Back resurgent United to slam the Villains

WHO would have believed it? Just about everybody agrees that the gulf between Premiership football and the First Division is bigger than ever.

So how come the final stages of the FA Cup have been equally divided!

I suppose it's the luck of the draw! The team that wins the replay between Arsenal and Chelsea will be very strong favourites to win the Cup but, as it stands, the Gunners are showing 7/4 with Chelsea at 5/2.

This weekend's highlights include United's visit to Villa in Saturday's lunchtime live match. Villa haven't sparkled this season -- Dion Dublin's headbutt on Robbie Savage notwithstanding --though they probably have enough points in the bank to avoid a relegation dogfight.

I fancy United to do the business and it's about time they really stuffed a team. United to win by 3 or more goals is a 10/1 shot.

Great myths of our time include the one about teams that sack their manager always win their next game.

Sunderland's appointment of Howard Wilkinson must rank among one of the worst footballing decisions of all time, alongside Dave Sexton signing Garry Birtles for £1 million and Malcolm Allison signing Steve Daley for the same amount.

The Black Cats are genuinely shocking and I'm afraid it'll need more than a new manager before the Sunderland team turn the corner. Bolton must fancy their chances of all three points and a 1-0 win is 13/2.

City can get their push for a European place back on tracks this Sunday in a pay-per-view fixture at home to 'renaissance' team Birmingham.

I say 'renaissance' because, until they turned over Liverpool at St Andrews a few weeks ago, they hadn't won since the middle of December.

If City's defence holds up, I can see the Anelka/Fowler partnership finally clicking, and a 3-1 win is 14/1 with me.

The big north west derby this weekend sees Macclesfield take on Bury. The Macc Lads stuffed Leyton Orient 3-1 on Tuesday but the Shakers should have too much for them. Bury to win by two or more goals is 4/1.

The Challenge Cup takes centre stage in the rugby league calender this weekend.

Salford have been magnificent to date this season but they face a tough task against Super League champions St Helens at the Willows, while Swinton will be massive underdogs at home to cup holders Wigan.

Saints are 7/4 to lift the Cup, with an injury-hit Bradford next best at 15/8. Salford and Swinton are 100/1 and 1000/1 respectively.

All prices correct at time of going to print and are available in my 350

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