The incessantly materialistic side of Christmas is consigned to the novelty bin for another 11 months, as the much-maligned FA Cup takes up the mantle of the ‘festive period' of football that so many believe help define a season. But by Sunday night, the chances are you will have seen Ronnie Radford rifling one home from 25 yards so much you will want to see it less than spending another evening with Grandma.
The BBC's football pride and joy hits our screens this weekend amid continuing criticism that the tournament has lost its grandeur and mystique as a result of the money in the game, making it harder for the smaller sides to triumph, and creating a ‘priority list' among the big clubs. An argument of increased commercialisation resulting in a loss of the point could equally be levelled against Christmas, but that didn't stop you gorging, and neither should it here.
Let us first turn to the big game of the day for most reading these pages, the trip to Tamworth rightly described by your esteemed website editor as “the hiding to nothing BBC fixture.” Let's be honest: most neutrals will have one eye on an upset, and while Norwich can expect to deal with long balls and a physical encounter, class surely has to prevail.
It seems somewhat remarkable to me that Robert Earnshaw is 6-5 with William Hill to score at anytime. The Welshman, often linked with a move away from Carrow Road, has contributed 17 goals this term and his pace frightens the life out of Championship defenders, let alone non-league plodders. If he starts the game – and this bet is only advised if he does - this represents excellent value and is surely a must bet for those Canaries fans who want to throw a little cash behind their side.
Sheffield United's recent run of form has belied the injury crisis that has ravaged their squad. The quite remarkable 1-0 win over Arsenal took a lot out of Neil Warnock's patched up side, as the poor 3-1 reverse at Middlesbrough highlighted. The manager's ego demands the Blades retain Premiership status, and he could be forgiven for focusing on the second half of a gruelling Premiership season.
Swansea lie fifth in League One and, despite the absence of the suspended Lee Trundle, are capable of an excellent display and are worth a stab to nick a replay from Bramall Lane. United are too short at around 4-9, making the 3-1 bet365 offer worth a small wager.
Finally, Liverpool take on Arsenal in the ‘showpiece' Saturday evening fixture for your licence fee. The Gunners have proved their ability on the road this season, defeating league leaders Manchester United, while Arsene Wenger's side were less than 10 minutes away from inflicting Chelsea's first home defeat under manager Jose Mourinho.
Liverpool have been in fine form at home, but there is always a suspicion Rafa Benitez's side can throw in a shocker, and the Gunners have the undoubted quality to take advantage. At 9-4 (general), there is no reason to assume that Arsenal cannot upset the applecart once more, with Thierry Henry back in the side and firing on all cylinders as he did against Charlton.
Insight
2pts Robert Earnshaw to score anytime v Tamworth 6-5 (Hills)
0.5pt Swansea to beat Sheff Utd 3-1 (bet365)
1pt Arsenal to beat Liverpool 9-4 (general)
Staking Plan
Min 0.5pt
Max 5pts