You BetArsenal in greatest peril of an early exit in FA Cup

Early January means it's time for one of the great traditions of the English soccer season, the FA Cup third round, and it's highly probable that May will bring the now traditional conclusion to the competition with one of the big six lifting the trophy at Wembley.

That has been the outcome in 22 of the past 24 seasons and it's no surprise that the big six head the overall betting, ranging from Manchester City at 4.8 favourites to Tottenham at odds of 11-1. On form alone Manchester United would be favourites, but their odds are slightly longer than City's because they have a tricky draw away to West Ham while City have a relatively easy task at home to Championship side Watford.

According to the odds and form, Arsenal are the big-six side in greatest peril of an early exit when they visit Swansea tomorrow.

It is barely a month since Swansea won 2-0 at the Emirates in the Premier League and it is also worth noting that Arsenal were the only big-six side knocked out last season by a team from outside that group, when they lost at Sunderland in the fifth round.

As for the rest of the big six last season, United knocked out City and then Liverpool beat United before Chelsea defeated Tottenham in the semi-final and Liverpool in the final to emerge with the trophy for the fourth time in six years.

The biggest threat to the big six is seen as Everton, who are priced at 12-1. They have one of the best draws, away to Cheltenham of League Two on Monday night, and their recent cup record is good - losing finalists against Chelsea in 2009 and the only team from outside the big six to reach the semi-finals last season.