Betting Week in Review 30/1/2023 Brighton Torment Liverpool Again
In our betting week in review, lightning has struck twice for Liverpool after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton, just weeks after their heavy league defeat against them. In other games in the competition, most games went to expectations, although Wrexham almost enjoyed a Hollywood ending in their clash with Sheffield United.
Lightning Strikes Twice as Brighton Beat Liverpool Again
Brighton pulls off a stunning upset, knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a late game-winner from Kaoru Mitoma in a 2-1 victory.
In a back-and-forth match that seemed headed for a draw, the 25-year-old Kaoru Mitoma Japanese winger stunned the holders with a moment of magic, expertly controlling the ball before firing in from close range to secure the victory.
Liverpool took the lead in the first half thanks to Harvey Elliott’s conversion from Mohamed Salah’s pass, but Brighton equalised after Tariq Lamptey’s long-range shot was deflected by Lewis Dunk into the net. Dunk celebrated the goal, although the deflection was more luck than judgement.
The Seagulls, under the leadership of Roberto de Zerbi, continue to defy expectations as they show belief and confidence against the reigning champions, who have struggled this season. Brighton showed why they are currently flying high in the Premier League. They are in sixth, the last Europa League spot, while Liverpool are two points behind them in ninth.
Liverpool did have plenty of attacking intent, but Brighton held firm in defence, with Dunk preventing a sure goal for Salah. Brighton also had other chances, with Evan Ferguson’s shot being cleared off the line. However, the hosts ramped up their game in the second half and were rewarded with Mitoma’s clutch goal, which VAR confirmed after a brief delay in celebrations.
Mitoma is just the latest in a line of emerging stars at Brighton, who keep soaring despite the recent departures of key players like Leandro Trossard.
Moises Caicedo, who is unsettled at the club and the subject of a £60m bid from the league leaders, Arsenal, was dropped for the game, with Brighton insisting the Ecuadorian international will not be leaving in this transfer window that closes tomorrow.
Despite being knocked out of the cup and their lowly league position, Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp said he still believed that his team would make the top four and claim an all-important Champions League spot. His team faces Wolves at the weekend, who are in 17th, before meeting neighbours Everton on February 13. As Everton has a new manager, Sean Dyche, the Toffees might prove to be a more challenging proposition than under Frank Lampard.
Liverpool could also qualify by winning the Champions League, the only cup competition they are still in. They play Real Madrid in the first leg of the round of 16, just two days after the Merseyside derby.
Pre-match Liverpool were slight favourites, bet365 had the home side at 159/100, Liverpool at 139/100 and the draw 11/4.
Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham Almost Cause Upset
In a pulsating FA Cup fourth-round encounter, John Egan’s last-gasp goal saved Sheffield United from defeat against non-league side Wrexham in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The Blades, second in the Championship and chasing promotion to the Premier League, took the lead through Oli McBurnie’s header off a Tommy Doyle corner. Then, however, James Jones and Tom O’Connor’s goals put the Welsh team ahead before Oliver Norwood equalised for Sheffield.
Paul Mullin looked to have secured a shock victory for Wrexham, but Egan equalised in stoppage time.
Despite losing defenders Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Hayden to injury early on, Wrexham, the National League leaders, put on a brave display, cheered on by co-owner Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood royalty of Deadpool fame.
A red card to Sheffield United’s Daniel Jebbison added drama, but Wrexham’s hopes of a cup upset were dashed as Egan scored in the dying minutes to force a replay at Bramall Lane. With both clubs facing a fixture pile-up, it’s an extra game that is unwelcome, but the non-league club will welcome the gate receipts.
Southampton Hang on to Beat Blackpool
Romain Perraud’s first-half brace helped Southampton hold off a strong comeback attempt by Blackpool to secure a spot in the FA Cup fifth round in a 2-1 win for the Premier League’s bottom-placed club. It was a result that operators expected, with Blackpool priced as high as 7/1 to win the game (Southampton 41/100).
The 25-year-old left-back, filling in for captain James Ward-Prowse on set-piece duties, opened the scoring with a powerful strike in the corner of the goal before doubling the lead with a composed finish off of Sekou Mara’s pass.
Blackpool, playing in their first game under new manager Nathan Jones, came close to equalising several times but ultimately couldn’t overcome Perraud’s efforts. Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino’s goal in the second half made for a tense finish, but Southampton held on for the win.
Blackpool were outmatched by Southampton in their match, despite a valiant effort to come back from a deficit. The first goal, scored by Romain Perraud, was met with frustration from Blackpool’s coach, who deemed it an “absolute disgrace” in his post-match interview. The goal was set up by a clever dummy from Mislav Orsic on a free-kick, allowing Perraud to slam the ball past the wall and into the corner.
This game was the first time a player other than James Ward-Prowse scored a direct free-kick for the team since December 2018. With several close calls, the visitors fought back but ultimately couldn’t overcome the two-goal deficit. However, despite the loss, Blackpool can take pride in their effort and determination to the very end.
Leeds Avoid Accrington Upset
Leeds United secured a place in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 2016 with a 3-1 victory over League One side Accrington Stanley.
Midfielder Jack Harrison, the subject of a £20m transfer bid from Leicester City, opened the scoring with a stunning 25-yard drive after a lay-off from Patrick Bamford.
Leeds continued to dominate the first half with 18 shots on goal, with one effort from Luis Sinisterra hitting the post.
The home team doubled their lead when left-back Junior Firpo scored his first goal for the club, thanks to a clever pass from Bamford. Sinisterra sealed the win with a goal from the penalty spot before Accrington scored a late consolation goal through 18-year-old substitute Leslie Adekoya.
Jesse Marsch’s side will now look to use this win as a confidence boost in their fight for survival in the Premier League.
The match’s opening stages were filled with action, as both teams had their fair share of opportunities to take the lead. However, Accrington’s Shaun Whalley was denied by a brilliant block from Maximilian Wober, while Leeds’ Georginio Rutter missed the mark from the edge of the area.
However, Jack Harrison ultimately delivered the match’s decisive moment with a stunning, unstoppable drive that found the back of the net.
Despite their efforts, Accrington could not equalise, with Harvey Rodgers missing a clear opportunity to score from close range early in the second half. However, Leeds continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off when Patrick Bamford, who had been out of form and struggling with injuries, delivered a masterful performance. He held up a pass from Junior Firpo before releasing the left-back, who scored his first goal for the club.
Accrington, who advanced to the fourth round with a replay win over non-league Boreham Wood earlier in the week, were eventually able to score a consolation goal through substitute Leslie Adekoya, who, at 18 years and 285 days, became the youngest scorer in this season’s FA Cup.
Mighty Mariners Force Luton Replay
In a thrilling FA Cup match, League Two side Grimsby Town held their own against Championship team Luton Town, earning a replay after a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
The game at Luton’s Kenilworth Road saw both teams put up an intense fight, with Grimsby taking the lead just before halftime, thanks to a header from Gavan Holohan. But Luton quickly equalised in the 49th minute with a penalty from Elijah Adebayo.
Just as it seemed Luton was taking control of the match, Jordan Clark put them ahead in the 66th minute, but Grimsby answered back under a minute later with a goal from 24-year-old Harry Clifton, who has been with the Mariners his entire career.
Despite Luton’s relentless efforts to secure a win, Grimsby defended well and held on for the draw, earning a replay at Blundell Park. It was a valiant effort from the underdogs, who proved they could hold their own against higher-ranked opponents. However, both teams must regroup and return more decisive for the replay match.
It was a weekend of very few surprises, which in itself is unusual as the FA Cup is renowned for the unpredictable. However, six fixtures ended as draws which was good news for bookmakers.
League One Derby has a chance to cause an upset tonight. They take on Premier League opposition, West Ham. Kick-off is at 19:45, with coverage on ITV 4.
