Hawthorns and Fulham are 7/10 to make it through in 90 minutes, with the draw 14/5 and Blackpool 17/4 to win.

For all your weekend odds check out betvictor.com

Be lucky

Charlie