Darlington v Swansea City - Match Preview

The FA Cup can provide a nice distraction at times from the more pressing matters of trying to win promotion. And the reward to the victors tomorrow is the hope of a big gun in the 3rd Round - surely the dream of everyone would be a big pay day and an away defeat at Old Trafford. That would certainly boost the transfer kitty for the window anyway. But first off we have to get past an inform Darlington side.

Definitely missing the game from last week's squad is Ian Craney who is cup tied and both Izzy and Imelda face late fitness tests. Fit though is Denis Lawrence who has got over a sore neck (it had vertigo) Andy Robinson is tipped for a central midfield berth with Alan Tate moving to the back line.

Darlington captain Clark Keltie is back from suspension, but Mark Albrighton and Anthony Griffith are cup-tied.

Gaetano Giallanza, Darren Holloway, Ville Vaisanen and Joey Hutchinson are struggling so David Duke could start.

This could make for an interesting encounter as both sides are in form and both half eyeing up playing at a higher level next season. Home advantage could end up key in this game.

Both sides are priced at 6/4 for this game with the draw at 9/4 backing the "hard to split" theory that has been discussed

Lee Trundle at 9/2 again tops the bookies charts for first goal with Darlington trio Conlon (11/2) and Giallanza and Smith (6/1) the next choices although Rory is also in there to be backed at 6/1. Andy Robinson has to score soon and if you fancy him for first goal 13/2 is decent odds. Personally though I just have a gut feeling for Tom Butler and at 16/1 that may be worth a quid or two

For double fans how about Trundle first goal in a 2-2 draw - available at 55/1 on 365.

Someone once told me that to make money on football you should always back a side at home to higher division opposition. In terms of results you would lose more than you win, but the odds will almost always be in your favour. So on that logic I should oppose the Swans? I just can't do it but these two sides will meet again in around ten days at the Liberty. Back the draw you know it makes sense.