12-1 Latics to give Liverpool a scare

BETTING:

CAN the unthinkable happen? FA Cup shocks are less likely than they used to be, given the ever-widening gap between the Premier League and the lower tiers. But you just never know...

That must be what Paul Dickov is considering as his side prepares to take on mighty Liverpool at Boundary Park on Sunday.

I remember colourful boxing promoter Don King once saying of a Mike Tyson opponent: he has two chances, none and slim. And Slim just left town...

But it would be folly to totally dismiss Athletic’s chances, given the prospect of a battle against the elements as much as against Liverpool at a ground former boss Joe Royle once fondly described as Ice Station Zebra.

Will Liverpool’s superstars, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and young Raheem Sterling, relish the test at a three-sided stadium that will offer them massive culture shock? Then again, will Gerrard and Suarez be risked, with vital league games around the corner?

These are the factors you have to bear in mind if you are contemplating a bet on Sunday’s tie.

Liverpool are 2-7 to win in 90 minutes, which is fair enough. After going a goal down in this tie last time at Anfield, Liverpool recovered to win 5-1.

A draw, at 5-1, is perhaps a more realistic ambition for Athletic.

I would rather have a dabble in the first goalscorer market, given current prices. Suarez is favourite at 13-5, but he may not even start, so Daniel Sturridge looks better value at 100-30.

The lowest-priced Athletic player is Baxter at 14-1, followed by Robbie Simpson at 16s.

The latter scored first at Anfield last season – and twice against Notts Forest in the third round that brought us here.

Athletic are sure to be quick out of the traps – it is their only realistic chance of rattling Liverpool. They could, feasibly, score first.

At these prices Baxter or Simpson must be the sporting choices.

RECOMMENDATION: First goalscorer, Jose Baxter, 14-1, Robbie Simpson, 16-1 (both Bet 365).