Ah, the FA Cup. The best domestic Cup competition in the World. It still is right? Despite all the bashing it gets? Well, there’s certainly some eye-catching matches this weekend and Thomas Rooney of Footballtips.com has three essential bets.

Cardiff to beat Wigan

First up, I’m going for a bit of an upset on Saturday afternoon. Wigan are the FA Cup holders and they head to a Cardiff side that will be far too pre-occupied with their battle against relegation.

The Bluebirds (do we still call them that?) have done well to make it this far and picked up impressive FA Cup wins at Newcastle and Bolton. They would have enjoyed the decreased pressure that comes with playing away from home though.

At the Cardiff City Stadium, they will probably have a crowd that isn’t too enthusiastic and in all honesty, is getting a bit impatient after a run of just one win in the last five home games.

Are they REALLY up for the Cup? I don’t think so. Hence why backing Wigan – who have won their last seven on the road in the FA Cup – is the way to go.

Back Wigan to win inside 90 minutes @ 14/5 with Stan James

Man City to get Chelsea revenge

One of the best away performances you will see occurred when Chelsea travelled to the Ethiad Stadium a couple of weeks ago. They won 1-0 and thoroughly deserved the three points.

I have my doubts about whether they can replicate this though. I even doubt how highly Jose Mourinho values the FA Cup. Will the same motivation, preparation and determination go into this latest trip to Manchester? It’s doubtful.

Man City are then a team with a point to prove. They will want to come out all guns blazing and aside from wanting to progress in the FA Cup, there will be a feeling of revenge in the air.

Don’t forget they’ve had more rest too after their midweek game was postponed and I think it’s highly likely they will make less changes / rest less players than Chelsea.

I expect more goals this time too, with less emphasis on the importance of the match than last time.

Back Man City to win @ both teams to score @ 3/1 with William Hill

Luis Suarez to score first

It’s Arsenal v Liverpool on Sunday and I fully expect the Gunners to see their season continue to take a downward spiral. February is a famously bad month for them remember.

With one eye on Bayern Munich next week, Arsene Wenger might struggle to get his team selection correct. He doesn’t want burn out to occur (it has already to be fair) nor does he want to be knocked out of the FA Cup.

I expect a strange Emirates atmosphere and a positive start from the visitors. They are back in the title race, playing excellent football and hammered this weekend’s opponents 5-1 last weekend.

Brendan Rodgers will play his best team, including former Arsenal target Luis Suarez who I’m backing to break the deadlock for his first goal since January.

Back Suarez to score first at 9/2 with bet365

Thomas Rooney is the editor of Footballtips.com, the best place for all your FA Cup tips.