Tottenham Hotspur v Rochdale
Wednesday, 19:45 GMT
Live on BT Sport 2
Wednesday, 19:45 GMT
Live on BT Sport 2
Replay time again for Londoners
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions at Wembley since losing to West Ham in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, and the eight-time winners of the world's most famous knockout tournament face the unlikely scenario of another replay against lower league opposition.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were given a proper game by Rochdale at Spotland in the 2-2, in much the same way Newport County earned a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade in the previous round. And as I mentioned in my first game preview - these ties are all about the mentality. Dale have struggled to beat their own shadow this season, yet produced their best display for ages in the first game.
Spurs however, might not have had themselves fired-up for such a fixture after the highs of the Champions League.
The Londoners are 3.60 in the FA Cup winner market - second favourites behind Manchester United.
Hill calls for bravery
The League One form of Keith Hill's men is still a worry, as they have failed to win two matches in the third tier since their brilliant display in the Cup. Indeed, with just 26 points and bottom-place in that division, the backlog of fixtures must be massive cause for concern for Hill, who maintains his side are better than their league position suggest. Clearly he is right after the first game between these two!
This will be the north west club's first trip to Wembley since a playoff defeat to Stockport in 2008, and the usually entertaining Hill is firmly focused on a result for Wednesday night. He said: "Cut out the sideshows and make sure we focus on trying to to win the match. I want to be brave and take on Tottenham and we'll see where that takes us."
Dale suffered a 1-0 loss on Saturday at Wigan - but defended very well for much of the game bar the rookie error for the goal.
Who'll be laying the hosts?
Despite all of Tottenham's opponents in the FA Cup this term coming from League One or Two, the layers have struck gold twice in taking on the Londoners at around 1.18 on both occasions following the draws against Newport County and Rochdale. I never entertained that notion in the first match between the pair despite the attractive nature of the cheap lay - so I am hardly likely to oppose them at Wembley at even shorter odds at 1.10.
However, for every back you need a layer, and there will be those pressing the pink once again.
For those seeking out a big price, you have one. Step forward the 38.00 on offer for a Rochdale victory; more than double what they were for the match at Spotland.
They didn't play like [38.0] shots then, and had a fair chunk of the ball with 35%. Midfielder Callum Camps earned rave reviews for a starring display against more heralded rivals. His tackling was on point, whilst he displayed a nice range of passing. Will he be able to do it again? More to the point, will the layers be able to do it again?
Look to goals in the second 45
Pochettino made 11 changes for the opening Rochdale fixture, and had previously made ten for the Newport game. So expect double-digits again - and it's not as if the Premier League club are putting out reserves and youngsters. On that front; those that didn't get many or any minutes in the 0-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday will be fresh for this.
Rochdale's gameplan was spot-on in the 2-2, as they had clearly seen how Newport harried and pressed high up the pitch to gain a foothold. Indeed, Rochdale's first goal came from robbing Harry Winks of the ball to carve open Spurs, so it's the only way to approach this. The possession from Spotland was 35% v 65%, and it will likely change to 20% v 80% for Wednesday. With that in mind, Dale could tire themselves out and open up the match in the second-half.
For that reason, one market that makes a bit of appeal here is the 1.90 on offer for "2nd Half" in Half With Most Goals. Remember Newport looked fairly good at Wembley for the opening 25 minutes, and Rochdale should at least have confidence from the first game.
Stick with Son again?
It says something about the character of Harry Kane to not only score, but feature at Spotland. He was considered a major doubt beforehand, but there's no stopping the 24-year-old who has played at various points in three of the four FA Cup games this term. His record needs no introduction at 35 goals in 36 games.
His Cup stats aren't shabby either - currently standing at eight in his last six matches. He'll be fairly prohibitive odds if he starts, so you might want to consider the First Goal Wincast market.
I went with Son Heung-min in the match at Spotland - and at least he started. He only made an appearance on 80 minutes at Palace on Saturday, so I'll be looking for him again, as he gave Newport a torrid time at Wembley. However, the 1.71 for the To Score bet is a little too short.
Rochdale's Ian Henderson has been the star turn in their cup run with six goals in the tournament so far - only Will Grigg with seven has more.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Back Half With Most Goals '2nd Half' 0.5pt @ 1.90
Back Tottenham to beat Rochdale 3-0 0.5pt @ 6.80
