OUR betting guru Gerry McDonnell was spot-on at the weekend with an 18-1 accumulator.

He wrote: "Aston Villa (won 3-1), Charlton (2-1), West Ham (4-2), Bolton (1-0) and Liverpool (2-1) are the five best bets on the coupon, the accer pays out at 18/1."

He also wrote: "There's money to be made on the weekend FA Cup football. Opposing Arsenal away from home this season has been a nice little earner; that trend looks set to continue as the Gunners visit Bolton.

"The week started well for Wenger, the Arsenal board splashed out 12 million pound on an exciting teenager, that's more than Mark Oaten. The feel good factor quickly evaporated as a defeat at Goodison Park was followed by Carling Cup heartache. Arsenal were easily beaten in Bolton last month; with Wenger resting Henry, Lauren and Campbell, another Reebok shoeing awaits. Back Big Sam's men at 5/2.

"The match between West Ham and Blackburn will probably be the most exciting tie of the round. The signing of Dean Ashton was expensive business, £7m for a Canary seems high (I can get my hands on a whale for a monkey), but quality costs. These two have already met twice in the league; home advantage was the key in both games. The form of Benayoun edges me towards West Ham; the signing of Ashton clinches the deal.

Pal up the Hammers at 5/4.

"With Sven's allegations of corruption hogging the headlines, I feel obligated to confess the following; Charlton's forward line is completely Bent. Marcus is cup tied, but Darren can win the tie for the Addicks, the weekend good things at 2/7."

Read Gerry's tips every Thursday on this website . . .