Best bets & FA Cup specials for Wednesday, January 17

EVERYTHING has gone to script so far in the midweek round of FA Cup replays.

Tuesday’s clashes saw West Ham, Leicester City, Cardiff City, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday all win through against lower-league opposition.

Will events follow such a predictable path on Wednesday?

This week’s FA Cup odds and bet specials come courtesy of William Hill, where new customers can score hundreds in bonus bets upon joining.

FA Cup accumulator tips – Third round replays

• Chelsea to beat Norwich
• Wolves to beat Swansea
• Wigan and Bournemouth to draw

+1096 at William Hill

Chelsea vs. Norwich City

7:45pm GMT – Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea – -400
Draw – +500
Norwich – +1000

Chelsea will be annoyed that they are in this situation to begin with.

The likes of Michy Batshuayi, Kenedy and Pedro failed to fire in a goalless draw at Carrow Road two weekends ago.

Expect those second stringers – and perhaps a few more besides – to get another chance in the return clash.

Norwich are milling around mid-table in the Championship, so the Blues should put them away at Stamford Bridge.

Top tip: Ross Barkley anytime goalscorer (+160 at William Hill)

Swansea City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

7:45pm GMT – Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Swansea – +150
Draw – +220
Wolves – +190

Cup play is hardly a priority for Swansea right now.

The Premier League’s bottom team has a long way to go before survival even comes into the equation.

Wolves, by contrast, are leading the Championship and look destined for a return to the top flight at season’s end.

The gulf between the worst EPL team and the best second-tier side is not so great, which is why we fancy Wolves here.

Top tip: Wolves win/under 2.5 goals (+375 at William Hill)

Wigan Athletic vs. Bournemouth

7:45pm GMT – DW Stadium, Wigan

Wigan – +135
Draw – +230
Bournemouth – +200

Wigan are on the way up again after years of misery, but will that upward trend be enough?

The League One leaders had all but booked their tickets to the fourth round when Steven Cook scrambled a last-ditch equaliser for Bournemouth.

The Cherries are struggling in the Premier League and will be cautious of spending their stars on a midweek cup game.

This has the feeling of a tie that could go to extra time, so the draw is well worth a go.

Top tip: Nick Powell or Will Grigg to score (+500 at William Hill)