Thursday's FA Cup predictions, betting odds and tips: Branthwaite can expose porous Posh

When to bet

Kick-offs from 7pm

Best bets

Jarrad Branthwaite to score at any time
1pt 9-1 BoyleSports

Cardiff to qualify
1pt 21-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

Thursday's FA Cup predictions

Everton have struggled to find the back of the net this season and they may have to rely on an unlikely source of goals to see off League One strugglers Peterborough in the FA Cup third round.

The Toffees have scored only 15 Premier League goals and they have some injury concerns up front after Armando Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked up injuries in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

With Broja ruled out and Calvert-Lewin doubtful to feature, there may be a rare opportunity for Beto to lead the Toffees line against Peterborough.

However, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who netted three Premier League goals last season and is very strong in aerial duels, could pose the biggest threat to Posh.

Peterborough have shipped 46 league goals – the second-most of the sides in England's top four divisions – of which 14 have come from corners or free-kicks.

They have struggled against direct play and could be exposed by a powerful Everton side who put a lot of work into set-piece situations.

Ashley Young is among the Everton players best equipped to put quality crosses into the box and it could be a really special night for the veteran if his son, 18-year-old Tyler, is called into the Peterborough squad.

Premier League hopefuls Sheffield United have been dealing with a raft of injuries and the stretched Blades could be vulnerable to an upset when they welcome Championship rivals Cardiff to Bramall Lane. 

The Blades ended a run of three games without a win on Saturday, when they shook off several first-team absentees including first-choice centre-forward Kieffer Moore and key midfielders Ollie Arblaster and Vinicius Souza, to beat Watford 2-1.

United boss Chris Wilder will be mindful of not wanting to sustain any more injuries and he could name a much-changed side to face Cardiff, increasing City's prospects of reaching round four.

Cardiff are second-bottom of the Championship, but the Bluebirds drew 1-1 at Middlesbrough on Saturday and another strong away performance could see them prosper in the Steel City.

Fulham are enjoying a fine season and Marco Silva will be eager to see his side make a successful first step on the road to Wembley at home to Watford.

The Cottagers have emerged from the festive period relatively unscathed, although Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed won’t be available to face the Hornets, who will be without regular goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann due to an ankle injury.

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