Sheffield Wednesday not to beat Luton

Sheffield Wednesday’s divisional advantage is negated by the superior confidence and form that Luton take into this game, so back the visitors to at least force a replay.

The Hatters are on a 15-match unbeaten run in non-EFL Trophy matches, winning four consecutive away matches before coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Walsall last weekend. Their goal threat is considerable, with James Collins and Elliot Lee both on 10 goals for the season and three others on five or more.

That is bad news for Wednesday, who have managed just two clean sheets in 14 games at Hillsborough this season.

The Owls have won three of their last 14 overall, while caretaker manager Lee Bullen – who oversaw two wins and two draws – has been replaced by Steve Bruce’s assistants Stephen Clemence and Steve Agnew.

Stoke not to beat Shrewsbury

Stoke sacked manager Mark Hughes after an FA Cup third-round defeat to Coventry last season, and the same fate likely awaits Gary Rowett if his side lose this tricky tie at Shrewsbury on Saturday.

The Potters have been mediocre all season, failing to climb above mid-table in the Championship. That they have failed to win any of their last five away games – including dropped points at two of the league’s bottom three, Reading and Bolton – does not bode well for this one.

By contrast, Shrewsbury are unbeaten in nine at New Meadow, keeping clean sheets in four of their last six. A similar performance gives them a great chance of at least forcing a replay.

Cardiff not to beat Gillingham

Neil Warnock has won just one of his last 10 FA Cup third-round ties at the first attempt, losing 2-1 to Fulham and drawing 0-0 with Mansfield in his two previous seasons at Cardiff.

It seems unlikely that he will take this match much more seriously after a gruelling run of four Premier League matches in two weeks and with his team sitting 17^th in the table.

That gives Gillingham a chance of at least forcing a replay here. Steve Lovell’s side have avoided defeat in six of their last nine home matches in all competitions, recently beating League One leaders Portsmouth 2-0.

Newcastle not to beat Blackburn

Morale at St James’ Park is low for Premier League games, and it is unlikely to be lifted by an FA Cup match that has little bearing on Newcastle’s season.

Rafa Benitez’s side have lost eight of their 11 home games this season, failing to score in three of the last four. They were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Championship side Nottingham Forest earlier this season, the third occasion in four cup competitions that they have been eliminated by a lower-league team.

They face tricky opposition here, too. Blackburn’s Bradley Dack will arguably be the best player on the pitch on Saturday, while his side – who sit mid-table in the Championship so can prioritise this game – impressively beat West Brom last time out.

*Odds subject to change.

Visit Betway's football betting page.