The FA Cup has been monopolised by England's big four teams for more than a decade and, as if they didn't hold all the aces already, the luck of the draw is favouring the three that remain this year. Arsenal had a tough draw in the third round when they had to visit Liverpool but, having survived that test, they have been rewarded with home draws in the next two rounds, albeit against Premiership opposition. Having disposed of Bolton in a midweek replay, the Gunners face Blackburn in tonight's early game, and home advantage should be enough. Manchester United have their third home tie in a row and, having beaten Aston Villa and Portsmouth (both 2-1) in rounds three and four, they should beat Reading to reach the quarter-finals. Chelsea have had the easiest passage of all, and for the third time they host lower-league opposition, with Norwich the visitors tonight. The best games to bet on are those where lower-ranking Premiership teams are up against Championship sides, and there are three ties in that category this weekend. The Premiership side apparently most at threat is Manchester City, who travel to Preston, but Stuart Pearce's team could be worth backing on the handicap. Preston fell at this stage last season against Premiership opposition, losing 2-0 at home to Middlesbrough, and have lost two of their last four at home to Championship teams. Middlesbrough and Watford are at home to Championship teams, and both look a little overpriced. Boro have been a good cup side in recent seasons and hold the edge against West Brom. Watford have struggled in the Premiership, but they will approach their home tie against Ipswich with more confidence. Ipswich are a below-average Championship side and Watford offer attractive odds. The other handicap chance to consider is Derby, who visit fellow Championship side Plymouth. Derby lost 3-1 at Plymouth in mid-October, but since then they have won seven and drawn two of their 10 away games in the Championship and they will be tougher to beat this time. The big game in the European leagues is Valencia v Barcelona. The Spanish champions look vulnerable, so Valencia can take advantage. The best bets in the English lower leagues are Cardiff and Oldham. Cardiff have rediscovered their form, with three wins and a draw from their last four games, and should be too strong for bottom club Leeds. League One leaders Oldham should beat Millwall, who have the joint-highest number of away defeats in the division. Homes: Cardiff, Oldham. Handicap: Valencia.
