On Monday, Blackburn will take a strong side to Blyth, and are in decent form since Sam Allardyce took over. Non-league sides often try and kick and out-compete a superior side, but thanks to Mark Hughes Blackburn can scrap with the best of them.

Blyth are struggling at the foot of the conference North, and though you can never rule out the magic of the cup, Blackburn will surely have too much for them here.

Blackburn -1 @ 4/5 (BetDirect)

A couple of bets to tide you over…

1. Bury @ 6/4

We opposed Bury last week due to sickness (they won) but there’s no reason to think they won’t take three points against Bournemouth. Bury are 5-4-1 away, and Bournemouth are coming into this game on the back of a demoralising defeat to Blyth.

2. Blackburn @ 1.85

New manager syndrome – this is Allardyce’s first game in charge – coupled with Stoke’s poor away form makes this an attractive price. Blackburn have superior quality, and Allardyce just needs to make them perform.

Watford play Spurs tonight, and Man Utd host Blackburn.

With the demise of the Premiership sides last night, we think Harry Redknapp will have one eye on the trophy, and will field a close-to-full strength side. Spurs should have too much for Watford; and we would go for a Spurs win, despite the short odds… as we always say, any winning bet is better than any loser.

Spurs @ 1.74 (Betfair)

The other game is more difficult to call. Utd are obviously, all things being equal, favourites – but this will not be top of their priorities and there is a strong chance they will field a weakened side. Blackburn, however, will see this as welcome release from their Premiership travails – and half a chance for some sliverware. Win tonight and only Spurs can stand in their way.

Our advice is to wait for the team news… if Utd field a strong team their odds will be prohibitive, but if they go with a weakened line up the value may be with Blackburn who are currently trading at 6.4.

Depending on team news; Blackburn @ 6.4 (Betfair)