Match Companion: Live Football Betting blog: Score updates & in-play advice

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1730 GOODNIGHT

Thank you for being with us today to experience that famous 'FA Cup magic' and it did produce two shocks today, which is always nice.

The Match Companion blog will be back next Saturday from 1300 GMT as the Premier League returns. We'll have instant score updates and in play betting advice as always. So we will speak to you then.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

1727 💹 TRANSFER MARKET

January means the Transfer window is open until 11pm on Thursday January 31.

We have our live Transfer Market Blog ticking over with the latest deals and transfer gossip throughout the month, which you can check out here 24 hours a day.

1725 EFL GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

SportingLife.com has video highlights for the Sky Bet EFL. So for every round of games in the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two we have every goal from every game on our website. So please come back on Sunday to view all of those.

We also pick out the best matches and best goals and have them both onsite and on our social media channels, so please do follow us at @SportingLifeFC on Twitter and like our Facebook Page at facebook.com/SportingLifeOfficial

1720 SUNDAY'S FA CUP GAMES

There's another seven FA Cup Third Round ties tomorrow. Check out our previews and tips for those games by clicking on the image below

1718 THE LATE GAMES

We have another five FA Cup games kick off at 1730, follow these with our live score centre here.

1715 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We had three pre match main tips for our FA Cup games today and two came in...

We backed over 12.5 total corners in the Chelsea v Nottingham Forest game at 13/5.

And we went for Derby to score two plus goals against Southampton, which also came in.

We went for the draw in the Burnley v Barnsley game are were denied that success with Chris Wood’s injury time penalty winner for Burnley.

In Play we also advised both Accrington and Gillingham to pull off shocks - which they did!

1710 📈 TABLE MOVERS

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Sunderland and Charlton missed the chance to fully close in on the top two, as they drew with each other. So Sunderland are one point off Luton with a game in hand.

Scunthorpe moved to 30 points and out of the relegation zone with their win over Coventry.

Burton close to three points behind Coventry

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

Bury's win sees them third; with Mansfield missing the chance to go into the top three thanks to their loss at managerless Carlisle, who are one point off third now.

Notts County are still bottom and three from safety; Macclesfield are second bottom after losing today.

HIGHLIGHTS

Remember Sporting Life has video highlights for the EFL. So comeback tomorrow to see all the goals from Sky Bet League One and League Two. Also follow us at @SportingLifeFC on Twitter for match highlights; great goals; and match talking points from all three Sky Bet EFL divisions.

1708 🎩 INTO THE HAT

So outright into the Hat for Monday's Fourth Draw are

• Tottenham
• Manchester United
• Brighton
• Burnley
• WBA
• West Ham
• Accrington
• Swansea
• Bolton
• Brentford
• Chelsea
• Everton
• AFC Wimbledon
• Gillingham
• Middlesborough

1704 6⃣ SUPER 6

No jackpot winner for Super 6's £250,000 today with these results:

• Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest
• Derby 2-2 Southampton
• Everton 2-1 Lincoln City
• Aston Villa 0-3 Swansea
• Gillingham 1-0 Cardiff
• Fleetwood 2-3 AFC Wimbledon

1700 ⌛️FULL TIME SCORES

FA CUP

Accrington 1-0 Ipswich

Aston Villa 0-3 Swansea

Bolton 5-2 Walsall

Brentford 1-0 Oxford

Chelsea 2-0 Forest

Derby 2-2 Southampton

Everton 2-1 Lincoln

Fleetwood 2-3 AFC Wimbledon

Gillingham 1-0 Cardiff

Middlesbrough 5-0 Peterborough

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Charlton 0-1 Sunderland

Rochdale 0-4 Burton

Scunthorpe 2-1 Coventry

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

Cambridge 2-0 Stevenage

Carlisle 3-2 Mansfield

Colchester 3-3 Notts County

Crawley 1-0 Cheltenham

Macclesfield 1-2 Swindon

Morecambe 2-2 Crewe

Yeovil 0-1 Bury

1658 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

A second winner of the afternoon as the corner tally reaches 13 in Chelsea v Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

We backed over 12.5 total corners in the match at 13/5, which follows our previous 13/8 winner from Derby v Southampton. It would have been 3/3, but for Chris Wood’s injury time winner for Burnley…

1657 AN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL

Cesc Fabregas looks off to Monaco and there's tears from the World Cup winner as he leaves the Stamford Bridge pitch for the last time as a Chelsea player

1655 😱 FA CUP SHOCK

Gillingham 1-0 Cardiff

Cardiff made too many changes and didn't take their chances when dominating in the first half. Gillingham fought so hard, hit the bar twice and then took advantage of a keeper error to cause the first FA Cup Third Round shock

1651 ⌛️FULL TIME

Accrington 1-0 Ipswich

Accrington reach the fourth round for a third time - the furthest they've ever been. Ipswich now have not won an FA Cup game in 14 attempts

Derby 2-2 Southampton

Derby come through 2-0 down to force a replay. They should have won it in the end, but they will take a trip to southampton after their poor start to this one

Everton 2-1 Lincoln

Everton fans can finally stop holding their breath, after a great start they let Lincoln back in and were pushed to the end

Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest

The defending Champions are through

1650 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Fleetwood 2-3 Wimbledon

1649 LATE DRAMA, BUT NO GOALS

Gillingham hit the bar again, so it remains 1-0 to the Gills against Cardiff.

Southampton have a huge penalty shout, but it's waved away. Then Derby go to the other end and miss a huge chance. Shot from the penalty spot with the keeper just to beat and it's well over the bar. So still 2-2

Lincoln also have a penalty shout ignored at Everton, so the Premier League side remain 2-1 up.

1645 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Bolton 5-3 Walsall

Magennis has a hat trick in this cracking Cup game

Middlesbrough 5-0 Peterborough

The Posh want to be in the Championship next season, maybe this experience will put them off that idea

League Two

Morecambe 2-1 Crewe

1644 IPSWICH'S HEADS GONE?

Six minutes plus injury time left at the Crown Stadium and Ipswich's body language is terrible. They look beaten and haven't fought to try and get an equaliser as yet.

For little profit 1-0 final score at 1/5 should do you. Accrington to score next is 6/1

1642 📸 ACTION SHOT

1639 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Gillingham 1-0 Cardiff

Our first cup shock is on as List gives the host the lead after a goal keeping error

Brentford 1-0 Oxford

Who else, but Maupay for Brentford, this time from the penalty spot

1636 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Accrington 1-0 Ipswich

We called earlier that Accrington were a good call to win this one and they've finally scored in this poor game.

Ipswich haven't won an FA Cup game since 2010 - if they don't win today then that's 14 games!

Aston Villa 0-3 Swansea

Bolton 4-2 Walsall

League One

Scunthorpe 2-1 Coventry

Rochdale 0-3 Burton

1633 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Fleetwood 2-2 Wimbledon

Joey Barton's side have fought back from 2-0 down to level it up. Plenty of goals in the FA Cup today, if not shocks

Sky Bet League One

Scunthorpe 2-0 Coventry

Mark Robin's in not enjoying his return to his former club, as the Iron double their lead

Sky Bet League Two

Colchester 3-3 Notts County

Macclesfield 1-1 Swindon

Yeovil 0-1 Bury

Crawley 1-0 Cheltenham

1632 SO CLOSE FOR THE GILLS

Gillingham have hit the bar against Cardiff! Still 0-0

1630 📸 ACTION SHOT

1629 AT THE CROWN GROUND

It sounds a really terrible game between Accrington and Ipswich, with little quality or entertainment on show.

20 minutes left, the draw is now 1/2 - if you want to try for a little profit

1627 🌩 GOAL FLASH

League One

Scunthorpe 1-0 Coventry

Perch helps struggling Scunthorpe

FA Cup

Bolton 3-2 Walsall

The visitors pull one back straight away

Middlesbrough 4-0 Peterborough

1625 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bolton 3-1 Walsall

Whatever Phil Parkinson said to his side at half time worked. From 1-0 down to 3-1.

1624 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

Derby’s second goal means an FA Cup winner for us after tipping Frank Lampard’s side to score two or more at 13/8. Result!

1621 AT GOODISON

Everton cannot put Lincoln away here after such a strong start. They've been limited to two long range efforts in the second half and that's it.

The draw is still at 7/1 if the Imps can find another goal.

1618 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Derby 2-2 Southampton

Wow, what a comeback from Derby. Marriott (58) and Lawrence (61) have put the Championship club back level.

Bolton 2-1 Walsall

And now Bolton have two quick goals. Donaldson (58) and Magennis (61) has turned this Cup tie totally around.

Middlesbrough 3-0 Peterborough

I expected this game to be closer, but Boro have shown their class today as they look for the Cup to inspire their league form as Wing scores a stunner

1615 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Fleetwood 0-2 Wimbledon

Derby 1-2 Southampton

Chelsea 2-0 Forest

Bolton 1-1 Walsall

Sky Bet League One

Charlton 1-1 Sunderland

1612 📸 ACTION SHOT

1608 IS A CARDIFF GOAL COMING?

75% possession; 7 shots in total and pushing and pushing are Cardiff. The Gills Keeper Holy had a excellent first half, keeping the Premier League side out. So which way do you go?

If you think the goal for Cardiff is coming then they are 8/11 to score first.

However if the romantic in you is winning and you feel it's all pointing to a break away Gillingham goal and an FA Cup shock then they are 10/3 to score first.

1606 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Middlesbrough 2-0 Peterborough - Assombalonga & Friend

Derby 0-2 Southampton - Redmond

Aston Villa 0-2 Swansea - Dryer

Chelsea 1-0 Forest - Morata

1604 🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST

He started on the bench but has already been called into action...

Eden Hazard is Chelsea's star man and you can back him to score the game's first goal at enhanced odds of 10/3.

Click here for more in-play Chelsea v Forest odds, Price Boosts and RequestABets

1600 A NEW WAY TO PARK THE BUS

Arsenal's arrival at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road has been delayed, as a Blackpool fan - protesting over the Oyston family's ownership of the club - has jumped on top of the Arsenal team bus at their hotel, and stopping it leaving.

However, being Premier League big time - Arsenal have a second bus and will use that to get to the ground, so no delay for kick off.

1558 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

One game we've not looked too much at as yet is Accrington at home to Ipswich.

There's just 13 places between them in the EFL, with Ipswich bottom of the Sky Bet Championship and Accrington mid table in League One.

So no surprise this one is close.

The hosts have had 53% possession; three shots on target and three off. Ipswich have had one of each.

Current betting market is

Accrington win 13/8

Draw 11/8

Ipswich win 9/4

Check out the full market here

1555 6⃣ SUPER 6 UPDATE

So how are your Super 6 predictions looking at half time?

• Chelsea 0-0 Nottingham Forest
• Derby 0-1 Southampton
• Everton 2-1 Lincoln City
• Aston Villa 0-1 Swansea
• Gillingham 0-0 Cardiff
• Fleetwood 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

1550 ⏳ HALF TIME

FA CUP

Accrington 0-0 Ipswich

Aston Villa 0-1 Swansea

Bolton 0-1 Walsall

Brentford 0-0 Oxford

Chelsea 0-0 Forest

Derby 0-1 Southampton

Everton 2-1 Lincoln

Fleetwood 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

Gillingham 0-0 Cardiff

Middlesbrough 0-0 Peterborough

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Charlton 0-1 Sunderland

Rochdale 0-2 Burton

Scunthorpe 0-0 Coventry

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

Cambridge 2-0 Stevenage

Carlisle 2-0 Mansfield

Colchester 2-3 Notts County

Crawley 1-0 Cheltenham

Macclesfield 1-1 Swindon

Morecambe 0-1 Crewe

Yeovil 0-1 Bury

1548 📸 ACTION SHOT

1543 FOREST FIGHTING AT CHELSEA

It's goalless at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea missed a penalty. It had been all Chelsea, but Forest are growing in confidence and now pushing Chelsea back and had two good half chances, with two shots just wide.

However Hazard has already come on for the home side, replacing the injured Loftus-Cheek. He is 10/3 to score the first goal.

Both teams to score and Chelsea to win is 15/2

1541 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Bolton 0-1 Walsall

League Two

Morecambe 0-1 Crewe

Cambridge 1-0 Stevenage

Crawley 1-0 Cheltenham

1539 FA CUP REVIEW

There's been seven games played already in the FA Cup today, check out our review by clicking the image

1535 🌩 GOAL FLASH

League One

Rochdale 0-2 Burton

League Two

Colchester 1-3 Notts County

1532 MISSED PEN

We expect today to t be Cesc Fabregas' final game for Chelsea and in that honour he's been given the captain's armband against Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea earn a penalty and the ball is handed to Cesc Fabregas and....

It's saved!

1530 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA CUP

Everton 2-1 Lincoln

The Imps back in it. Don't think anyone saw that coming - especially Everton!

League Two

Carlisle 2-0 Mansfield

1527 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Carlisle lead 1-0 against third place Mansfield in Sky Bet League Two, however the visitors are on a club record run of 15 unbeaten away from home. They've had 66% of possession and three corners as they push for the equaliser.

So if you fancy an equaliser here Mansfield are 8/11 to score next and a 2-1 away win is 7/1 as it stands.

However Carlisle are still having chances and are 6/4 to score next

Check out the full market here

1522 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Everton are already 2-0 up and Bernard has scored one of those. He's had two shots in total in 22 minutes against Lincoln.

For him to get a brace today is currently 9/2 with Sky Bet. Lookman has the other goal, and three shots in total and is 5/2 to score a second

1518 🌩 GOAL FLASH

FA Cup

Fleetwood 0-1 Wimbledon

League Two

Colchester 1-2 Notts County

What a turn around here, from 1-0 down to 2-1 in a blink of an eye

Macclesfield 1-0 Swindon

League One

Rochdale 0-1 Burton

1517 AT THE PRIESTFIELD

No goals yet between Gillingham and Cardiff, but the visitors are enjoying 71% possession and 3 shots at goal so far.

They are 1/2 to score first.

1516 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Everton 2-0 Lincoln - Bernard

And that's 2-0, as Everton ensure they aren't on the end of a giant killing. We saw Tottenham put seven passed a League Two club last night, are Everton trying to match them?

1515 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Everton 1-0 Lincoln - Lookman

The Premier League side have an early lead thanks to Lookman.

1510 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Sky Bet League Two

Colchester 1-0 Notts County

The Football League's bottom club are losing again.

Carlisle 1-0 Mansfield

John Sheridan left Carlisle yesterday - we expect to join non league Chesterfield - but his former club are contining their promotion push without him.

1503 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Wow what a start...

FA Cup

Derby 0-1 Southampton - Redmond

Aston Villa 0-1 Swansea - Baker-Richardson

Not a great start for the Villa debutant keeper Lovre Kalinic, conceding after two minutes.

Sky Bet League One

Charlton 0-1 Sunderland - O'Nien

Sunderland have now scored in 33 consecutive league matches

1500 🕒 KICK OFF

So here we go with 10 FA Cup Third Round games; three Sky Bet League one encounters; and seven Sky Bet League Two matches.

We'll keep you updated on all and monitor the key stats, facts, form and opinion to offer in-play betting advice throughout the afternoon.

Plus FA Cup goal highlights

1457 SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

There's three games in Sky Bet League One, including a crucial clash at the top with promotion rivals Charlton and Sunderland going head to head at the Valley.

Rochdale are at home to Burton; while struggling Scunthorpe host Coventry.

1453 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Cardiff have made SEVEN changes for their FA Cup trip to Gillingham, which is always a tough ground to go to.

If you think that is enough for an upset then Gillingham are 15/4 to beat the Premier League side. 11/4 for the draw

I also fancy Peterborough to pull off a win at Middlesbrough - that's going at 19/4 or 3/1 for the draw at the Riverside

1441 NO ABRAHAM FOR VILLA

As we mentioned earlier in the blog, today's team selections can indicate which players could be moving clubs in the January Transfer Window.

We've already seen Harvey Barnes left out by WBA, and now another loanee is absent. Tommy Abraham is not involved for Aston Villa, as his parent club gets close to moving him to Wolves on loan.

Remember to check out our Transfer Market Blog, live every day with the latest confirmed deals and gossip.

1438 Fabregas bowing out with the armband?

Chelsea midfielder set for farewell appearance ahead of Monaco move

1435 GROUP BETS

Our football team have joined Sky Bet’s new feature and if you want to do the same, all you have to do is set one up and invite your friends before building an accumulator together.

Simply set up the group and invite in your mates to get the conversation started, and then build an accumulator together with the brand new way to bet.

Once everyone has chosen their selection, you can each decide if you want to back it. If you think one of your group has thrown in a dodgy selection, you can leave it out.

Track the action in-play and once the final whistle has blown, check the stats and see how your selections performed.

Allow the Soccer Saturday boys to show you how it is done:

Find out more about Group Bets here

Check out Sporting Life's Group Bet for Saturday's FA Cup third round action, which is made up of four selections from the team

1433 🤑 SOLSKJAER A 9/2 WINNER

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over at Old Trafford, Sky Bet offered 9/2 for him to win his first five matches, something we went for ourselves in the office. Today's win over Reading means it pays out...

1431 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHT

Andy Carroll scored his first goal since April last year, and this is what it means to him. Rare, but beautiful emotion from the big man...

1430 🎩 INTO THE HAT

Those results mean that joining Tottenham in the hat for the fourth round draw on Monday are Manchester United; Brighton; Burnley; WBA and West Ham.

We'll also have at least two replays.

1427 ⌛️ FULL TIME

These are the full time results from the 12.30 kick offs:

• Bournemouth 1-3 Brighton
• Burnley 1-0 Barnsley
• Manchester United 2-0 Reading
• Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Luton Town
• Shrewsbury 1-1 Stoke City
• WBA 1-0 Wigan
• West Ham 2-0 Birmingham

1426 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHT

1423 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Burnley 1-0 Barnsley - Wood pen

It is so cruel on the Sky Bet Championship club, as Chris Wood scores a penalty in the 91st minute. Earlier VAR denied Burnley a penalty and now it's awarded them one - Swings and roundabouts anyone?!

1422 📰 TEAM NEWS

Struggling Premier League sides can often be upset at this stage of the competition as they focus on top flight survival rather than cup success and that's why many are looking keenly at Gillingham v Cardiff today.

Neil Warnock makes seven changes to his Cardiff side, which will surely boost Gillingham.

1420 🌩 GOAL FLASH

West Ham 2-0 Birmingham - Carroll

Carroll scores his first goal since April 2018 to put his side into the fourth round.

1416 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Shrewsbury 1-1 Stoke - Crouch

Has Peter Crouch kept Gary Rowett in a job with this equaliser?

1415 📰 TEAM NEWS

Let's start looking at the team news from some of the more interesting 3pm FA Cup matches...

Everton v Lincoln

The Imps had a great cup run to the quarter finals two seasons ago while they were a National League side, which included a win over Burnley.

Now the Sky Bet League Two leaders, can they repeat that feat at another Premier League side?

Well Everton welcome back James McCarthy, one year after breaking his leg. He's on the bench. Lee Frecklington skippers the visitors.

Derby v Southampton

Six changes a piece here, with both sides clearly having bigger fish to fry in their respective leagues. Frank Lampard's Derby are with the injured Harry Wilson Teenage midfielder Max Bird makes just his second senior start for the club.

Talking of youngsters, 19-year-old midfielder Callum Slattery makes his first senior appearance for Southampton

1409 D'OH

How to get yourself dropped for the next game ....

1408 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

The Sporting Life ACCA this week sees us back Aston Villa, Brentford, Bolton and Fleetwood all to win enhanced to 12/1 with Sky Bet

1403 😂 NEVER MAKE THIS MISTAKE

Do not sit in your boss's seat, as Alexis Sanchez just learned...

1401 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Comeback off at the Vitality? The Seagulls edging closer to the fourth round draw.

1400 🎥 WHAT A BLOCK!

West Brom could have been two up against Wigan, if it was not for Chey Dunkley's never-say-die attitude.

Great defending...

1357 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Marcus Rashford is on, replacing the injured Alexis Sanchez in Manchester United 2-0 Reading.

The England forward has scored in three of his last four appearances and is looking good under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With just under half an hour to go, backing him to score the game's next goal at 4/1 anytime in-play is a good shout and worth a small play.

Back it here

1353 👏 GOOD START

Samir Nasri with an enjoyable first appearance in a Hammers shirt...

1350 🔍 FA CUP TIPS

Let's take another FA Cup tip from George Pitts...

Over 12.5 total corners in Chelsea v Nottingham Forest at 13/5

Holders Chelsea were taken to a replay and penalties by Norwich at this stage last year and Maurizio Sarri will know about the potential of slipping up - especially against a Nottingham Forest side who beat Arsenal in round three in 2017/18.

The Chelsea boss is expected to be short of options in attack, with Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud all injured, and Alvaro Morata could lead the line. The Spaniard has been linked with a January move and this is a perfect chance for him to gain confidence and prove why he should be kept until the summer at least.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward is worth backing anytime at a general price of evens given his role and likeliness to play from the start.

Do not be surprised to see a high corner count here, either. Over 10.5 total corners in the game at 11/10 is a great price due to the fact the Blues' set piece count in the cups has been so high at Stamford Bridge.

They could field a similar side to their Europa League campaign - and in their three home games, the Blues took a staggering 37 corners in total.

They are expected to dominate possession here, with Forest getting chances at the other end on the counter, and being slightly more ambitious by backing over 12.5 corners at nearly 3/1 is too good to turn down.

1348 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton - Pugh

We tipped a Bournemouth comeback below, is this the start of it? Pugh has pulled one back 10 minutes into the second period.

1345 6⃣ SUPER 6

It’s all about the magic of the FA Cup Third Round with Super 6 today. Will that magic help you win Jeff Stelling’s £250,000? Just get the final score of today’s six games correct to win.

To enter for FREE click here

• Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
• Derby v Southampton
• Everton v Lincoln City
• Aston Villa v Swansea
• Gillingham v Cardiff
• Fleetwood v AFC Wimbledon

1342 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

At Old Trafford Alexis Sanchez has already gone close with one attempt on goal against Reading

Looking at the markets, the Chiliean can be backed at an enhanced 11/2 to score the game’s third goal

Back it here

Looking at the markets, the Chilean can be backed at an enhanced 11/2 to score the game’s third goal

1340 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

1336 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Bournemouth are 2-0 down at home to Brighton at the break. But remember on Wednesday night Bournemouth were 2-0 at home to Watford and came back to 2-2 (the game eventually finished 3-3).

Yes we know it is a different day and different game, but if you feel it could happen again then Bournemouth are 40/1 to win 3-2; 1/1 to score the next goal and a 2-2 final score is at 9/1.

The home side have had 4 shot shots off target and 2 on, with 54% possession as they look to get back onto this one.

1334 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

This is why West Ham lead against an inform Birmingham side...

1332 🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST

Talking of Manchester United...

He has had two shots out of two on target so far - one of them a goal - and you can back Romelu Lukaku to get four or more on target in the match at enhanced odds of 5/2 with Sky Bet...

Click here for more in-play Man United v Reading odds, Price Boosts and RequestABets

1330 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

Manchester United are set to make it five straight wins for interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. These are the two goals that have them 2-0 against Reading....

1325 ⏳ HALF TIME

• Bournemouth 0-2 Brighton
• Burnley 0-0 Barnsley
• Manchester United 2-0 Reading
• Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Luton Town
• Shrewsbury 1-0 Stoke City
• WBA 1-0 Wigan
• West Ham 1-0 Birmingham

1322 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Manchester United 2-0 Reading - Lukaku

The Belgium international, who scored from the bench against Newcastle in midweek doubles United's lead deep into injury time at Old Trafford.

Shrewsbury 1-0 Stoke - Norburn

Is our first FA Cup shock on the cards here, with Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury beating Championship Stoke. Could Gary Rowett survive a shock cup defeat - we think not.

1320 🔍 FA CUP TIPS

Let's start looking at some of the Sporting Life football team's tips for today's 3pm kick offs.

George Pitts is backing Derby to score two or more goals v Southampton at 13/8, and says...

'Frank Lampard has already beaten a Premier League team as Derby manager - winning at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in September - and will fancy their chances again after losing just one of their last seven Sky Bet Championship fixtures.

It will be interesting to see how Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl approaches this clash - does he make mass changes in order to concentrate on their relegation fight, or does he field a strong side in order to get a win and some momentum?

With Derby fancied for the win, backing the hosts to score 2+ goals at 13/8 is a good option with added insurance in the event of a high-scoring draw.When they win, they usually score at least a couple - six of their last seven league wins have seen them score two or more.

1315 🤕 ARNAUTOVIC INJURY

Marko Arnautovic put West Ham put after just two minutes, but has also had to be subbed early due to injury.

He's replaced by Andy Carroll, who started his first Premier League game in a year on Wednesday night. He's been linked with a move back to Newcastle either in January or the Summer.

1313 📺 VAR IS BACK

Yes, VAR is being used in selected FA Cup matches this weekend and has already had a big impact.

At Old Trafford VAR was used to firstly confirm that Manchester United's opening goal was correctly ruled offside. However in the same move it also spotted that there was a foul in the build up and a penalty was awarded, which Mata tucked away.

VAR has also had a impact in the Burnley versus Barnsley game, with a penalty award being reserved.

1307 💹 TRANSFER MARKET

January means the Transfer window is open until 11pm on Thursday January 31. We have our live Transfer Market Blog ticking over with the latest deals and transfer gossip throughout the month, which you can check out here 24 hours a day.

What is means for this afternoon is team selections become more interesting with players potentially not being involved to stop them being cup tied for potential new owners.

We look at West Brom for this, with Harvey Barnes not involved today against Wigan. He’s scored 9 goals on loan from Leicester and yesterday the Foxes boss Claude Puel said he hoped Barnes would not play, which suggested he is thinking of recalling the attacking midfielder.

He’s got his wish, with Barnes not playing, so let’s see what happens next....

1305 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bournemouth 0-2 Brighton - Knockaert & Bissouma

The visitors take the lead in this all Premier League Cup tie, with two goals in three minutes.

WBA 1-0 Wigan - Sako

Despite being much changes, Darren Moore's side lead against their Sky Bet Championship rivals.

1304 🚨 SOCCER SATURDAY PRICE BOOST

Sky Bet's Soccer Saturday Price Boost today is:

Chelsea, Cardiff and Aston Villa all to win at 5/1

Back it HERE

1303 📸 ACTION SHOT

1301 ⏱ EARLY KICK OFFS

One of the moans – rightly so – from fans this year is the lack of traditional Saturday 3pm kick offs for the FA Cup Third Round, which they feel devalues the competition further. We have 10 games at 3pm; five 5.30pm kick offs; and seven 12.30 starts.

So, we are nearing half time in those early bad boys, let’s take a look at how they are going…

• Bournemouth 0-0 Brighton
• Burnley 0-0 Barnsley
• Manchester United 1-0 Reading – Mata Pen (22)
• Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Luton Town
• Shrewsbury 0-0 Stoke City
• WBA 0-0 Wigan
• West Ham 1-0 Birmingham - Arnautovic (2)

1300 🏆 THE MAGIC OF THE FA CUP

If you didn’t know, there is a rule in sports journalism that states you have to refer to the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup come third round day. It’s a sackable offence if you fail to do this – so let’s get it out of the way now…

We look forward to the ‘magic and romance’ of the FA Cup – the world’s oldest Cup competition and we hope it produces some shocks for our enjoyment today.

Just don’t mention magic or romance around Tranmere fans today – as last night it was more a case of the ‘realism’ of the FA Cup, as Premier League Tottenham put SEVEN past the Sky Bet League Two outfit.

1255 👋 WELCOME

Hello and Welcome to Match Companion – our Live Football Blog – thanks for being with us.

We bring you the latest scores and news from all of the day’s key games, along with match photos and video highlights.

Most importantly, we monitor all the stats, game flow, player form and expert opinion to help advise you on your day’s in play football betting.

It's Gareth Jones and George Pitts with you today, as we focus on the FA Cup and key games from Sky Bet League One and League Two.

Odds correct at time of posting

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